Bob Heisse, executive editor of River Valley Media Group in La Crosse, has donated $50,000 to endow a journalism scholarship for students at his alma mater, Pennsylvania State University. A Pennsylvania native, Heisse earned his bachelor’s degree from the school after receiving a scholarship himself as an undergraduate — something that helped inspire him to give back.

Heisse has led the River Valley Media Group newsrooms since September, when he succeeded Rusty Cunningham, who retired after more than 40 years with Lee Enterprises. Prior to his move to La Crosse, he served as executive editor of the Kenosha News.

Angie Maag, a southwestern Wisconsin native, has joined The Monroe Times as a reporter.

She earned her degree last month from UW-Madison, where she triple-majored in communication arts, psychology and journalism. While in college, Maag wrote for Bell Magazine, a student publication with a focus on equality and marginalized communities and genders. She also served as a reporter for Sconnie Sports Talk, writing about Wisconsin Badgers men’s hockey, tennis and other sports.

The Press Times has added staff writer Lea Kopke to its newsroom.

Last year, Kopke, a senior at UW-Eau Claire, served as an intern for the newspaper and was the managing editor of The Spectator student newspaper. Her current position as staff writer is funded by the Microsoft Journalism Initiative.

Adams Publishing Group has named Randy Rickman regional president for APG Media of Southern Minnesota.

Rickman previously served as APG’s regional president for northern Wisconsin and publisher of the (Eau Claire) Leader-Telegram. He also was a member of the WNA Board of Directors. Prior to joining APG and the Leader-Telegram, Rickman served as publisher of the Kenosha News from June 2016 to November 2018.

Jeff Patterson, APG Central Division president and WNA Board member, will take over as regional president for APG's northern Wisconsin group.