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.
DJ Arjun will mix Bollywood music with Top 40 hits, and several local organizations will join in with dance, food, and henna designs.
Heat and humidity continue into Wednesday with an added risk of thunderstorms and flash flooding, forecasters said.
Get your fill of chowder, raw clams, and steamers (and plenty of other food, too) at the 54th annual Brookside Engine Co. Family Clambake.
Paving is causing traffic delays around a South Street intersection, officials said.
The town planning board approved a proposal in 2019 for a major overhaul of the 39-acre site, with residential units also planned nearby.
Crews will be out Tuesday in parts of Lake Parsippany, including along Route 202, to restore water service to customers.
Students from Morris, Essex, and Passaic Co. can apply for a service academy nomination from NJ-11 Rep. Sherill, who is a U.S. Navy veteran.
There is also some road construction on both U.S. 46 and I-80 in the area.
Vincent Dransfield served as a volunteer firefighter for more than 85 years in the same North Jersey community.
The detour on North Beverwyck Road in Lake Hiawatha has been changed to accommodate southbound traffic, police said.
21-year-old John Tolkin, aka "JMi," is one of two Garden State natives on the Team USA men's soccer roster, which was announced Monday.
Three other officers escorted Cpl. Steckel and his family around town as part of a 75-mile walk, which raised money to fight drug addiction.
Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers, and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated.
Already dreaming of crisp fall days and pumpkin-flavored goodies? Here is when this year's Fall Festival takes place:
The 50-year-old was reportedly "screaming profanities and making profane gestures to patrons" before police arrived; he has been charged.
All are invited to come support local artisans and enjoy the community atmosphere.
State Police said the 61-year-old fell off a paddleboard on Friday evening; his body was recovered Sunday.
The grant from the National Science Foundation will also aid in establishing a new Data Science Institute at CCM, the college said.
Looking to get out of the house this weekend? Here are a few (not fireworks-related) ideas that we hope you might enjoy.
The man believed a fan expo in Morris County "was a prime setting for human traffickers to engage children and adults," a report said.
