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WIAA Board Approves Sports Changes for 2020-21 Season Published on 06/25/2020 under Sports

As the learning environment has changed due to the Coronavirus, so too has the landscape of high school sports, especially here in Wisconsin. On Wednesday, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Board of Control made some changes for the guidelines for student athletes for the upcoming sports seasons. In regards to student eligibility with their grades, a school is allowed the option to defer the determination of academic eligibility until the first grading period of the 2020-21 school year.

They also extended the window by one week for coaches to use their five unrestricted coaching days for this summer only. This allows, for 11-player football teams to have their coaches unrestricted contact with their teams until August 1, as well as all other coaches through the eighth of August.

In terms of winter sports, for boy's and girl's basketball, the W.I.A.A. Board decided to implement a computerized seeding system for the state tournaments, with development expected for the upcoming season, with the latest time frame being for the 2021-22 season. However, with this new implementation, it will require the home team in these games to enter the scores of all of their W.I.A.A. regular-season games into the database. On the hockey side the Board approved keeping just a two-division State Tournament indefinitely. They also approved that for the boy's State Tournament to have the head coaches of the qualifying teams for both divisions to decide team seeding's for this upcoming season. Finally, an agreement was reached to add an eight-minute sudden death overtime period, which would be followed by a five-minute three v. three period. If still there is no winner found after that, the game will end in a tie. In a tournament game, there would be another eight-minute sudden death overtime period instead of ending in a tie.

One of the biggest changes that the board determined to add a girl's division to the wrestling State Tournament. The girl's only tournament is expected to begin in the 2021-22 school year, but girl will be allowed to wrestle boys during the regular season. Also in wrestling news, Trackwrestling.com will be used by the W.I.A.A. to randomly place sectional champions on the State Individual Tournament brackets in all of the divisions, with second and third-place finishers in the sectionals placed on the other side of the bracket.

Finally, due to lost revenue, the Board agreed to increase all regional, Sectional and State Tournament by $1. Also, State Tournament reimbursements for all teams and individuals will decrease starting this season by 50 cents per mile. Moreover, regional and sectional host schools tat share revenue will decrease by 5 percent for this year only. Also, all Coaches Committee Meetings will be done virtually for the 2020-21 seasons.

In Other News

Lincoln County Highlighting Importance of Foster Care Program

Published on 05/28/2026 under News Lincoln County is shining a spotlight on the importance of foster care and the people who support the program. This past week, the Lincoln County Board approved a resolution proclaiming May as Foster Care Month in Lincoln County. In the resolution, they recognize foster parents, kinship caregivers, mentors, advocates, community partners and child welfare staff for the role they play in helping children and families succeed. According to Lincoln County Social Services, the county currently has 67 children in out-of-home placements. Officials say some youth must be placed miles away from home because of limited foster care capacity locally. Those placements can make it more difficult for youth to stay connected to their schools, families and communities. This year's National Foster Care Month theme is "Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities." County leaders say foster care is about more than providing a temporary home. Foster families and community partners work together to provide safety, stability and support while helping families heal and work toward reunification whenever possible. Lincoln County Social Services is also encouraging community members to learn more about becoming or supporting foster parents to make a lasting difference in the life of a child. They're hosting two open house options today, including a virtual option this morning and in-person this afternoon. We've got that information in the WJJQ Community Calendar. Those who can't attend can always reach out to the Lincoln County Social Services Office.

Published on 05/28/2026 under News We've been talking ticks throughout the month of May, and one Northwoods county is taking that message to the trails, and other tick-friendly public spaces. As part of their Stay Tick Smart campaign, the Langlade County Health Department has installed new tick-safety information signs at local outdoor recreation areas throughout the county. These signs aim to help residents and visitors stay informed and protected as they enjoy local trails, parks, and natural areas during peak tick season. Each sign provides clear information about the types of ticks common in Wisconsin, along with practical steps to prevent tick bites. In addition to the signs, each site now offers a take-along Tick Safety Guide. These small, trail-friendly handouts include photos of local ticks, instructions for safe tick removal, and tips for reducing exposure while hiking or biking. Community Health Specialist Ian Resch says, "Langlade County's trails and natural spaces are a huge part of what makes this area special. These signs and guides help ensure that everyone can enjoy the outdoors safely and confidently."

Published on 05/28/2026 under News One man is dead after an incident on a Vilas County lake. According to the Vilas County Sheriff's Office, responders were called to Spring Lake at shortly after 8pm Wednesday evening. The 911 call reported a partially submerged boat near the shore with a man floating face down in the water nearby. A deputy was the first to arrive and recovered the man's body to the shore. The 76 year old was pronounced at the scene. The man's name is being withheld pending notification of family. They determined the victim was the lone occupant of the boat. No other information was immediately provided. They did offer a reminder for the public to wear life jackets at all times while on the water.

Published on 05/28/2026 under News For those planning a scenic summer road trip, the Wisconsin Departments of Transportation and Tourism have again partnered to release an updated guide featuring Wisconsin's designated Rustic Roads. The Rustic Road guide highlights scenic, lightly traveled roads with outstanding natural, rustic or agricultural features that uniquely set the road apart. The first Rustic Road was designated back in 1975, right here in Northern Wisconsin, Taylor County specifically. Five decades later, the program now features approximately 760 miles of roads which can be identified by unique brown and yellow Rustic Roads signs. There are more than 125 segments in all, with a several in the Northwoods. Locally, they include: Vilas County Road K; Tesch Road in Lincoln County; Blue Lake Road, Sutton Road and Camp Pinemere Road in Oneida County. DOT Secretary Kristina Boardman says, "The Rustic Roads program is a great opportunity to promote the exploration of Wisconsin's roads less traveled." The guide also features five Wisconsin's Scenic Byways. Among them, the Nicolet-Wolf Scenic Byway which passes through Forest, Langlade, Oneida and Vilas counties. Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers called the guide a trusted co-pilot on your next trip. She added, "Wisconsin's Rustic Roads and Scenic Byways encourage us to slow down and enjoy the moment." The guides are free and available as a hard copy or a digital download via the Department of Tourism website.

