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.
The man and woman are accused of keeping the woman against her will for two days, and forcing her to withdraw money at a nearby store.
There was measurable snowfall recorded in 19 of the state's 21 counties after Sunday's storm. Check the totals here:
The 16-month-old child was treated for a fractured skull, officials said.
The weekend kicks off Saturday with a fireworks show at one of the President-elect's golf clubs, with inauguration to follow on Monday.
Authorities say the 31-year-old, who remains hospitalized, exchanged gunfire with officers in a wooded area Monday.
As of Jan. 9, there are 233 businesses on the state's WALL, or Workplace Accountability in Labor List.
The board is anticipating to name the district's next superintendent by May 1.
Four vehicles were involved in the crash along I-287 on Thursday afternoon, state police said.
Volunteers will connect with people in need, and gather information to help local organizations improve resources and services.
The SUV is reportedly still stuck in the road, but officials were able to rescue the driver with an aerial tower truck.
The man told officers he dropped his vape and accidentally turned on his camera while reaching down; he faces an invasion of privacy charge.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today across New York City.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today in the Garden State.
The National Park Service waives admission at national parks on MLK Day, and several have volunteer service projects honoring King’s legacy.
The German grocer would have been the borough's first dedicated grocery store in more than 40 years.
Health experts are warning that there's a "high" level of three respiratory illness circulating in New Jersey.
The single mother of a teenager with autism shares the challenges she’s faced navigating the system of care, and where she's found support.
Slippery spots could develop for the evening commute, the National Weather Service said.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today across New York City.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today in the Garden State.
