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.
The fair takes place at the end of July, and the schedule is jam-packed with demonstrations, shows, contests, and plenty else to see and do.
The man charged with murdering Amanda Pulver in her family home was a "former friend," her brother told Patch. See how to help the family:
The grant would help pay for additional police patrols and other preventative efforts to crack down on these unsanctioned gatherings.
Retired Sgt. Brendan Briscoe, a "true Morristown guy," is survived by his twin children. A wake is planned for Friday, and funeral Saturday.
Want to get out in nature this month? Check out what's going on at Schiff, also including singing bowl meditations and programs for kids.
District officials outlined six potential goals for Wayne Public Schools in the 2024/25 school year, as they prepare for the future ahead.
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 man is accused of stabbing another person, and police believe him to still be traveling on foot near the farm in Warren County.
Officials said the woman did not get the proper authorization to ship the component, which was controlled for anti-terrorism reasons.
The fire also damaged the roof, officials said. There were no injuries reported, and the restaurant will be closed until further notice.
This county project is expected to take a few weeks and the detour is subject to change, police said; drivers are asked to plan ahead.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Wayne.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Morristown.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Mendham and Chester.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Morris Township and Morris Plains.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Long Valley.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around the Chathams.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Madison.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Parsippany.