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.
Environmental officials confirmed the presence of advisory-level Harmful Algal Blooms at the Hopatcong State Park Beach, and others nearby.
Non-residents have been coming in through unlocked doors and may be using drugs in the buildings, neighbors told the Housing Authority.
The township planning board approved a site plan for a warehouse project at Lanidex Plaza, across from the new housing development 500PARQ.
The trailer has been released for the Bob Dylan biopic "A Complete Unknown," filmed around New Jersey. Timothée Chalamet stars as Dylan.
Morris County officials are working with a local nonprofit, Prevention is Key, to expand harm reduction efforts and overdose awareness.
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.
Transportation officials are inspecting the roadway near where a fatal truck explosion took place Monday morning; closures last until 3 p.m.
Urban Air Adventure Park is bringing "the ultimate indoor playground" to a former Kmart site along Route 46.
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 new ranking from Fortune also had Morristown in the top 10 nationally.
Mark your calendars for this annual festival, which gets the season started with plenty of fall fun for the whole family.
The Wayne BOE had a public sale for this tract of land along Valley Road back in 2022 and didn't receive any bids; another buyer came forth.
Authorities said the driver "clipped" the bus before crashing into a highway barrier. The tractor-trailer caught fire and later exploded.
These top towns are sustainable for both young and old residents, and find creative ways to improve people’s well-being, study authors said.
These top towns are sustainable for both young and old residents, and find creative ways to improve people’s well-being, study authors said.
Point 5 Jersey will offer a non-alcoholic twist on popular beverages for those who are abstaining, looking to cut back, or just curious.
The volunteers of the Chester First Aid Squad are looking for new members to join as emergency medical technicians; training is provided.
