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Coach Hernandez of Tomahawk Named Packer Coach of the Week Published on 11/06/2020 under Sports

The Packers have announced that Sam Hernandez of Tomahawk High School in Tomahawk, Wis., has been named the Green Bay Packers High School Coach of the Week.

Hernandez, in his second year as head coach of the Hatchets, has his team at 2-4 overall this season and 2-3 in Northwoods Conference play. The Hatchets look to even their conference record Friday, Nov. 6, as they close out their regular season against Coleman High School.

Since taking over the team this past year, Hernandez's impact has been felt not only on the football field, but on the whole community. From helping elderly people move to new homes, assisting community members who need help with their yard work, and volunteering at the local Kinship of Tomahawk, the team continues to pursue a variety of ways to help others in need. Not only has giving back been beneficial to the community, but it has also been uplifting for the players.

"I think for a lot of them, it gives them a sense of pride and a sense of doing something for others," said Hernandez. "And as a football program, we want people to come sit in the stands and watch us play, and we feed off of that. So this is an opportunity for us to provide a platform for these kids to do good things for others without anything in return. If we can send the players out into life after high school with that skillset of doing good things to be good people, then that is a great lesson for them to take."

Hernandez graduated from Marshall High School in Marshall, Wis., in 2004. Throughout high school, he participated in football, basketball and baseball. He played nose tackle, running back and kicker under head coach Mike Zimmerman. Following high school, he went on to graduate from UW-Whitewater in 2009. In addition to coaching other high school sports, Hernandez's football coaching career began as an assistant coach for Lake Mills High School in 2008. He went on to coach at Johnson Creek High School in 2013, before being named the head coach of the Hatchets in 2019.

To Hernandez, the Coach of the Week Award speaks to the work being done by the program on and off the field.

"This award is really an award for the kids, the program and my coaching staff. I'm just one person as part of a bigger group. I'm so honored to have our program and have our kids be recognized for this because they do work hard. We've struggled in terms of wins over the last couple of years, but the kids work hard, the coaching staff works hard every week, and we do work in the community and outside of the football field. To see those kids get recognized with other programs around the state, is a really cool opportunity for this program and highlights the really good things that we are doing."

Hernandez and his staff oversee a program of 43 players with 33 suiting up for varsity games. His assistant staff includes Andy Peissig, Jeremy Zimmerman, Aaron Evans, Dave Long, Jon Long, Nick Schertz and Steven Shrigley. In addition to being the head coach, Hernandez is also an English teacher at the high school. Hernandez and his wife, Ashley, have three sons, Derek, Brett and Vaughn.

About the Green Bay Packers High School Coach of the Week Program:

The Green Bay Packers Coach of the Week program supports football outreach efforts by giving high school coaches the recognition they deserve. Nominations can be submitted by 10 a.m. every Monday to Ryan Fencl, Packers football outreach specialist, at coachoftheweek@packers.com. All nominations should include the nominee's name, address, school, phone number and reason he/she is deserving of the award. This year, because some schools have postponed their football seasons to the spring due to COVID-19, the Packers are seeking coaches to be nominated regardless of their teams' on-field performance or whether they are playing in the fall or spring. Rather, the nominee could be honored for how they have turned programs around, how the team has impacted the community, or how the coach impacts the players and their families.

In Other News

Lincoln County Business, Community Leaders Meet for Annual Economic Summit

Published on 04/28/2026 under News Business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members are gathering today to focus on strengthening small business and economic growth in Lincoln County. The Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation is hosting its 2026 Economic Summit, themed "Energizing the Small Business Spirit." The summit is designed to bring together regional partners and local businesses to share ideas, build connections, and explore strategies for success. LCEDC Executive Director Sara Guild anticipated more than 100 people would take part. The morning session features updates on regional economic trends, a keynote on innovation in rural communities, and a panel discussion with local business owners. A statewide perspective on economic conditions will also be shared. Following some networking and lunch, the afternoon sessions are focused on practical tools for small businesses, including financing partnerships, marketing strategies, and community engagement. The day wraps up with a closing presentation by Mike Hobbs, a rural entrepreneur and community development advocate. He'll be highlighting how small-town businesses can drive broader community growth. This is the third year for the Lincoln County Economic Summit, which alternates locations between Tomahawk and Merrill. This year, they're back in Merrill.

