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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 Warming Centers & Cold Weather Safety Tips

Published on 12/12/2025 under News Lincoln County Health Department is reminding the public to take steps to protect themselves from extreme cold this winter. Exposure to cold temperatures can cause frostbite and hypothermia and has the potential to be life threatening. Anyone can have health issues from cold weather, but some people have a higher risk. This includes older adults, young children, people with health conditions, and those who do not have safe, warm housing. Lincoln County is fortunate to have organizations and businesses who volunteer to serve as warming centers. These places welcome the public to get relief from extreme cold during their business hours. We would like to thank the following locations for serving as Warming Centersthis winter. Gleason Bowling Center N4878 Hwy 17, Gleason (715) 873-4588 Monday, 11 am – close, Tuesday, closed, Wednesday – Saturday, 11 am – close, Sunday, 11 am – 9 pm Les & Jim's Lincoln Lanes 1208 N. Center Avenue, Merrill (715) 536-9405 Monday – Thursday, 11am – 9pm, Friday, 11am – 11pm, Saturday, 9am – 11pm, Sunday, 11am – 4pm Lincoln County Service Center801 N. Sales Street, Merrill Monday – Thursday, 8 am – 4:30 pm Friday, 8 am – 1 pm MAC Home Warming Center407 W. Main Street, Merrill (715) 722-1200 Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 9 pm (standard screening will be done upon entry) Merrill Enrichment Center303 N. Sales Street, Merrill (715) 536-4226 Monday – Thursday, 8 am – 4 pm Riverside Athletic Club500 S. Center Avenue, Merrill (715) 536-2481 Monday – Thursday, 6 am – 8 pm Smith Multi-Purpose Center (MARC)1100 Marc Drive, Merrill (715) 536-7313 Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4pm Strikers Tomahawk Bowl309 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Tomahawk (715) 453-3245 Monday, 5 – 11pm, Tuesday, 3 – 11pm, Wednesday – Sunday, noon – 11pm (hours may vary) T.B. Scott Free Library106 W. First Street, Merrill (715) 536-7191 Monday – Thursday, 10 am – 7 pm Friday, 10 am – 5 pm Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm Tomahawk City Hall (715) 453-4040 23 N. 2nd Street, Tomahawk Monday – Friday, 8 am – 12pm, 1 – 5pm Tomahawk Public Library300 W. Lincoln Avenue, Tomahawk (715) 453-2455 Monday – Thursday, 10 am – 7 pm Friday, 10 am – 5 pm Saturday, 10 am – 1 pm Tomahawk Senior Center113 S. Tomahawk Avenue, Tomahawk (715) 453-5757 Monday – Friday, 9 am – 3 pm Wal-Mart505 S. Pine Ridge Avenue, Merrill (715) 536-2414 Monday – Sunday, 6 am – 11 pm Stay safe during extreme cold, by following these tips: • Watch the weather and follow public safety recommendations. • Be prepared by having an emergency supply kit for your home and vehicle with essentials like food, water, portable phone chargers, flashlights, blankets, sleeping bags and extra clothing. • Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Stay Warm and Indoors • Minimize outdoor activities. • Dress in layers of loose, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Layers trap heat and can help insulate your body. • Wear water repellent jackets, snow pants, hats, mittens and boots. • Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from the cold. • Be safe when using space heaters, a fireplace, or woodstove to heat your home. • Seek out warming centers if needed. Check In on Others • Know the warning signs of frostbite and hypothermia (uncontrollable shivering and disorientation). Seek medical help right away. • Check on family, friends, and neighbors to make sure they are safe.

Published on 12/12/2025 under News Downtown Tomahawk will get into the holiday spirit with the return of Hometown Christmas this evening. This is the sixth year of the revitalized community celebration. It's a collaboration of Hometown Christmas and Main Street Memories Christmas. Festivities actually began in late November with the lighting of the Main Street Christmas tree, sleigh rides, and other festivities. In part two, coming up on Friday the highlights include the Christmas parade and the live window displays. We caught up with Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz to preview the evening. She says the atmosphere of the evening is just magical, made even better if there is just a light snow falling to perfect the setting. That's amplified by the volunteer Christmas Carolers who add to the spirit. She enjoys seeing families walking up and down the street checking out the windows and visiting the small shops and bumping into friends and other familiar faces. There are also a lot of great photo opportunities perfect for Christmas cards or social media posts. They'll also have hot cocoa and cider or enjoy cookies and treats to enjoy by the fire pits and warming stations. The parade kicks off the evening at 5pm with the live mannequin displays to follow.

Published on 12/12/2025 under News Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval® for Acute Stroke Ready Certification. To earn the certification, the hospital underwent a rigorous, on-site review in November. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers conducted observations and interviews and evaluated the hospital's compliance with related certification standards including program management, processes for delivering clinical care, and performance improvement – standards that are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. The Tomahawk Hospital Team represents multiple hospital disciplines whose efforts strive to provide extraordinary outcomes for each patient they treat, knowing that every stroke journey is unique. Crucial to the Stroke Team's readiness is their continuous education and knowledge of community risk factors leading to stroke, such as high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. The team uses this knowledge, along with clinical practice guidelines, to proactively collaborate with all Aspirus providers to offer patient education and resources. Time is of the utmost importance. The faster a stroke can be treated, the better the outcome. Aspirus Health encourages everyone to use BE FAST to recognize the signs of a stroke: • Balance; sudden loss of coordination • Eyes; sudden change in vision • Face; sudden weakness on one side or facial droop • Arm; sudden arm or leg numbness or weakness • Speech; sudden slurred speech • Terrible Headache or Time to call 9-1-1 If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of a stroke, immediately call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.

