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WIAA Board Approves Basketball Shot Clock, Two Divisions in Boys Hockey Published on 06/23/2017 under Sports

STEVENS POINT, Wis. -- The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Board of Control reviewed and approved a number of committee recommendations impacting winter sports, gave initial review and consideration of a newly conceived divisional placement plan for basketball, and engaged in robust membership-related discussions at its June meeting today.

Following a lengthy discussion, the Board voted to implement the use of a 35-second shot clock in basketball for varsity games only to begin with the 2019-20 season.

In other basketball-related action, coaches qualifying for the Sate Tournament will determine the seeds for the four qualifying teams in each of the five divisions with a Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association representative breaking any ties that may occur beginning in 2017-18.

Three other basketball recommendations received approval from the Board. If schools choose to play only one half of a junior varsity game and a full varsity game, players will be allowed to play in only two halves. Also approved was extending the coaching box to 28 feet from 14 feet for all levels. In addition, the number of players per team allowed to dress during the Tournament Series will increase to 18 while maintaining the maximum party limit of 22.

The Board also voted to convene the basketball coaches advisory committee following the 2017 Area Meetings to discuss the merits of a newly created basketball tournament placement model. Details of the plan will be shared and discussed at the Area Meetings and at each level of the committee process to be presented to the Board at its Jan. 31, 2018 meeting. General details of the plan is provided below.

The Board supported an amended recommendation for a two-year experiment on sponsoring two divisions in boys hockey beginning with the 2020 State Tournament. The tournament format will feature four teams in Division 1 and four in Division 2 with the smallest 32 programs by enrollment assigned to Division 2.

Another action item in hockey was the approval of the procedure for seeding the State Tournament. The WIAA will conduct a conference call with coaches of qualifying teams to determine the top four seeds, and the remaining four teams will be randomly drawn as opponents of the seeded teams in the brackets. The guidelines for seeding will replicate those for the regional and sectional levels.

Beginning next season, the State Tournament in team wrestling will also be seeded by coaches of qualifying teams. The process will replicate the procedure approved in boys hockey. Another wrestling recommendation approved for 2017-18 increases the total number of medals awarded to 28 at the State Team Tournament, which equals the number of eligible athletes. In other wrestling-related discussions, the Board was informed of a change in the Feb. 1, one-pound growth allowance to take effect on the date of the first regional competition.

The lone gymnastics coaches' recommendation received approval. It requires the final average score of a routine to be posted during meets throughout the season.

The Board also ratified spring cooperative programs for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, general fund financial statements and payments and a spending resolution during development of the 2017-18 operational budget.

Among the additional discussions were a review of the 2017 spring State Tournaments, updates on Assembly Bill 260/Senate Bill 232, the 2017 New Athletic Director Workshop, possible 2017 Area Meeting topics, and potential Constitution items for the 2018 Annual Meeting.

The Board also received liaison reports from John Ashley of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards and Peggy Seegers-Braun of the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association.

The WIAA oversees interscholastic athletic programs for 511 senior high schools and 41 junior high/middle level schools in its membership. It sponsors 27 championship tournament series. For more information, please contact the WIAA office at (715) 344-8580.

In Other News

DNR Anticipating Elevated Wildfire Risk Again this Weekend

Published on 04/19/2024 under News The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) again asks the public to stay vigilant and avoid outdoor burning this weekend, April 20-21, 2024, due to elevated fire danger. Warm temperatures, low humidity and breezy conditions are in the forecast for this weekend. Although recent rain has improved conditions in some areas, much of the state's vegetation is still dead and dry. Over the past week, the DNR has responded to 122 wildfires burning nearly 340 acres, the most active week this season. That includes more than two dozen fires here in our Northwoods listening area. The majority of these recent wildfires have been related to debris burning and powerlines. Other common causes include campfires, equipment, and even trailer chains dragging on pavement

Published on 04/19/2024 under News A Northwoods police department will receive a state grant funded by the larger opioid settlement. Overall, Wisconsin is set to receive more than $750 million over the next 15 years through that settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors. A portion of that payout goes to the Department of Health Services which further set aside $3 million for law enforcement programs addressing opioids such as community drug disposal options, staff education and training, and treatment for jail residents with an opioid addiction. The Rhinelander Police Department was selected to receive a $23,000 grant earmarked for programs to assist those with opioid use disorder. Overall, 12 agencies will share in $1.9 million including municipal and tribal police departments and sheriff's offices. DHS Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson said in the announcement, "The projects funded by these grants will save lives," She added, "We're pleased to partner with these law enforcement agencies to support efforts to address the health and safety needs of their communities."

Published on 04/19/2024 under News A local nurse recently received a prestigious honor. Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital honored Amy Bormann with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in recognition for commitment and patient-centered approach to care. Bormann works in the Birthing Center at Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital and was nominated for the DAISY Award by a patient. The mom called Bormann a 'total rock star' during the recent birth of her child, a delivery that happened within just a few minutes. That was actually Bormann's second deliver for this family family. The nomination highlighted Bormann for her 'positive energy, comfort & encouragement.' As a Daisy recipient, Bormann received a honoree pin and a Shona Tribe sculpture known as A Healer's Touch. The staff were also treated to cinnamon rolls, another symbol from the Daisy Awards. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

Published on 04/19/2024 under News An Athens man found responsible for a fatal Taylor County explosion last winter received a five year prison sentence. Matthew Zarins was back in Taylor County court on Thursday for a sentencing hearing. The 51 year old was charged following an investigation into an explosion and fire at a property in the town of Maplehurst in southern Taylor County in January of 2023. A 51 year old Stanley woman sustained life-threatening burns in the explosion, and died the following day. Investigators determined the location was likely being used to manufacture methamphetamine. In February, Zarins pleaded no contest to two charges: homicide by negligent handling of a dangerous weapon and maintaining a drug trafficking place. At yesterday's sentencing, Judge Barbara Knox Bauer ordered Zarins serve 5 years of initial confinement followed by five years of extended supervision. Court records show that matched the request made by the prosecution. Zarins was credited with 351 days of time served.

