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.
Boar's Head recalled 7 million pounds of meat amid a nationwide listeria outbreak that has now killed 9 people and hospitalized dozens.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today in the Garden State.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today across New York City.
More than 2 million residents will get packets in the mail, with information on how to apply for ANCHOR for the first time this year.
Bus, light rail, and train riders will not have to purchase or present any tickets to travel with NJ Transit through Labor Day. Here's why:
All are welcome to enter their car, truck, or motorcycle for the show. The community event also features food, a DJ, prizes, and other fun.
Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers, and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated.
Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers, and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated.
Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers, and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today in the Garden State.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today across New York City.
Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers, and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated.
Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers, and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated.
Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers, and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated.
Three Passaic County officers faced charges in the beating, which authorities say stemmed from the inmate spraying urine at another C.O.
Forecasters expect a lot of stormy weather in September, as the Atlantic hurricane season nears its peak.
Forecasters expect a lot of stormy weather in September, as the Atlantic hurricane season nears its peak.
The Community Emergency Response Team is looking for volunteers, and you may sign up for an upcoming training course to get certified.
The vaccines, which will be available soon, are designed to target recent COVID strains that have contributed to a summer surge nationwide.
The vaccines, which will be available soon, are designed to target recent COVID strains that have contributed to a summer surge nationwide.
