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.
Anthony J. Garvin faces charges of murder, aggravated assault, and animal cruelty in the June slaying of Amanda Pulver and her dog, Dunkin'.
Federal officials said the pair worked with a doctor to prescribe thousands of oxycodone pills to people, whom the doctor never examined.
Officials say the 32-year-old Tennessee resident "performed multiple sexual acts" with a child in Morris County; he faces multiple charges.
The man, 64, sustained serious injuries after his motorcycle collided with a tree on a Sussex County roadway, and he was ejected.
After some parents questioned the wording of a middle school quiz question, others are questioning why the superintendent apologized at all.
A "reckless" post about the assassination attempt against Trump "does not reflect the views of our municipal government," said officials.
NYC-based Il Laboratorio del Gelato (The Ice Cream Laboratory) has a rotating selection of 300+ flavors - including vegan sorbets.
This popular event, held by the Washington Township Green Team, features local groups who focus on eco-consciousness and sustainability.
Morgan Pearson is the fifth athlete with Morris County ties to make it to the Paris Olympics; he won a silver medal in the 2020 Olympics.
Officials charged the man with aggravated assault and other crimes, after he was reportedly smashing windshields in a diner parking lot.
Chief John Camoia started as a patrolman in 1993, and has served as head of Mendham Borough Police for the past six years, officials said.
This free community event will include police and emergency services displays and demonstrations, games, food, activities and more.
15-year-old Giovanni DiDomenico began a "Shop Morris County" movement last year, and his efforts to support area businesses keep expanding.
Morristown Medical Center was nationally-ranked in four specialties, and listed as the second-best hospital in New Jersey.
Officials said the Passaic man struck a car near the Weehawken waterfront, then hit several pedestrians. Three people had serious injuries.
See which items are in short supply at Wayne’s Interfaith Network food pantry, and how you can help.
The property previously known as the Playboy Club Hotel and the Legends Resort will become an internationally-branded hotel and "super spa."
Officials said six New Jersey housing providers failed to properly accommodate emotional support animals for residents with disabilities.
Plus, the Farmers Market will be set up beginning at 3:30 p.m., and there will be food trucks for you to grab dinner before the show.
The senior senator did not testify over the nine-week trial. The jury convicted Menendez and two New Jersey businessmen on all counts.
