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.
Forecasters say to expect frigid conditions for the next few days despite the sunshine, with wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour possible.
The vehicle was in danger of tipping over and first responders had to work together to stabilize it, officials said.
The teen was just days away from graduating and planned to enlist in the Marine Corps, his family said.
A judge rejected New Jersey's efforts to halt the new toll, and the $9 fee for most vehicles to enter Manhattan began Sunday.
Snow may linger into the evening as totals reach 8 inches in some parts of the state, forecasters said.
A witness called police Sunday night after going to check on the person and finding them unresponsive, officials said.
The office will reopen Tuesday afternoon by appointment only, officials said.
Wayne Township Council will elect a president for this year and make board appointments, as the mayor delivers his annual township address.
NJ districts recognize teachers and service professionals who go "above and beyond" at their schools through this program.
SWAT team members and Wayne PD officers negotiated with the man for several hours Thursday before breaking in and arresting him.
Local officials argued that AG Matthew Platkin overstepped his boundaries when he took control of the department in March 2023.
The 29-year-old was also charged with assault twice last year after confrontations with men whom he said were drunk on the town's streets.
Some snow is expected in North Jersey, with cold and blustery conditions all weekend. Here's what to expect:
The statewide minimum wage will increase to $15.49 per hour, with different rates for small business employees and farm workers.
This has been the deadliest year for pedestrians on New Jersey roads since 1988, according to state police data.
These new bans near critical infrastructure are in addition to dozens of drone flight restrictions already active in the Garden State.
Members also voted on the president and vice-president to lead the board in this new year.
Officials have not yet released the name of the 50-year-old woman who died; another resident was hospitalized in critical condition.
Parents and families across the state are celebrating these bundles of joy born on New Year's Day, with one arriving right at midnight.
The state senator said he was flown to a New York hospital specializing in snakebites, after being bitten at his family's zoo.
