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 appointments include two principals, a technology director, assistant principals of athletics at the high schools, and other positions.
Officials said ANCHOR payments will go out on a rolling basis this year, beginning in mid-October. See if you'll get one automatically:
All fares will be waived across the NJ Transit network for one week as a "thank you" for transit customers' loyalty, the governor said.
Officials said the fatal crash happened Tuesday morning, as a state trooper was following an SUV driver in Warren County.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today across New York City.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today in the Garden State.
Officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert just after 2 a.m. Wednesday and found the man wounded on the sidewalk, according to authorities.
This year's County Fair runs from Aug. 15 through Aug. 18, with live music every night and fireworks on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
More than two dozen states are reporting “very high” levels and another 17 report “high” levels of wastewater viral activity, data shows.
More than two dozen states are reporting “very high” levels and another 17 report “high” levels of wastewater viral activity, data shows.
More than two dozen states are reporting “very high” levels and another 17 report “high” levels of wastewater viral activity, data shows.
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.
Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers, and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated.
The police force currently consists of 126 sworn officers in three divisions (Patrol, Investigative, and Operations).
The NJ Department of Education announced its 2024/25 County Teachers of the Year, showcasing standout educators. Here's the list:
Catch up with the stories making headlines today across the five boroughs.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today across the Garden State.
Here are some of the important 2024-25 school year dates to get on the calendar, with a week to go before students head back.
