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.
Some parents raised concerns about the wording of a middle school quiz, which also drew a strong reaction from a group of educators.
This will be the membership-only retailer's 25th store in New Jersey; it's expected to open by early 2025.
Justin Musella, who has openly disagreed with Mayor James Barberio on several town issues, is expected to launch his campaign on Saturday.
Authorities charged a 33-year-old with kidnapping, carjacking, and other offenses related to the Amber Alert early Friday morning.
Now a three-time Olympian, Keturah Orji is looking to be the first American woman to medal in the triple jump event.
Authorities charged a 34-year-old Morris County man with murder and a weapons charge following a shooting Thursday morning.
Enjoy some of your favorite 90s hits with a live music performance before Parsippany's 4th of July fireworks.
Both communities have live music scheduled at local park gazebos, with bands covering hits from multiple genres and playing new favorites.
The truck's ladder can extend 107 feet in the air, and officials say it is well-equipped to handle tough terrain and challenging conditions.
Parts of Routes 23 and 46 were closed and detoured near the interchange with I-80 as crews performed emergency repairs Thursday.
One of the Wayne PD's captains has been promoted to Deputy Chief, and will take the helm from McNiff when he officially retires.
Officials responded to a reported shooting on Thursday morning, and some residents were in lockdown as they searched for a suspect.
Local towns are dealing with downed trees and power lines blocking the road, along with electricity outages. A Chatham pool has also closed:
Thousands of people were still without power Thursday evening after strong storms moved through the area.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Parsippany.
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 the Chathams.
New Jersey will sparkle in colors of red, white, and blue as communities across the state celebrate Independence Day.
As Wayne kicks off their Summer Concert Series on Wednesday, a chance of thunderstorms will move the musical performance indoors.
Divers recovered the body of a Morris County teen on Wednesday afternoon, after he went missing while swimming with friends.
