Long known as the editor of The Fountain Hills Times, Mike Scharnow has been one of the Town's influential people. He joined The Times staff in 1983 as a reporter and was promoted to editor in 1994. His writing and reporting in stories, columns and editorials have had an impact on life in the Hills. Under his direction, the newspaper's editorial staff has earned numerous awards in the Arizona Newspapers Association's annual Better Newspapers Contest. In 2005, he received a second place in the National Newspaper Association's annual competition in the humorous column category.
      Two years later, he received the first place plaque in the same category. Devoted to his church and community, he has contributed many hours of public service to improve the town. He was the original chairman of the Town Parks & Recreation Commission guiding the original process of creating a parks system that eventually won several state honors. He has served on the board of the Noon Kiwanis Club and helped found the Fountain Hills Soccer Club.
      He was also one of the organizers and first vice president of the Fountain Hills Men's Softball League and served as a coach with the Fountain Hills Little League, Soccer Club and youth basketball. He has served as an elder at Christ's Church. He also serves on the Fountain Hills Sister Cities Corporation board of directors. Outside of the community, he was honored as the Valley Big Brother of the Year in the late 1980s.