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 was crushed by a baling machine while on the job Tuesday, officials said. Local police and OSHA are investigating his death.
The highest-paid teachers in the state made close to $120,000, while teachers at the district with the lowest pay made a median of $50,235.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today in the Garden State.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today across New York City.
The star of the new film "Red One" is also promoting his new men's skincare line at Target.
Employees "acted quickly to protect students," Wayne PD said in a short statement.
As the state continues sending out property tax rebates, a number of New Jersey residents are being asked not to cash their checks.
The 19-year-old aide faces a child abuse charge after injuring a two-year-old at a Montessori school, officials said.
Hundreds of people in NJ and around the eastern U.S. saw a fireball streaking through the sky Monday, with some reporting a greenish glow.
Hundreds of people in PA and around the eastern U.S. saw a fireball streaking through the sky Monday, with some reporting a greenish glow.
Two people took themselves to the hospital after an early-morning shooting, and officials say the driver crashed into a hospital.
The Jennings Creek Wildfire is still threatening several homes and historic buildings, as firefighters contended with windy conditions.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today across New York City.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today in the Garden State.
Two of these New Jersey counties saw a more than 9 percent increase in typical home values from 2023 to 2024, Zillow data shows.
The center would offer social services, physical therapy, nutrition counseling, and other resources to senior citizens, the report said.
A 71-year-old was also taken to the hospital after a shooting Friday evening, said officials.
Officials said the 5,000-acre fire, which claimed the life of an 18-year-old firefighter, is now 20 percent contained across NJ and NY.
The blaze has reached 3,000 acres and claimed the life of an 18-year-old firefighter. Crews will continue fighting it throughout the week.
The new store is the fourth Amazon Fresh store to open in New Jersey, with three locations having opened this year.
