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

Experts Offer Tips When You Get a Tick Bite

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.

Published on 05/27/2026 under News Park City Credit Union continues to grow their footprint here in Northern Wisconsin by setting up shop in Wausau. On Tuesday, Park City officially opened the doors to its new full-service branch on Stewart Avenue. The Wausau branch marks Park City Credit Union's sixth location in north central Wisconsin. Officials say the expansion is part of their mission to bring accessible banking and community involvement to more areas. Val Mindak, President/CEO of Park City Credit Union says, "Our expansion into Wausau reinforces our promise to meet members where they are by providing accessible banking solutions." To celebrate the grand opening, the credit union is launching "30 Days of Share the Care," featuring random acts of kindness throughout the Wausau community, along with giveaways and special promotions for members.

Published on 05/27/2026 under Sports The Marawood Conference Champion Prentice Golf Team won the WIAA Regional Championship on Tuesday at the Inshalla Country Club. The Bucs set a school scoring record with a 297. Ladysmith finished 30 strokes behind Prentice. Eliah Harding led the way with an even par 70, Matti Heikkinen shot a 74, Hagan Isaacson a 76, Evan Lord a 78 and Jackson Isaacson shot a 79. Prentice will compete in the WIAA Sectional Meet on Tuesday at Big Fish Golf Club in Hayward. The first tee times are at 9:00 am.

Published on 05/27/2026 under Sports At the WIAA Division 2 Regional Track & Field Meet in Medford Tuesday, the Hatchets withstood a two-hour, 45-minute weather delay to have ten total events make the sectional meet. On the girls' side, Tomahawk will have five athletes compete. Taking the regional title in the 200 and 400 meter runs was Elise Gibeault with times of 26.19 and 57.28 seconds, respectively. For the second straight year, Alicia Voermans would advance to the sectional round in the Pole Vault. Voermans also qualified for sectionals in the 100 meter dash. Faith Derleth would advance in the 400 meter dash, placing third. Ellie Micke took home the regional title in the high jump with a leap of five feet even. Siennah Calkins was regional runner-up in the triple jump with a leap of 33'10". Two Hatchet male athletes will compete in the sectional meet. Freshman Connor Zorn would take third in the Long Jump and the 100 meter dash. Beau Stromberg is moving on to the sectional meet in the 400 meter run, placing third with a run of 54.14 seconds. The WIAA Division 2 Track & Field Sectional Meet is Friday at Rice Lake. Opening Events begin at 4:00.

Published on 05/26/2026 under News Two northern Wisconsin hospitals are being recognized among the best in the nation for patient satisfaction. Aspirus Medford Hospital and Clinics and Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff were both named to Becker's Hospital Review's list of hospitals patients would recommend to family and friends. The rankings are based on patient survey data collected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through the national survey program. Aspirus Health officials say the recognition reflects the compassionate, high-quality care provided by staff and the organization's focus on patient experience. Aspirus North Division President Teri Theiler says, "Being named among the hospitals patients would recommend is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the voices of those we serve." Wisconsin also stood out nationally, with 41 hospitals making the list, highlighting the state's strong performance in patient-centered care, especially in rural communities.

Published on 05/26/2026 under News A Lincoln County woman accused of sexually assaulting residents at an assisted living facility is facing new charges. Jessica Wickersham was back in Lincoln County Court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing and arraignment. The 37 year old was arrested in March and charged with four counts including three for second degree sexual assault. Additional charges have now been filed. Court records show Wickersham is now facing 12 charges including: causing a child to view sexual activity, bestiality, and child sexual exploitation Online court records show Wickersham waived the preliminary hearing allowing the case to move forward. Wickersham then entered 'not guilty' pleas during the arraignment. Wickersham remains jailed on $150,000 bond. Future proceedings weren't immediately scheduled.

Published on 05/26/2026 under Sports Tomahawk softball's season would end in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Semifinal Tuesday at Biggs Frey Memorial Field, losing to #3 Prescott, 9-5. The Hatchets went back and forth with the Cardinals for five innings before Prescott scored the final six runs to seal the victory. Averi Petta finished three for three with two triples, a home run, and three RBIs. Camryn Kraklow and Abi Micke each came away with RBI hits on the day. Kraklow, however, would allow nine runs on seven hits and walked eight batters in the game. Tomahawk wraps up their 2026 season with an 11-11 record and a 7-8 Great Northern Conference record. The Hatchets graduate Sophie Olsen, Ella Peissig, Kylie Peissig, Siennah Caulkins, and Abi Micke.

+ Read More