WJJQ Radio

Story Details

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

Tomahawk Chamber Announces Fall Ride 45th Anniversary Logo Design Contest

Published on 02/12/2026 under News The Tomahawk Fall Ride is still six months off, but planning is in full swing, and there is an opportunity for the public to get involved. As part of the 45th anniversary celebration of the Fall Ride, the Tomahawk Chamber has announced the launch of a community-wide logo design contest to commemorate the milestone. They said community members, artists, and designers of all ages and experience levels are invited to submit original logo concepts that capture the spirit and history of Fall Ride. Chamber Director Charis Lau says, "This anniversary represents more than a number — it reflects the people, businesses, and memories that built the Tomahawk Fall Ride. We want the community to be part of that story by helping us design the logo that will define this historic year." The winning logo will serve as the official anniversary brand mark and will be featured on event marketing and promotion; street banners and signage; and apparel, merchandise and memorabilia. Entries will be judged on creativity, originality, visual impact, and how well the design reflects the anniversary theme. Additional information is available on the Chamber website. The entry deadline will be on March 20 with the winner announced this spring when they also unveil the motorcycle for the annual bike raffle at the WJJQ Home Show.

Published on 02/12/2026 under News Every few years, the popularity of some less-common sports surge thanks to the Olympics games. One of those sports is curling, often referred to as 'chess on ice'. With the Winter Games in Milan-Cortina in full swing, local curling clubs are preparing for the sudden-spike in interest while also taking in the sport they love. The Wisconsin State Curling Association currently lists more than 30 curling clubs in Wisconsin including Rhinelander, Medford, Wausau, and Stevens Point. Up in Rhinelander, the Hodag Curling Club has partnered with Rocky Reef Brewing Company to host some watch parties for the American team as they go for gold. The organization was formed in 2023 and offers leagues, as well as Learn 2 Curl sessions for newcomers. They currently operate out of the Rhinelander Ice Arena. To the unfamiliar, curling may seem simple and slow, but players will quickly find both strategy and skill are needed to be successful. And sliding the stone can be trickier than it appears. As for Team USA, the mixed doubles team earned Silver earlier this week. The men's and women's team competitions are currently in the preliminary stage. The Rhinelander Curling Club is hosting another watch party double header on Saturday. You can follow their Facebook Page or visit their website to learn more.

Published on 02/12/2026 under News Valentine's Day is just a few days away, and experts are reminding those looking to purchase last minute flowers online to do a little research first. The Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin typically sees an uptick in consumer complaints about online florists at this time of year, largely due to Valentine's Day. Common complaints include damaged flowers or bouquets that look nothing like the advertisement; add-on costs; or orders that were never delivered at all. Like any online purchase, the Bureau says it's best to do some research. Read reviews and get to know business policies and delivery timelines. Watch for stock images or AI pictures being used in the advertisements rather than actual bouquets made in-house. And as always avoid offers that seem too good to be true. They note the best option is often thinking local and visit your neighborhood florist recommended by friends and family.

Published on 02/12/2026 under News The Langlade County snowmobile trails will be closing in a few days, a decision they hope will possibly extend their riding season when conditions improve. Mild weather can be the enemy of snow sports, and meteorologists are calling for temperatures in the 40s into early next week. The Langlade County Forestry and Recreation Department announced that they will be closing trails in Langlade County on Sunday morning at 6am. According to the announcement, at this time, the closure is expected to be temporary. The purpose "to preserve the remaining base during a period of very warm weather and possible rain." Marathon County made a similar decision, temporarily closing trails in Zones 1, 3, 4, and 6 on Friday. Stay tunred to WJJQ in the coming days and weeks for any additional news, announcements, and our weekend trail reports.

Published on 02/12/2026 under News We frequently talk about the importance of hunter's safety. And there is an opportunity for volunteers to teach the next generation. Since the Hunter Safety program was created in 1967, more than one million Wisconsinites have been certified. And that's credited with a significant decrease in the number of hunting related incidents in the state. To help continue that tradition, the DNR put out a call for new volunteers to become certified instructors. They noted that the strength and success of the program is due to the dedication and commitment of their volunteer instructors . Over the years, more than 20,000 individuals have served as volunteer instructors. In addition to the basic hunter safety course, the DNR and partners also offer other classes like: Advanced Hunter Education – Outdoor Skills And Learn to Hunt. The DNR has additional information on the website.

