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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 Sheriff’s Report: Man Arrested Twice Over Weekend

Published on 10/20/2026 under News A Tomahawk man was arrested twice in three days for domestic disturbances at a residence on County Highway E in the Town of Bradley. On Saturday, Oct. 17, Lincoln County deputies responded to a report of an argument where 20-year-old Spencer Johnson was allegedly intoxicated, brandishing household items as weapons, and threatening others. He was arrested for disorderly conduct and taken to the Lincoln County Jail. Then on Monday morning, deputies were called back to the same address. Authorities say Johnson, out on bail, was damaging the home and threatening to stab a family dog, forcing the occupants to lock themselves in a bathroom for safety. Deputies detained Johnson at the scene and booked him into the Lincoln County Jail on multiple charges, including three counts of disorderly conduct, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and felony bail jumping.____ One other note from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the number of vehicle versus deer collisions continues to rise. That is common at this time of year. There were 13 reported on Lincoln County roadways this week.

Published on 10/20/2026 under News With Halloween right around the corner, a Rhinelander student organization is bringing back its annual community service project to help restock the local food pantry. The project, known as "Trick or Can," puts a philanthropic spin on traditional trick-or-treating: instead of collecting candy, students collect non-perishable food items. The drive is organized locally by the school's combined FBLA/DECA chapter, joining similar efforts conducted by student groups in neighboring communities. Over the weekend, Rhinelander students began distributing collection bags to select neighborhoods across the community. Next Sunday, Oct. 25, they will return to those same streets to pick up filled bags, bringing the food drive directly to residents' doorsteps. During last year's event, students collected more than 700 food items for the Rhinelander Food Pantry.

Published on 10/19/2026 under News Students in Tomahawk are about to get a big boost when it comes to managing their money and planning for the future. Tomahawk District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry announced the district has been awarded a $7,500 Financial Literacy Innovation Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. That money is bringing the Junior Achievement program into local classrooms, building a hands-on financial curriculum for students from kindergarten through graduation. The goal is to give students real-world practice with things like budgeting, saving, making smart money choices, and exploring future careers. Quesinberry noted that the program will allow additional opportunities to connect classroom learning with the local business community. He says, "By exposing students to real-world financial situations and career opportunities, we can help them better understand the relationship between education, personal responsibility, and future success." The grant covers all program fees, workbooks, and instructional materials, introducing this high-impact opportunity at zero cost to local taxpayers. Overall, 29 school districts will share in nearly $300,000 to support personal finance education. These courses will help districts meet a new, mandatory half-credit financial literacy requirement starting with the Class of 2028.

Published on 10/19/2026 under News The City of Merrill honored a dedicated public servants this weekend with the dedication of a new honorary street sign celebrating former Mayor Patricia "Patsy" Woller. Originally from North Carolina, Woller relocated to Merrill in 1962 after meeting her husband, Denvert, while he was stationed at Fort Bragg. She later entered the workforce at the Merrill Foto News, a role that sparked her deep interest in local government. Woller began her public service in 1986 as Sixth Ward Alderperson, eventually becoming Council President and stepping in as acting mayor when the sitting leader faced health challenges. Woller made history in 1992 when she became Merrill's first female mayor, going on to serve six years in office along with 17 years on the Lincoln County Board. Her influence reached well beyond city government, helping launch the Merrill Courier, author two books, and repurposed an old gas station into the beloved Grand Stand ice cream shop. Her new honorary sign stands right outside the Grand Stand at Division and Wright streets. Organized by the Historic Preservation Committee, the dedication is part of Merrill's initiative to honor residents who left a lasting mark on the community. Two more sign dedications are scheduled for later this year.

Published on 10/19/2026 under News Drivers in Lincoln County should prepare for a temporary road closure starting next week. Lincoln County Highway Commissioner Jason Lemmer announced that the County Highway M bridge over the south branch of the Copper River, located about a quarter-mile west of Forks Road, will close for emergency repairs on Monday, October 26th, at 7:00 AM. The closure is expected to remain in place for about a month. Highway officials note that once repairs are complete, the weight limit restrictions currently on the structure will be removed. They hope to have the road re-opened November 20th. Travelers are advised to plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time while work is underway. We'll continue to reminder drivers as the project draws closer.

