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.
A 31-year-old man faces attempted murder, aggravated assault, and assault by auto charges after the June 14 crash along Hamburg Turnpike.
Hundreds of law enforcement officers across the state were cited for major disciplinary cases in 2023. Here's where to see the list:
No U.S. foil fencing team had ever won Olympic gold before Thursday, when Jackie Dubrovich and her teammates took top place on the podium.
Catch up with the news making headlines today in New York City.
Catch up with the news making headlines today in the Garden State.
Rutgers University Police said the burglary was reported Wednesday evening at the Sigma Chi house, which is on the College Avenue campus.
Officials said the plane made an emergency landing because of the 26-year-old's behavior, which also included harassing the flight crew.
Wayne Township residents can safely dispose of confidential papers at this upcoming shredding event - see more details below.
The woman was wearing a bathing suit when her body was located on Thursday morning, police said.
The men ran a years-long scheme to take advantage of investors and encouraged them to put money into phony companies, said authorities.
Catch up with the news making headlines today in New York City.
Catch up with the news making headlines today in the Garden State.
William Paterson will match the Consulate of Mexico's grant, providing scholarships for students from Mexico and those of Mexican descent.
The redeveloper changed the proposed height of a mixed-use building they want to build on Spring Street, from 30 stories down to 27.
Greetings from Asbury Park! Wonder Bar was one of two New Jersey venues on the 2024 "Bars of the Year" list.
A man who stole packages from a resident's front porch Tuesday had the vest in his car along with the missing deliveries, said police.
If you're trying to beat the Wolfpack on the football field, this letter-writer says it'll take "everything you’ve got, and more."
Monday was the deadline for all candidates to submit their petitions to run for school board. Take a look at who is running locally:
Monday was the deadline for all candidates to submit their petitions to run for school board. Take a look at who is running locally:
The district will buy class supplies for this upcoming year, school officials said — allowing local families to save some money.
