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.
A knife-wielding man and his father were both charged with weapons offenses after an overnight standoff on Preakness Avenue, Wayne PD said.
Some New Jersey students woke up to a surprise snow day Friday, and a winter weather advisory was extended for three counties until 4 p.m.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today in the Garden State.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today across New York City.
Dr. Toback has had the longest tenure of any superintendent in the district's history, said Board of Education president Don Pavlak.
This school offers water safety and swim lessons to children beginning at 4 months old.
The fire burned several acres in High Mountain Park Preserve, police said.
A person is reportedly in custody after a 12-hour standoff along Preakness Avenue.
Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to highlight what people are grateful for this November.
Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to highlight what people are grateful for this November.
Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to highlight what people are grateful for this November.
Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to highlight what people are grateful for this November.
Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to highlight what people are grateful for this November.
Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to highlight what people are grateful for this November.
Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to highlight what people are grateful for this November.
Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to highlight what people are grateful for this November.
Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to highlight what people are grateful for this November.
Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to highlight what people are grateful for this November.
Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to highlight what people are grateful for this November.
Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to highlight what people are grateful for this November.