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.
Jerry McMinn volunteered with the Pompton Lakes First Aid Squad for almost 70 years, and owned a popular ice cream shop with his brother.
Letters and checks will soon be in the proverbial and actual mail as New Jersey's property tax relief program kicks off for 2024.
A man has been charged in the July 2023 overdose death of a North Jersey resident who was an athlete, Eagle Scout, and swim coach.
Blink Fitness, which has monthly memberships starting at $15, said it will close 10 percent of its gyms. Blink has 15 locations in NJ.
A grand jury charged the 38-year-old with "multiple acts of domestic violence," officials said. He has been placed on administrative leave.
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 like Mary Larkin, and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today across the five boroughs.
Catch up with the stories making headlines today across the Garden State.
Parents said a new $365 subscription fee "creates unnecessary financial strain on families" after the district announced the change Friday.
Travelers who normally show their driver's license or state ID when going through airport security will have to get a new card by next May.
Travelers who normally show their driver's license or state ID when going through airport security will have to get a new card by next May.
If you're looking for a home and don't want to spend a small fortune — say, $1.6M to $3.7M — you may want to skip over these neighborhoods.
The effective date is Nov. 1; officials have said they're aiming to hire employees back to help run programs at the future community center.
Travelers who normally show their driver's license or state ID when going through airport security will have to get a new card by next May.
Authorities did not list any suspect information or identify the victim in an initial statement, as the investigation is ongoing.
Officers arrived at the hospital after a 911 caller said an unknown person threw something at her mother, which disoriented her.
The Whoo Consigns fall sale is coming up, and you can register to shop early and get the best deals on kids' clothes, toys, and accessories.