Published on 02/11/2026 under News The Lincoln County Health Department continues their efforts and outreach related to substance use including some upcoming public discussions. The Lincoln County Health Department, in partnership with the Lincoln County Opioid Task Force announced three community conversations about substance use and the importance of community support. These events are part of a larger effort to reduce stigma around substance use and promote harm reduction. Stigma, negative attitudes or beliefs about substance use, are often a hurdle in people seeking help. Erin Ray, Opioid Grant Coordinator for the Lincoln County Health Department said, "Our community assessment showed that stigma is a major reason people who use substances do not seek treatment in Lincoln County. Ray says, "We can reduce that stigma by having open, respectful conversations that build understanding and support within our communities." Community members are encouraged to attend, share their perspectives, listen and learn. They called these conversations are an opportunity to connect with others and help build a healthier, more supportive community for individuals and families. The first opportunity will be a virtual Town Hall on February 25. Link:https://bit.ly/LincTownHall They also have in-person events planned in Merrill March 17 and Tomahawk April 8. We'll post those events in the WJJQ Community Calendar.

Published on 02/11/2026 under News The state continues to invest in organizations dedicated to protecting our water ways. Earlier this week, the DNR announced they will award more than $6.1 million to non-profits, lake associations and municipalities through their Surface Water Grant Program. Overall, more than 425 recipients will share in the funding across a variety of projects. This includes More than 150 Clean Boats, Clean Waters grants. The program focuses on preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species. Other projects tackle through these grants around the state include water runoff diversions, native shoreline plantings and restoration, and wildlife habitat efforts. Lincoln County Land Services has their own project receiving funding, receiving funding for phase 2 of their ongoing culvert inventory. The County also received two additional grants Clean Boats, Clean Waters and Lake Monitoring and Protection Network. Several local stakeholders like the Spirit Reservoir Association, Lake Nokomis District and Deer Lake District received funding. In fact, the Northwoods, known for its lakes and rivers, was well-represented on the list with dozens of grants worth tens of thousands of dollars. Michelle Nault, Wisconsin DNR lakes and rivers section manager said, "It is always rewarding to see implementation and restoration projects get funded that will have a long-lasting positive impact on our water resources." These grants do require partial matching commitment from the recipient, increasing the amount invested into each project.

Published on 02/11/2026 under News Student artists in Rhinelander have the unique opportunity to have their work featured in an actual gallery. The February exhibit at ArtStart is comprised of art produced by Rhinelander students in the elementary, middle, and high school. This is the tenth year they have collaborated on this project. This year's student work consists of a variety of media including, drawing, painting, sculpture, prints, collage and ceramic artwork, more than 150 pieces in all. The Rhinelander Woman's Club Student Writing Contest submissions are also be on display. This partnership provides the students with a chance to showcase their skills and creativity to the community. They even hosted an opening reception this past week to kick-off the month-long exhibit with more than 200 people turning out on the evening to support the students. The student exhibit will be offered at ArtStart through February 28. People can stop by during regular gallery hours.

Published on 02/11/2026 under News If you need emergency transport in Northern Wisconsin, you're in good hands and that all starts at the top. The Wisconsin EMS Association has named Bob Kirkley as their 2025 Director of the Year recognizes exceptional leadership and lasting impact on the emergency medical services (EMS) profession. Kirkley serves as director of Emergency Medical Services for Aspirus MedEvac. With more than 35 years of experience in EMS, Kirkley has become a defining force in EMS administration, known for innovation, operational excellence, and a leadership style that strengthens both people and systems. While now in a leadership role, Kirkley actually began his career as a frontline paramedic back in 1990. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to learning, teaching, and continuously improving EMS delivery for patients and providers alike. Under Kirkley's leadership, Aspirus MedEvac has implemented new technologies, modernized scheduling systems, streamlined documentation practices, and adopted data-driven strategies that directly enhance patient care and system sustainability. Kirkley accepted the 2025 Director of the Year Award during WEMSA's 40th Annual Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Conference and Expo in Green Bay.

Published on 02/11/2026 under News Tax season is upon us. For those utilizing a tax preparer, officials are reminding filers to do a little research. The Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin recently shared a few tips on finding someone you can trust with your finances and other sensitive personal information. They note that when it comes to choosing the right kind of tax preparer, much will depend on the complexity of your tax situation. That can include non-credentialed preparers, enrolled agents, CPAs, and attorneys. The Bureau recommends asking about fees ahead of time, and make sure there are no hidden costs. It's also wise to ask about availability, both during the tax season and also if any situations arise after filing. Be wary of spectacular promises on larger-than-usual refunds, as well as those offering refund anticipation loans. Like many services, referrals from friends and family are one of the best ways to find a trustworthy tax preparer.

+ Read More