Published on 04/28/2026 under News Motorists are asked to be on the lookout for volunteers busy picking up a winter's worth of trash and recyclables along local roadways. Mirrored off the WisDoT's popular Adopt-A-Highway program, many local highway departments have similar outreach efforts. That includes the Oneida County Highway Department which currently partners with 41 volunteer groups and organizations, who have pledged to maintain two-mile segments of Oneida County roadways throughout the year. Many of those groups have been taking advantage of the early start to spring, by picking up the roadside litter. The Oneida County Highway Department is asking drivers to be on the lookout and leave the groups plenty of space alongside the road. The volunteers are typically outfitted with high visibility vests while they work. There are still some road segments available for adoption. Those interested can reach out to the Highway Department during office hours. Or if you'd like to simply volunteer, specifically in the Nokomis area, there is a roadside clean-up planned for Saturday. They're meeting at the Nokomis Town Hall at 8am for assignments.

Published on 04/28/2026 under News Two men were arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop in Lincoln County. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, the incident happened Thursday as deputies were working on what was described as a directed patrol effort targeting illegal drug trafficking. During this detail a deputy observed a vehicle speeding and radioed ahead to a second deputy for a traffic stop. According to the report, deputies requested the assistance of Lincoln County's K9 unit. They said, "During an exterior sniff of the vehicle, K9 Nina alerted positive." During a subsequent search of the vehicle, deputies recovered cocaine and drug paraphernalia. As a result the driver and passenger were taken into custody on charges including possession of cocaine with intent to deliver. They have been identified as Eric Walloch and Patrick Grady, both of Eagle River. Both men were transported to the Lincoln County Jail.

Published on 04/28/2026 under News Two drivers were let off with warnings after an apparent road rage incident escalated. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, that incident happened Friday on Highway 51 near Merrill. Deputies were initially dispatched to a driving complaint involving two vehicles operating recklessly. According to the report, while deputies were en route, dispatchers remained in contact with those involved and were able to direct both drivers to pull over at separate locations to wait for law enforcement. The initial caller, a 33-year-old man from Rhinelander, told deputies the other driver had, at one point, waved a handgun. Deputies also spoke with the second driver, a 47-year-old man from Oklahoma, who acknowledged becoming upset with the other driver's behavior. He admitted that he armed himself with a handgun, but said he did not point the weapon at anyone. After investigating, deputies said they were unable to determine definitively whether a law violation had occurred. Both individuals were released with warnings.______ A few other quick notes from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report… A 40 year old Merrill man is facing a number of citations after a reckless driving stop including a 4th offense operating after revocation, false registration plates, and illegal window tint. The driver told the deputy he was on his way to the court house at the time of the traffic stop for a court appearance on an unrelated traffic matter. The number of vehicle versus deer collisions was down with just one reported on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 04/28/2026 under News With spring's arrival, it's almost time to hit the trails in Lincoln County, whether you prefer horsepower or pedal power. Lincoln County Forestry, Land, and Parks has announced that the equestrian and mountain bike trails at the Underdown Recreation Area will officially open for the season on Friday (May 1 at 8am). Recreation Forester Nick Behrens says trail users should be prepared for typical early-season conditions as the ground continues to thaw. That means riders may encounter soft or muddy areas, uneven terrain, standing water, and debris such as fallen branches or leaning trees. They ask that trail users follow signage and stay on the trails. Behrens offered credit to local volunteer groups, including the Underdown Horse Club and the Central Wisconsin Off-Road Cycling Coalition, for their ongoing maintenance and preparation efforts which play a key role in keeping the trail network accessible. Riders are encouraged to show their support by thanking volunteers, getting involved with local clubs, and supporting businesses that contribute to trail upkeep.