Published on 12/12/2025 under News The Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw will be honoring the veterans laid to rest on their grounds as part of a special nationwide holiday program. Coming up Saturday, in National Veterans' Cemeteries around the country, VA officials, family members and volunteers will take part in Wreaths Across America. Over the past few months, they have been busy working to ensure that families, loved ones, and heroes are honored and remembers over the holidays. This is done through the placement of Christmas wreaths at each burial sites. Similar events are taking part around the country. While the tradition dates back further, the Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw has participated since opening in 2019. The wreaths are sponsored and the local cemetery exceeds their goal each year with more than 500 wreaths sponsored this year. This year's theme is 'KEEP MOVING FORWARD' Organizers note, "There will always be challenges to overcome as individuals, communities and a country, but we must keep moving forward together. As for the schedule for Saturday's events, the ceremony will begin at 11am with the ceremonial wreath placement to follow. And they're teaming up with Rondele Ranch, just down the road, for a luncheon following the ceremony. They'll also be offering a complimentary (and encouraged due to limited parking) shuttle bus from Rondele Ranch to the Cemetery which will leave at 10:30am and 10:45am. The Northwoods National Cemetery is located on Lakewood Road in Harshaw.

Published on 12/12/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's boys' wrestling squad notched their second conference dual win of the season, defeating Medford Thursday night on the road, 48-30. The win gives Tomahawk a 5-1 overall record and a 2-0 record in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets will head on the road for their first invite of the season Saturday at Crandon. Events begin at 9:30.

Published on 12/12/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's basketball squads were swept in their doubleheader in Three Lakes Thursday night. The Hatchet girls' comeback attempt fell just short, losing, 51-49. Tomahawk trailed by 17 at the half and clawed their way back into the game, but came up just short in the final minutes. Anita Ziert led the way in scoring with 14 points. Freya Alberg would finish with ten points. The loss drops Tomahawk to 2-2 on the season and 1-1 in Great Northern Conference play. Meanwhile, the Hatchet boys would suffer their fourth straight loss of the season, losing 75-20. Jerry Johnson led the way for Tomahawk with ten points. The loss drops Tomahawk to 1-4 on the season and 0-1 in Great Northern Conference play. Both teams will be back in action Friday night for a Great Northern Conference showdown against Northland Pines. The girls will be at home and the boys will be on the road. The girls' game will be broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show beginning at 5:35 and tip-off is at 6:00. Alex Koch and Matt Theiler will be in the broadcast booth. The boys' game tips off at 7:15 at Northland Pines.

Published on 12/12/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's boys' swim squad would suffer their third straight dual loss to begin the season Thursday, losing at Seymour to Seymour/Shawano, 105-54. The Hatchets would have three first-place finishers in the dual meet. Dane Dekiep, Bruce Peetz, Max Amelse, and Connor Germano placed first in the 200 Medley with a time of 2:03. Peetz would also finish first in the 50 freestyle and the 100 butterfly. The loss drops Tomahawk's dual record to 0-3 on the season. The Hatchets are back in action for a home double dual Tuesday with Medford and Wausau East.

Published on 12/11/2025 under News The FBLA chapter at Tomahawk High School has launched a community initiative called the Warm Clothing Drive to support individuals and families in need during the cold winter months. They are collecting new or gently used winter clothing items—including coats, snow pants, hats, gloves, and boots—for people of all ages. Their goal is to ensure that everyone in our community has access to the essential items they need to stay warm and safe this season. To help make this drive as successful as possible, they are seeking additional support and donations from local community members. The collection will run through December 19th, and all donations can be dropped off at the Tomahawk High School main office.

Published on 12/11/2025 under News Tomahawk Main Street will resemble a scene taken from a classic holiday movie. Coming up on Friday, the district will host the second night of a two-part Christmas celebration. Among the highlights is the Main Street Memories Christmas windows. This is year number six for the live mannequin displays. We caught up with Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz to talk a bit about what has become an annual tradition. She notes that the event has become something very special with families coming out to enjoy the evening. The original idea was inspired by large department stores of yesteryear, they plan on having actors portraying holiday and winter scenes in the store windows. It's an impressive undertaking, and Turkiewicz was quick to share credit with Mary Smith who has taken the reins. Turkiewicz joked that Smith takes a rest on the December 26th like Santa before she begins planning for the following year on the 27th. They include more than 40 businesses and 200 to 250 actors who make up the scenes. This year's theme is the '12 Days of Christmas'. Turkiewicz was excited to see what see what all the shops have planned for this year and encouraged people to come down in check it out. We'll offer a preview of some of the other activities later this week.

Published on 12/10/2025 under News Aspirus Wausau Hospital has opened a new dual helipad that expands its capacity for emergency air transport and supports faster access to advanced medical care for patients across north central Wisconsin. The upgraded facility replaces the former single landing space and positions two landing pads adjacent to the emergency department for direct, rapid patient transfer. The new helipad was developed in response to growing MedEvac demand. Aspirus receives more than six hundred helicopter transports each year, often involving patients who require immediate trauma, cardiac, stroke or specialty services. The dual landing zones allow aircraft to arrive without delay, particularly during incidents with multiple patients or simultaneous requests. "This helps us move patients quickly and safely to the care they need," said Chad Eckhard, Base Aviation Manager and helicopter pilot. "It is better for the patients, safer for the crews and a positive step for the community." The site incorporates several upgrades designed to increase safety and reliability. A heated snow melt system keeps the landing surface clear throughout winter, pilot-controlled lighting enhances visibility during landings and future GPS flight approaches will support access in lower visibility. These features reduce operational delays and improve safety for both patients and clinical teams. The helipad project aligns with broader facility planning at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, including recent emergency department expansion and long-term growth of specialty services.

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