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

Repairs Coming to Stretch of Somo Avenue in Tomahawk, Temporary Detour

Published on 05/12/2026 under News Somo Avenue in Tomahawk is one of the roughest stretches of road in the city. In the coming days that will change... for a few blocks at least. Last month, the Tomahawk Board of Public Works approved a project with Lincoln County to remove the top layer of asphalt and apply an overlay on Somo Avenue between the 4-way stop and Tomahawk Avenue. A previous overlay began to peel, leaving behind large potholes that are difficult to fill and maintain. Those repairs are scheduled for this week. As a result, that four block stretch will be temporarily closed today through Thursday. Those looking to access businesses along that stretch should utilize either side streets or the adjacent alley. This project is intended as a temporary measure for that four-block segment. The State of Wisconsin has tentatively scheduled a full reconstruction of Somo Avenue, which doubles as State Rd. 86, for the year 2030. While the closure is scheduled through Thursday; the work, as always dependent on weather and construction progress.

Published on 05/12/2026 under News Nearly a year after a life-threatening ATV crash in rural Lincoln County, a Merrill first responder and the man he helped save were reunited during an emotional ceremony. At the first-ever Trauma Survivor's Day ceremony Friday at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, paramedic Dylan Schielke received the hospital's inaugural Golden Hour Award for his actions during a response last summer. Following an ATV crash last July, Brian Brendemuehl suffered critical injuries in that crash near his Pine River home. Schielke, the lead paramedic on the call, was credited with stabilizing the patient before transport to an Aspirus MedEvac helicopter. Aspirus MedEvac flight paramedic Michelle Micke nominated Schielke for the honor, praising his quick thinking, accurate assessment, and professionalism during the emergency response. Micke said she believes Schielke's actions were instrumental in saving Brendemuehl's life and helping preserve his neurological recovery. The award recognizes exemplary emergency medical care during high-acuity, time-sensitive trauma situations. Schielke said he was surprised to learn he won the award. He believed he was simply attending a ceremony to reconnect with Brendemuehl. The Merrill Fire Department thanked Aspirus Wausau Hospital for hosting the ceremony and recognized Schielke for reflecting the department's core values and the work of the Lincoln County–Merrill Ambulance Service.

Published on 05/12/2026 under News A belated Mother's Day gift for a camera friendly peregrine falcon. According to Wisconsin Public Service, the first falcon chick has emerged at the WPS Weston Power Plant nest box near Wausau. Proud parents Sheldon and an unbanded female welcomed the fluffy new addition Monday afternoon. The new chick will soon have siblings. As of yesterday's update, a second egg was starting to hatch with two more remaining. The birds will share themed names, voted on by fans. This year's selections are inspired by local news personalities. According to the announcement, across the four nesting boxes at WPS and WE Energies facilities, there are seven chicks and six eggs as of Monday afternoon. People can continue to watch the young peregrine falcons hatch and grow via the nest box webcams.

Published on 05/12/2026 under News A weekend crash in Lincoln County involving a deer sent two people to the hospital. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, responders were dispatched to an area along Highway 51 near Tomahawk on Saturday for a reported crash with injuries. Deputies determined the vehicle was traveling north on Highway 51 and struck a deer that entered the roadway. Both the driver and passenger reported minor injuries. The patients were transported to Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries. This comes at a time when officials have been reminding motorists about increased deer activity which typically occurs in the months of May and June.

Published on 05/12/2026 under News Memorial Day weekend typically means a steady influx of people returning to summer homes or cabins here in the Northwoods. But travel experts are expecting a slight drop in traffic next week. Triple A released their annual Memorial Day travel forecast on Monday. According to their estimates, nearly 835,000 Wisconsinites are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday weekend. That is down slightly from last year and after several consecutive record breaking years. Most of that travel, approximately 750,000 people, will be on the road. Nick Jarmusz, director of public affairs for AAA says, "Memorial Day travel demand remains strong, but higher fuel prices are slowing the pace of growth in some segments." With an average of $4.40 cents per gallon, gas is up more than a dollar from the same point last year. Jarmusz added, "Some Wisconsinites are taking a more measured approach this year by shortening trips, choosing closer destinations, or making other cost-conscious adjustments." Those looking to avoid traffic next week may want to plan early departures. Northbound traffic is typically heaviest Friday evening, while southbound traffic typically peaks Memorial Day Monday in the afternoon.