Published on 04/28/2026 under News A local nurse was recently recognized with prestigious professional honor. Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital honored nurse manager Claire Horant with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. While many recipients are nominated by patients, hers came from a co-worker. The nomination wrote, in part: Her compassion and dedication shine through in everything she does. She is not only hardworking, but she consistently brings positive attitude that lifts the spirits of those around her. Through her actions, she inspires those around her to give their best, not just for our patients, but for one another as colleagues. As a Daisy recipient, Horant received a honoree pin and a Shona Tribe sculpture known as A Healer's Touch. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News It won't be long before Veteran's Memorial Park in Tomahawk is once again filled with the sound of music. This past week, organizers of Music on the River announced the line-up for the nineteenth season of the summer concert series. Once again a mix of fan favorites and newcomers, they'll feature a little something for everyone, no matter what genre of music is a favorite. It all kicks off June 17 with a returning fan favorite. The Cougars will be back on the prowl in Tomahawk. Then over the next six Wednesdays it'll be: B.D. Greer with The Gents (June 24); Ember (July 1); The Ramble (July 8); Johnny and the Motones (July 15); The Jimmy's (July 22); The series will close out on July 29 with Copperbox. As always, these concerts are free. They're held in the riverside pavilion at Veteran's Memorial Park offering not only viewing by land, but also by water. Of course stay tuned to WJJQ each Wednesday as we'll preview that night's concert. _____ Speaking of music announcements, Tomahawk Main Street announced the headliner for the Fall Ride Street Dance. Rockers Jackyl will be returning to the Northwoods to play the 45th edition of the Fall Ride, with local rock band Storm opening. They also announced a pair of shows, Friday and Saturday, from Nashville recording artist Brooks Herring along with some additional supporting acts from around the region.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News Authorities in Lincoln County are investigating a fatal incident that followed a traffic stop near Tomahawk over the weekend. According to a release from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, that incident happened Friday at just before 5 p.m. along Highway 51 north of County Road A. A Wisconsin State Patrol trooper had initiated a traffic stop when the occupant of the vehicle fled. According to the release, the driver sustained what is believed to be a self-inflicted fatal injury. Deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene, along with officers from the Tomahawk Police Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities say no additional information is being released at this time.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News Firefighters from across Oneida County spent Saturday practicing life-saving skills during a specialized training in vehicle extrication. Pine Lake Fire and Rescue hosted the day-long "Heavy Rescue Training" class at its station, bringing together crews from multiple departments for both classroom instruction and hands-on scenarios. The training was led by instructors from Midwest Fire Tactics. Participants worked through a series of simulated rescue situations set up on-site, giving firefighters the opportunity to practice extrication techniques in a controlled environment. Officials say the training helps crews learn new methods and refine their approach when responding to serious crashes. Departments taking part included Pine Lake Fire and Rescue, Pelican Fire and Rescue, Newbold Fire Department, Crescent Volunteer Fire Department, Minocqua Fire and Rescue Department, Woodruff Fire Department, Cassian Volunteer Fire Department, and Little Rice Fire Department. Organizers also thanked T&M Towing and Repair for providing vehicles used in the training, and Dinges Fire Company for supplying AMKUS extrication tools.

Published on 04/27/2026 under News An estimated 1 in 3 Wisconsinite's use private wells for their drinking water. And the Lincoln County Health Department is reminding these property owners to ensure their drinking water is safe. Erin Ray is an environmental Health Technician with the Lincoln County Health Department. She says, "The only way to know what is in your water is to test." She added that spring is the perfect time to do so. Over the next few weeks, they are specifically focused on arsenic testing by offering two collection periods, this week (April 27-May 1) and then again May 11-15. They recommend property owners have their wells tested for arsenic once every 5 years. Elevated arsenic levels are associated with a number of increased health risks. The DNR has grant money available for those who find elevated levels of arsenic in their water supply. The arsenic testing kits are $40 at the Health Department, and you can contact their office for more information. Their water lab can also test for bacteria and nitrates.

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