Published on 04/19/2024 under News Spring is upon us and wildlife officials are offering their yearly reminder to leave animals and their newborns alone. It's part of the annual Keep Wildlife Wild campaign. All too often a well-meaning person will come across a fledgling bird, baby rabbit or newborn fawn. While the animal may appear abandoned, the DNR says more likely than not, the mother is nearby or will return soon. Using the example of a fawn,they explained that natural behavior is to keep still and quiet. This keeps them safe from predators while their mothers forage for food. Drawing attention to a fawn's location can tip-off predators and also keep the mother away longer than expected. If you do come across a young animal that appears sick or you feel may be truly abandoned, they instead recommend taking a picture, video and some notes. Share that information with the DNR or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They'll be able to provide further guidance based on the information your provide.

Published on 04/18/2024 under News While their work is often behind the scenes, dispatchers play a crucial role in emergency response, and this week is set aside to recognize their efforts. Over the past few days, local law enforcement agencies have been taking the time to observe National Telecommunicators Week by recognizing their dispatch staff. That includes the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office which referred to the telecommunicators as the 'first, First Responders. Their 9-member 911 center handled nearly 6,300 calls last year. They dispatch for not only the Sheriff's Office but two police departments, two ambulance services, one full-time fire department, and four volunteer fire departments. The Sheriff's Office said, "When you experience a critical incident, they are the first voices that help calm the chaos. They not only take phone calls regarding emergency and non-emergency situations, but they also coordinate resources to get help to those in need; they truly are the first, First Responders." It's a similar story in Oneida County. The Sheriff's Office says their 13-member 911 center works with 17 fire departments, 5 ambulance services, 10 first responder groups and 3 law enforcement agencies.

Published on 04/18/2024 under News A Northwoods teacher has been selected for a state award for her efforts to immerse students in different cultures. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction named Crandon High School Spanish teacher Jodi Resch Brownell as their Global Educator of the Year. According to the announcement, "With three decades of experience as a teacher, Resch Brownell has instilled a love of learning about other cultures and the world among students." She's credited with bring the Global Scholars Program to the school. Students are able to learn about the world, explore diverse perspectives, engage in intercultural communication, and collaborate to address global issues. With that inspiration, the students created book and film clubs on those topics. State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said. "From helping her students learn about the world and diverse experiences in unique ways, to going out of her way to create opportunities for colleagues and the surrounding community to grow as individuals, Ms. Resch Brownell is so deserving of this honor In addition to helping students understand other cultures and languages through field trips and virtual exchange, Resch Brownell created a Global Learning Guide for staff, and sustains lifelong learning through travel and professional development. As this year's recipient, Council on International Educational Exchange scholarship to represent Wisconsin on a visit to a site.

Published on 04/18/2024 under News The Tomahawk Public Library is more that just books...and their latest effort is all about the birds. This week kicked off the Great Wisconsin Birdathon and the local library is taking part. The statewide effort is organized by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and participants include not only libraries, but schools, classes, bird organizations or simply interested individuals. Last year, they had 72 teams which registered 274 species of birds. There are two parts to the Birdathon...Between April 15 and June 15th, they're encouraging people to break out binoculars to spot and record as many bird species as possible. They described it like a walk-a-thon, but instead of logging miles, participants log bird sightings. Participants can search anywhere in the state, and organizers noted there are no shortage of birding opportunities and habitat here in the Northwoods. They're also collecting pledges for sightings, with a statewide collection goal is $125,000. They're on their way, already reaching $19,000. We'll include all the links in the online version of the story, or visit the TPL Facebook.

Published on 04/18/2024 under News Northcentral Technical College announced the grand opening of a new program and facility to offer training and certification for meat processing. Known as the Pasture to Plate Butchery program, the school says the certificate is designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in every aspect of the meat production process, from sourcing livestock to humane harvest to preparing cuts for consumption to retail sales. They'll utilize a combination of classroom instruction, practical training and field experiences working with local farms as well as the NTC Agriculture Center of Excellence. Culinary Arts Faculty Chef Travis Teska, "As the demand for locally sourced, high-quality meats continues to grow, NTC is leading the way in preparing skilled professionals who can meet this demand while promoting ethical and sustainable practices." A key feature of the program is its emphasis on farm-to-table principles, which ensures that students understand the entire supply chain. Teska says, "The Pasture to Plate Butchery program exemplifies our dedication to equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the modern meat industry while upholding the highest standards of ethics and sustainability." NTC is currently accepting applications for the program.

Published on 04/18/2024 under News The Rhinelander Chamber has officially announced the return of the Hodag Heritage Festival, and the week-long celebration is just under a month away. For more than a century the Hodag has been synonymous with Rhinelander. Back in 2021, the Chamber and their partners established the Hodag Heritage Festival. It was a way to celebrate not only the connection to the mythical beast, but also the city's history and community. This will be the fourth edition of the Hodag Heritage Festival and the event continues to grow. Rhinelander Chamber event and program coordinator Rachel Bohlen says, "We have more Hodag & cryptid vendors, food trucks, and activities than ever before. There truly is something for everyone!" She teased a few events including a hodag calling contest, historical bus tours, a city-wide scavenger hunt and the re-dedication of the Hodag Historical marker. The Chamber has a schedule of events on their website. Some of the week-long activities will kick-off May 12, while the main celebration on Saturday May 18.

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