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.
Also in today's news: Veteran stalked Army members, feds charge; man convicted in repeated rape of children; iconic beer billboard returns.
Also in today's news: Baby found to have ingested cocaine; NJ groundhog will also make Super Bowl prediction; hack may have exposed SSNs.
Police shared footage of the officers pulling the man, who had experienced a medical episode, back onto the platform as a train approached.
The museum is preparing for a "full year of festivities," beginning this fall with a birthday bash and special exhibits and programs.
New Jersey officials charged two people after determining an infant had ingested cocaine earlier this week, including a Brooklyn resident.
Police said the victim had multiple gunshots to his body, and are searching for suspects.
The 68-year-old victim was trying to cross the street in the crosswalk when he was hit by an impaired minivan driver Wednesday, per police.
Officials accused the 20-year-old of being involved in a number of crimes, involving the perpetrators assaulting or shooting at the victims.
Officials are seeking a man accused of sexually assaulting an employee at a South Philadelphia Walmart.
Also in today's news: 86-year-old woman dies in house fire; arrests in illegal smoke shop raids.
The organizers of NJ's popular Groundhog Day said the event stands canceled, as they haven’t been able to find a replacement rodent.
"I have to pee," the woman allegedly said before pulling her pants down on the flight, authorities said.
Officials are searching for a teen seen leaving Archbishop Carroll High School on Friday, and said she got a ride into Philly on Monday.
A number of additional regional and local detours will also be in place in the vicinity of the work area.
The former Amazon driver charged with shooting another driver in 2022 has pleaded guilty to one of the charges against him.
Appointments are limited for these mammogram screenings, which help detect breast cancer.
Check out where else the kids and grandkids can play, as Veterans Park is closed for maintenance:
The bullet hit the officer's ballistics vest and ricocheted into his hand, authorities added.
Also in today's news: Club promoter sentenced for violent rapes; "Wonder" restaurant prepares for opening; man charged in Midtown rampage.
Also in today's news: new details in fatal police shooting, plus cops arrest woman for starting a fire in police station.