Published on 10/19/2026 under News A routine fall yard cleanup took a dangerous turn in Oneida County this weekend after a piece of lawn equipment burst into flames. Responders were dispatched around 4:00 p.m. Saturday to a residence on Lakeshore Drive following reports of a lawn tractor fire. The homeowner was using a leaf-bagging attachment when the machine caught fire near the treeline, sending flames 10 to 12 feet into the air and igniting surrounding vegetation. Crews from the Pine Lake Fire Department arrived quickly and were able to contain the blaze before it could spread further into the nearby woods. Additional mutual aid was initially called, but was then canceled once crews got the situation under control. They were on the scene for about a half an hour, no injuries were reported. The Oneida County Sheriff's Department and local ambulance personnel also responded to the scene.

Published on 10/19/2026 under News The Lakeland Pantry is getting a boost of more than $17,000 thanks to a new donation initiative at Lake of the Torches Resort Casino. The funds were raised through a program launched in February, allowing Lake Club members and casino guests to drop their Ticket In/Ticket Out, or TITO, slot vouchers into donation boxes on the gaming floor. The casino collects the vouchers and turns the accumulated value into direct support for the pantry which provides food and other essentials. Bill Olmsted, President of the Lakeland Pantry Board, called the contribution a wonderful example of how small gifts can add up to make a significant difference for local families. Lake of the Torches CEO Bill Guelcher thanked guests for their generosity, adding that the casino plans to keep the TITO collection boxes active on the floor to continue supporting the pantry.

Published on 10/19/2026 under News Following National Move Over Day over the weekend, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding drivers and off-road riders to slow down and share the trail safely with workers and outdoor enthusiasts. Much like road traffic regulations, Wisconsin requires off-road operators to slow down or move over. By law, ATV and UTV riders must drop their speed to 10 mph or less when within 100 feet of anyone not riding a motorized vehicle. This rule applies to interactions with hikers, equestrians, trail crews, and emergency responders across trails, frozen lakes, and public access routes. "Slowing down and giving others plenty of space isn't just a safe strategy, it showcases a respectful image of the ATV/UTV community," said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator. Additionally, the DNR reminds operators to always ride sober, wear a helmet and seatbelt, keep headlights on, and follow all posted signs and speed limits.

Published on 10/17/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's Cross Country squads provided some encouraging finishes in the Great Northern Conference meet Saturday at Hatchet Field, each placing third. For the girls, three Hatchets placed in the top 15. Charlee Lund placed fifth with a time of 19:34. Right behind Lund was Elise Gibeault, placing sixth and clocking in at 19:43. Ellie Micke placed 14th with a time of 21:51. On the boys' side, three athletes placed in the top 20. Jordyn Carew placed 12th, clocking in at 17:39. Connor Zorn finished 15th with a time of 17:58. Dawson Jones went 16th with a time of 18:11. The WIAA Division 2 Cross Country Sectional Meet for Tomahawk is Friday at Rhinelander. Team Finishes: Girls: 1st – Lakeland 2nd – Rhinelander 3rd – Tomahawk 4th – Merrill 5th – Mosinee 6th – Antigo 7th – Medford Boys: 1st – Lakeland 2nd – Rhinelander 3rd - Tomahawk 4th – Mosinee 5th – Northland Pines 6th – Medford 7th – Antigo

Published on 10/17/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's football squad would end the 2026 season with their first win over the Mosinee Indians Friday night at Veterans Park Friday, 6-3. The Hatchets held Mosinee under 100 total yards of offense, including just 14 yards allowed in the second half. Tomahawk's lone score came at the end of the third quarter when Max Larson ran it in from one yard out. The touchdown from Larson was his seventh of the season. He also led the Hatchets with 61 yards on 14 carries. Hudson Evans had 44 yards on eight touches. The Hatchets finish the 2026 Regular Season with a 4-5 on the season and 4-3 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk will play in the first round of the WIAA Division 5 Playoffs Friday night. The Hatchets are the #6 seed and will travel to #3 seed Brillion. The Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin will begin at 6:15 with kick at 7:00 from Lion Field on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. Alex Koch and Keith Hanse will have the broadcast Friday night. 11-Player Football: Medford 48, Antigo 6 Rhinelander 27, Lakeland 14 Wausau East 21, Merrill 14 Stratford 45, Northland Pines 6 Crandon 48, Clintonville 30 Edgar 35, Abbotsford 0 8-Player Football Playoffs: #1 Laona-Wabeno 44, #8 Three Lakes/Phelps 6 #4 Northwood/Solon Springs 48, #5 Rib Lake 8 #6 Athens 44, #3 Turtle Lake 20

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