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.
Ben, a 13-year-old on the road to recovery from a brain tumor, was joined on the court by his family and the Rutgers Scarlet Knight mascot.
Members of the public will have the chance to meet actress Natalie Cortez following the performance of "A Chorus Line" on March 28.
Officials charged the man, who is now 77, at the time of the stabbing and have now arrested him after learning he was back in Passaic.
More than 30 businesses are expected to offer deals and special menus during "the most delicious week of the year," organizers said.
After a debilitating stroke, the founder of Morris County-based POWER CHANGES LIVES is determined to keep serving those in need around NJ.
The three malnourished pups are about eight weeks old, said one of the groups now involved with their care.
This eye-catching home, built in the early 1900s, features eight bedrooms and four full bathrooms.
The 52-year-old academy owner admitted to a lesser charge after originally being charged with aggravated sexual assault, officials said.
Officials updated drivers on the partial closure after an earlier utility issue, and said there is a detour in place.
The County Health Rankings show how Passaic compares on measures like adult obesity, smoking and drinking, childhood poverty, and education.
The County Health Rankings show how Morris compares on measures like adult obesity, smoking and drinking, childhood poverty, and education.
A former Mercer County resident faces 29 federal charges in "a litany of fraud schemes," officials said.
The fitness studio will kick off a grand opening weekend in April with vendors and refreshments, and classes are already in full swing.
Applicants have until April 12 to apply, and the position begins in July.
The revised calendar also includes a day off of school and an early release day for students.
The university said it distributed $1.6 million in donor scholarships for 2023-24, the most ever in one academic year.
Officials said that crash rates on this stretch of the interstate exceed statewide averages, as they plan a massive reconstruction project.
Officials said a man and his co-conspirators offered fake debt relief services to small businesses, and gambled the victims' money away.
Officials said the van crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a Capital Health shuttle bus.
FOWA Rescue is having a special adoption event for Easter, and making sure each furry friend goes home with toys and other goodies.
