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.
Live re-enactments, 18th-century games, and much more will greet visitors at Dey Mansion Washington's Headquarters on Saturday and Sunday.
There’s a chance it could be the last time we “spring forward,” as President Trump is on record saying he and Republicans will end DST.
There’s a chance it could be the last time we “spring forward,” as President Trump is on record saying he and Republicans will end DST.
Police said they believe the robbery victims were "targeted and followed from Manhattan." Neighbors saw it happen Saturday morning:
Here's what to know as health officials monitor outbreaks of the highly-contagious disease in other states.
Legislators are demanding more answers about why the NJ Turnpike Authority chose a company with parent offices in Singapore.
An emergency room patient in North Jersey was recently confirmed to have measles, as outbreaks have been reported in other states.
The "serious brain complication" has gone mostly unreported; a New Jersey doctor said there has been a case confirmed in the state.
Dylan went all the way to the Elks Hoop Shoot national championship last year, and has his sights set on returning. Regionals are up first.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today in the Garden State.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today across New York City.
Owner Rob Corujo said he wasn't there when Dave Portnoy stopped by last week, and "couldn't sleep" until the review came out on Wednesday.
President Trump said he likes the idea of giving $5,000 back to taxpayers as a "DOGE Dividend" from Elon Musk's department.
President Trump said he likes the idea of giving $5,000 back to taxpayers as a "DOGE Dividend" from Elon Musk's department.
If you've been waiting to update your ID to comply with new federal standards, you may struggle to get an appointment before May's deadline.
The USDA issued a conditional license for a vaccine designed to protect chickens from the virus.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today across New York City.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today in the Garden State.
Recently-promoted Chief Joe Rooney said the 125 men and women of the Wayne Township Police Department were "the finest" in the state.
Township officials and the local Muslim community will celebrate Ramadan with a lantern lighting, music, food, and prizes.