Published on 05/12/2026 under News A bipartisan agreement between Governor Tony Evers and Republican legislative leaders to address Wisconsin's $2.4 billion budget surplus is drawing praise from local lawmakers, including Calvin Callahan. Callahan said the deal will return money to taxpayers through direct refunds and tax relief measures. The agreement includes $300 income tax refunds for individuals and $600 for married couples filing jointly, along with eliminating state income taxes on tips and overtime pay. Callahan said affordability remains the top concern he hears from residents across the 35th Assembly District and called the agreement a "major win" for families struggling with rising costs. The bipartisan package also directs $300 million toward general school aid, another $300 million for special education, and $50 million in technical college property tax relief. State leaders say the school funding measures are expected to reduce local property tax levies statewide. Callahan says, "A lot of time and effort went into this; I am incredibly pleased that families in the 35th will finally receive much-needed economic relief. This agreement is a sign of hope that both parties can come together to do what's right for the people of Wisconsin." The Legislature is expected to vote on the package Wednesday.

Published on 05/11/2026 under Sports Quiet Bats Haunt Hatchet Baseball in Loss to Medford Tomahawk baseball's struggles would continue Monday at Tyler Kahle Memorial Field, losing to Great Northern Conference foe Medford, 8-2. The Hatchets would allow two runs in four of the seven innings on the mound and three of the runs allowed were unearned. The lone two runs from Tomahawk came in the bottom of the sixth on a two-run home run by Sophomore Cash Olsen, his third of the season and second in as many games. After trimming the lead to four, the sixth inning would end on a double play flyout by catcher Colin Black. The loss puts Tomahawk at 5-9 on the season and 4-7 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the diamond Thursday night going for the season sweep of the Merrill Blue Jays. First pitch is at 5:00. A Stroke of Luck Gives Tomahawk Golf 2nd in Medford The Hatchet golfers had their highest Great Northern Conference meet finish at Black River Golf Course in Medford Monday, placing second overall. Tomahawk would finish one stroke ahead of third-place Mosinee and 14 strokes behind first-place Lakeland. The top Hatchet Golfer was Jake Albert, who placed fourth overall with a 78. Oliver Childers rounded out the top ten with an 85. The third-lowest golfer was Jaxon Kaiser with an 88. The Hatchets are back on the course Wednesday at the Northwood Golf Club hosted by Rhinelander. Tee-off is at 11:30 AM.

Published on 05/11/2026 under News Students in the Tomahawk High School Building Trades program spent their spring semester turning classroom lessons into a project designed to benefit local families. The students recently completed construction of a custom toddler playhouse for Nokomis Park. Instructor Andy Peissig said the project gave students hands-on experience in carpentry, design and construction, with students handling every stage of the build from reading blueprints and measuring materials to framing and finishing the structure. Peissig said the project helped students strengthen teamwork, problem-solving and project management skills while also giving them a chance to give back to the community. The students learned the importance of community involvement and how their abilities can make a real difference. He said, "Knowing that younger children will be able to enjoy something they built has given students a strong sense of pride and ownership in their work." Peissig added, "We are proud of the dedication and effort these students demonstrated, and we're excited for the community to enjoy the finished playhouse at Nokomis Park."

Published on 05/11/2026 under News For more than a decade now, the Ties That Bind Us has provided a cancer support network here in the Tomahawk Community. Their latest effort is aimed at expanding access to breast cancer screenings. The Ties That Bind Us recently made a $10,000 donation to Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital to support mammogram screenings for uninsured or underinsured patients, helping reduce financial barriers to early breast cancer detection. Carla Gerstenberger, president of Ties That Bind Us of Tomahawk, said the organization is proud to partner with Aspirus to help improve access to screenings and support better outcomes for local patients. According to the news release, demand for 3D mammography at the Tomahawk hospital screenings has increased significantly this year following the addition of updated imaging technology, including Genius AI-assisted mammography. Courtney Oberg, RT Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital, said mammograms remain one of the most important tools for detecting breast cancer early, and the donation will help more women access that care.

Published on 05/11/2026 under News Over the past decade, the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation has awarded more than a half million dollars in grants to first responders across their service footprint. They're currently accepting applications for the next round of recipients. Each summer, the WPS Foundation presents Rewarding Responder grants to help agencies purchase lifesaving equipment and fund training for first responders across Northern Wisconsin. Over the years local grants have gone to law enforcement, fire, rescue, and emergency medical. These agencies have used funding for items such as coldwater rescue gear, thermal imaging, drones, and AED units. In recent years, the Foundation increased the annual funding pool to $75,000. Dating back to 2014, the Foundation has awarded nearly $700,000 to 220 public safety agencies across the Northwoods and the Fox Valley. The application period is currently open, and recipients will be announced this summer.

+ Read More