Champion Media LLC has announced that Thief River Falls Times reporter April Scheinoha has been promoted to editor of the Thief River Falls Times, Northern Watch and Crookston Watch. Scheinoha has worked at The Times as a reporter since 2002. She succeeds Dave Hill, who retired Friday, Feb. 28.
“I’m excited to turn the page to this new chapter of my career,” said Scheinoha. “I look forward to heralding our continuing coverage of Thief River Falls and the surrounding area.”
For nearly 23 years, Scheinoha has covered news and features at the Times. Her beats are government and crime. While she anticipates some changes as she acclimates to her new position, she will continue to build on the rich history of The Times, Northern Watch and the recently-formed Crookston Watch.
“I will have some huge shoes to fill, but I had a great mentor, Dave Hill, to prepare me for this position,” Scheinoha said.
To the best of The Times’ knowledge, Scheinoha is the second female to serve as an editor of a Thief River Falls newspaper. The late Bernice (Berge) Lafrenz served as city editor for the Thief River Falls Forum in the 1930s.
Scheinoha began honing her interview skills, armed with a light green steno pad, as a third grader on her elementary school playground in southeastern Wisconsin. She served on the staffs of her high school and college newspapers. Scheinoha holds a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee. Prior to her time at The Times, she interned at two Milwaukee television stations.
Scheinoha lives in Thief River Falls with her husband, Scott, and their son.