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.
A beach barbecue, arts and crafts, music, resources, and more are on deck for Mendham Township's 4th annual LGBTQ Pride Event. More details:
A man and a woman face charges including conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
Town Council decided not to renew the license of an in-progress cannabis retailer, in a meeting where they also approved the 2024 budget.
Recently-retired law enforcement officers may apply for this job, which starts next school year.
Police said the suspect was likely using a Wi-Fi jammer, as the resident's camera system and phone lost service when he tried to use them.
Health product and pharmaceutical manufacturers in Parsippany, Whippany, and East Hanover have posted layoff notices in the last two months.
Officials said he gave his patients Xanax, Oxycodone, Oxycontin, and other drugs "without a legitimate medical purpose."
Authorities say an on-duty police sergeant collided with a civilian car that morning, causing fatal injuries to Deanna D'Arco.
Lisa Fitzgerald is settling in back home, more than a month after a traumatic accident at the Morristown train station severed her left leg.
U.S. Marshals found the child in North Carolina with the 47-year-old, almost two weeks after he was supposed to bring her back to her mom.
The online fundraiser had a goal of $500,000 to keep the school from closing after 65 years, but had only raised $16,335 as of Saturday.
There is a timed 5K and a kids' Fun Run, which includes inflatables on the race course. Register with Dad and get a Polaroid together, too.
A special farm-to-table menu will be laid out for local families to celebrate Father's Day, and Dad can take a break from manning the grill.
A union effort is brewing at this Starbucks on Route 46. Employees are calling for higher wages, better scheduling, and more job security.
Officials charged a 21-year-old borough resident with criminal mischief after saying he tore down six LGBTQ Pride flags on Sunday morning.
“Just like the characterization of Jesus in Godspell, I want people to find joy in their faith,” she said. The show begins June 14.
Helicopters will be flying over local communities to survey power lines in the JCP&L region beginning this week, said Chester officials.
The No. 2 Colonials posted a 23-1 record this season, beating Kingsway in the Group 4 NJSIAA finals. They also won the title in 2022.
The investigation continues into the crash on Thursday night along Route 46, which left a male pedestrian fatally injured.
The 61 employees will be able to transfer to open positions at nearby Kings stores, said a spokesperson from parent company Albertson's.
