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 Garden State still has a median household income of more than $99,000, according to the latest American Community Survey data.
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 aurora borealis appeared in the night sky for a number of New Jersey residents into the early morning hours Tuesday.
Dr. Lauren Kazmark steps into the assistant superintendent role for Wayne Schools, replacing Donna Reichman.
The boy's parents say that the district did nothing to address constant bullying, and that a teacher punished him by making him eat outside.
After originally saying the payments would be issued in November, Treasury officials confirmed benefits will begin arriving in mid-October.
New Jersey also ranks as the 4th most expensive state in the country for household bills, according to the latest report from doxoINSIGHTS.
A total of 108 hospitals were evaluated across 11 specialties, and this year's study includes pediatric and adolescent behavioral health.
A total of 108 hospitals were evaluated across 11 specialties, and this year's study includes pediatric and adolescent behavioral health.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today across New York City.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today in the Garden State.
Lt. Col. Christopher Carbone, an Army Reserve soldier and two-time Purple Heart recipient, will be honored as the Jets' Veteran of the Game.
A 32-year-old motorcycle rider died on Sunday afternoon after he was hit by a falling tree along Route 46, state police said.
If you need help with your ANCHOR property tax benefit application or have questions, there are in-person events scheduled through mid-Nov.
Three other lawsuits have been filed over the caffeine content of the Charged Lemonades, including one linked to another death.
Three other lawsuits have been filed over the caffeine content of the Charged Lemonades, including one linked to another death.
More than 1,300 residential units can be built on the mostly-vacant site, and a tentative plan also includes mixed-use buildings.
Ready to hit the road and view the beautiful fall colors? Check out these five scenic drives across Pennsylvania.
The festival is the nation’s largest for professional brewers and hands out some of the industry’s most sought-after accolades.
