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.
All three people reportedly gave police fake identification information after being arrested, and are suspected in recent store thefts.
The woman was airlifted to a nearby hospital, after police said she started up the truck and it hit her in the driveway.
Police ask residents to call if they see any suspicious people or vehicles in their neighborhood amid a rise in burglaries.
On average, Garden State property owners paid about $300 more in taxes in 2023 than in the previous year.
Two Wayne organizations have been working with Animal Control to remove the cats, ranging in age from kittens to seniors, from the home.
Students coming into first grade from another kindergarten program should register now, as well.
The Parsippany Library partnered with Boonton-based Brandon's Heart and Sole to provide socks to those in need this winter season.
On-site interviews will take place for a variety of positions around the school district, including in special education.
Police asked drivers for their patience, and said to plan for closures and detours to be in place until 5 p.m.
Two dead dogs were found on the Sussex County property, according to police and the ASPCA. The owners have been charged with animal cruelty.
Cops said the owner of a Morris County clothing store had 1,900 videos and images stored from a hidden camera in the employee bathroom.
Meet friendly pups, sip hot chocolate, and more at this mid-winter community celebration, hosted by the Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force.
Judges and volunteers are still sought for the free, family-friendly day of science and discovery coming up on March 16.
One lane of Route 46 will be closed in both directions in Wayne and Fairfield townships as construction continues.
Take a look at some of the recent crime reports from police, including stolen landscaping lights and more auto burglaries.
Police said they found evidence the 54-year-old was manufacturing firearm silencers, and seized 17 rifles and handguns from his home.
Officials said the sexual conduct happened within school grounds, at a private residence, and in several unknown locations in North Jersey.
Police found dozens of assault firearms and handguns in a search of a 33-year-old man's home, barbershop, and vehicle, said officials.
This opportunity is open to parents and guardians interested in enrolling their children in the Preakness ECC next school year.
The man admitted to sexually assaulting the child, who was under the age of 13 at the time, multiple times at the victim's home.