Published on 05/28/2026 under News Officials have released additional information on a fatal crash in Vilas County involving a car and a motorcycle over the holiday weekend. According to the State Patrol, that crash happened Monday evening at shortly after 7pm on State Highway 155 in St. Germain. Based on the preliminary investigation, officials believe the northbound motorcycle crossed over the center-line while negotiating a curve and struck the vehicle head-on. The operator of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene. He has now been identified as 64 year old Eric Raymond Powell of St. Germain. The driver of the SUV, a 39 year old St. Germain man, was brought to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. No update on his condition was provided.

Published on 05/28/2026 under News An October trial has been scheduled for a Tomahawk man charged in connection with multiple threats made to a local grocery store. Following an investigation into the those threats last fall, Nicholas Wolf was arrested and charged with four felonies: two counts each of making a terrorist threat and bomb scares. The threats, made on consecutive days in late November, were ultimately determined to be false alarms. According to the court calendar, at a hearing this past week, a two jury trial was scheduled to begin on October 6. Wolf is also facing similar charges in Washington County.

Published on 05/27/2026 under News Tick season is ramping up in Wisconsin. While reducing exposure is key, experts are reminding residents that what you do after a tick bite can make a difference. Because those enjoying the outdoors will likely encounter ticks at some point, the Marshfield Clinic provided specific steps to minimize risk when finding an embedded tick. It all starts with a thorough tick check after spending time in tick friendly areas. Pay special attention for deer ticks which are much smaller than the more common wood tick. Doctors say if you find a tick attached, remove it as soon as possible using tweezers. They recommended grabbing the tick close to the skin and pull steadily without twisting or squeezing. If possible, save the tick in a plastic bag and bring it to your healthcare provider. After removal, watch closely for symptoms of tick-borne illness, which can include fever, chills, fatigue, and joint pain. While a "bullseye" rash is a classic indicator, experts warn that Lyme disease does not always cause this well-known symptom. Dr. Thomas Boyce with Marshfield Clinic says early testing and treatment are highly effective, and in some cases, a single dose of antibiotics after a deer tick bite can greatly reduce the risk of Lyme disease. Data shows Lyme disease cases have been on the rise in Wisconsin. Earlier this month, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute released some preliminary findings from its ongoing TICS study showing nearly half of deer ticks tested carried the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. (They did note this does not mean a 50% chance at getting Lyme as other factors also affect transmission.) May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month.

Published on 05/27/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk Finance Committee kicked off their 2027 budget work by approving the proposed spending plan for the Tomahawk Public Library. Because the Tomahawk Library is funded by several entities including not only the city, but Lincoln County, their budget typically goes through this process before other departments. Ahead of the vote, director Heidi O'Hare provided a brief overview. The entire Tomahawk Library budget request is just over $500,000 with the city responsible for $213,500. That's identical to last year. O'Hare noted that the library benefits from what are known as cross-county reimbursements. These funds are calculated through a formula and based on usage from residents of neighboring counties. Approximately $57,000 comes from Oneida, Price, Langlade and Taylor Counties. O'Hare also highlighted the generosity of community members through grants and donations, including some funds coming as a result of children's birthday contributions. The committee did forward the budget request to the full City Council with the caveat that there could be some changes come fall as they begin to tackle the city budget as a whole.

Published on 05/27/2026 under News Three popular summer celebrations in Tomahawk are set to return in the coming weeks and months after organizers received special event application approval. At its regular May meeting on Tuesday, the Tomahawk Health and Safety Committee took up special event applications for Tomahawk Music on the River, the Powwow Days Fourth of July celebration, and the Antique Outboard Motor Show. Music on the River, a seven-week, Wednesday evening concert series held in the Veterans Memorial Park Pavilion, was approved without discussion. The first show is scheduled for June 17. Likewise, the Antique Outboard Motor Show at SARA Park was recommended without additional conversation for August 3–8. The committee did, however, spend a few extra minutes discussing the timing of the Powwow Days application. Because the event impacts State Highway 86/South Tomahawk Avenue, the city must apply for a waiver with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Committee members also briefly discussed bathroom availability during the event's Fun Run. All three events will be forwarded to the City Council for final approval next week. Additionally, the Health and Safety Committee approved a request from Tomahawk Main Street to utilize a city-owned lot at the four-way stop for extra vendor space during the Fall Ride festivities. While the committee noted it may consider using that lot for city purposes in future years, members granted the Tomahawk Main Street request for this September.

Published on 05/27/2026 under News If you're feeling stressed,the DNR says the answer might just be rooted in the trees around you. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the DNR is highlighting growing research showing trees do more than provide shade, they can also boost your mood, lower stress, and even improve memory and focus. Researchers say living near trees can lower rates of depression, while walks through green spaces can sharpen attention spans and cognitive function. Even climbing trees got a mention for helping learning and reasoning skills. One recent study found that not only does spending time around trees help mental health, but actually planting trees can improve emotional well-being and reduce negative feelings. So this month and throughout the year, officials encourage Wisconsinites to branch out a little , whether it's planting a tree, taking a walk in the woods, or simply relaxing under a leafy canopy.

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