Give me a holler with story ideas, suggestions, or questions: michelle.rotuno-johnson@patch.com. You'll see my bylines in NJ and PA, and occasionally other places on Patch. I live in southern Ohio currently.
I "began" my journalism career at the age of six when I decided to produce a paper for my neighbors with looseleaf paper, a pencil, and some very amateur drawing skills. Now, I am a general assignment editor for Patch with our NJ/PA team, providing local news coverage to our readers in the region. I really enjoy covering local news and working with other Patch journalists.
My work has appeared in newspapers, on TV stations, and for a radio station as well as on digital platforms. I have undergraduate degrees in journalism and religion from Ohio Wesleyan University, and a double Master's degree in journalism and mass communication from Ohio University and the University of Leipzig in Germany. In 2014, I wrote a local history book on the Marion Popcorn Festival, which takes place every fall in Marion, OH.
When I'm not "doing the news," I am usually thinking about Star Wars, The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss, or soccer. I am a big fan of Chelsea Football Club, both the men's and women's teams. I have a dog named Sprout and two cats, Scoops and Bast.
Officials said a woman ran up to a couple with a stroller and tried to stab their twins on Saturday afternoon in Rittenhouse Square.
Check out how and when to watch live as runners take on the 2024 Boston Marathon 26.2 mile race on Monday.
Check out how and when to watch live local as runners take on the 2024 Boston Marathon 26.2 mile race on Monday.
James Van Der Beek will address graduates at the Morris County university which he dropped out of to take the lead role in the teen drama.
The township has held fundraisers for the July 4 fireworks in the past; officials said they need to raise $10,000 to secure the 2024 show.
Authorities said the driver fled after running into a 58-year-old woman on Wednesday night. The woman died Friday afternoon.
Bernie Williams, also a Latin Grammy-nominated artist, will be honored along with alumna Valerie Paverd, a business technology attorney.
Check out what's going on- including a classic musical and a new kids' favorite both on stage, and a Morris Canal Greenway presentation.
State police said a North Jersey man lost control of his car early Friday, and hit a guardrail before colliding with the dump truck.
Organizers apologized for any inconvenience, and said to stay tuned for updates on future shred events.
Passaic County has been working on reconstructing this intersection since spring of 2022, and there will be some closures Monday.
The town water department begins its annual hydrant inspection and flushing program on April 14, and it is expected to run until May 25.
The 24-year-old was transported to a local hospital, where medical staff pronounced him dead.
A report said one of the school buses rear-ended the other bus as they stopped for the two other cars.
Residents of any community can stop by one of the giveaways and pick up five young trees to plant in their neighborhood.
The $89 million proposed budget does include another property tax increase, about $72 per year for a home assessed at the township average.
The dog did not have a collar and was not neutered, police said. Officers are searching for the people who abandoned him.
NJ's Nefesh Mountain Band will perform for the children's concert and welcoming of Shabbat at the Morristown Jewish Center. All are welcome.
This year's six bands span genres, from country to disco to music of the British Invasion. Check out the schedule below:
The Community Tree Recovery program has given out more than 800,000 tree seedlings to New Jersey residents. See where to get some this year:
