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.
Employees at a Passaic County store said the man pointed a firearm at them, demanded money, and threatened to kill them, prosecutors said.
A section of Woodland Road will be closed and detoured up to the Randolph border. Police asked drivers to avoid the area during work hours.
Several Morris County residents have gotten calls threatening arrest for missing jury duty. These calls are scams, authorities say.
The fire broke out just after 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, said firefighters. The family living in the home was able to get out safely.
Residents can help the Chester Volunteer Fire Company while having fun at the carnival, which will feature rides, games and food.
Morristown Recreation has a number of camps for kids interested in chemistry, robotics, arts and crafts, coding, inventions, and more.
Don't forget the sauce packets! This new Taco Bell took the place of a former local pub on Route 46.
A local mayor is among the Republicans running to replace NJ Sen. Bob Menendez, and Mendham Borough has a contested primary for council:
Many local grads excelled in academics, fine arts or volunteer service. Here's one graduate who deserves a shoutout in Parsippany.
Local vendors will set up shop with fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, coffee and tea, lemonade, candles, cards, and much more.
Investigators found suspected child pornography on the man's computer after receiving an anonymous tip, Morris County authorities said.
Many local grads excelled in academics, fine arts or volunteer service. Here's one graduate who deserves a shoutout in Morristown.
A woman has been accused of not giving food and water to the dog, who had reportedly been used to breed puppies and was covered in sores.
Officials said the man "stumbled into the roadway" Thursday morning on Route 206, and was hit by a passing driver.
Residents are encouraged to line Valley Road to watch the procession, as local groups march to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Hashmat Vejdani, who fled Afghanistan with his wife and children, shared his family's story with NJ Advance Media.
Banners will be placed throughout town on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, honoring local veterans and service members.
Parents are trying to raise $500,000 to help keep IHM School open, preventing families and teachers from having to choose another school.
This former Santander Bank on Route 10 has a Morris Plains mailing address, but it falls within Parsippany borders.
The shooting took place on Wednesday shortly after 5 p.m., officials said.
