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.
People can begin pre-applying to live the six-story complex in the old Lanidex office park; townhomes also are being built nearby.
If you are just getting started with Medicare or looking to learn more about coverage, there is a seminar Tuesday at Wayne Public Library.
Crews begin milling work on Bliss Road and Pleasant Valley Road on Monday, with the project expected to continue through the week.
The NJ Department of Transportation plans to construct a temporary two-lane bridge within the next six weeks.
The driver of an SUV hit the pedestrian along Route 46 on Thursday night, authorities said. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Looking for something fun to do around Morris? We have a few ideas, also including a car show and a "killer" musical ending its run Sunday:
More than $90,000 has been raised for the family of Lucy Morgan, after she was fatally injured by a piece of a badminton racquet.
More than 75 authors, poets, and scholars will share ideas and inspiration. Kids can also practice reading out-loud with some friendly dogs.
Data for the "Hottest ZIP Codes" shows where buyer demand is concentrated around the U.S. See the 15 hottest markets in NJ right now:
The detective, who is also the department's Humane Law Enforcement Officer, grabbed a cloth to help the turtle cross the road safely.
The Historical Preservation Committee is sponsoring two free festivals this year to celebrate the milestone, and the first is on June 8.
The shooting last October fatally injured a man from Morris County; a 19-year-old now faces murder charges, officials said.
NJ101.5 morning drive host Bill Spadea will moderate the roundtable on "redevelopment challenges" with Parsippany's mayor and four others.
Food, drinks, and bait will be provided at the Chester PBA's annual event.
Police officers began to evacuate guests as smoke began filling the first-floor halls, according to one of the responding fire companies.
Founded in 1988, this tribute show replicates the vision and sound from every phase of Pink Floyd's journey. They'll perform on June 19.
The mayor said a new through-lane has been put in place to allow better access to some businesses, though most traffic is being detoured.
Officers in Florham Park said they have stopped several drivers recently who were traveling at excessive speeds.
Foodies can mark their calendars for celebrations at Shaka Kitchen, Sweetgreen, and Caffe India in the coming weeks.
The mayor said Jefferson Township has requested State Police to help direct traffic, as a small bridge over the Rockaway River has closed.
