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 new memorial in Wayne will honor more than 58,000 U.S. soldiers killed in the war, including 83 Passaic County natives. See when to visit:
The "Disneyland of Dairy Stores" is (predictably) going all-out with decor for the food and wine market, including a replica of Old Barney.
Local retailers will be among thousands of local comic shops that celebrate Free Comic Book Day.
Zapp Comics will be among thousands of local comic shops that celebrate Free Comic Book Day.
Fewer than 30 percent of hospitals received an "A" in the spring 2024 Hospital Safety Grades.
The Morris School Board approved the 2024/25 budget this week. Despite a levy increase, a recent revaluation could cut taxes for homeowners:
The festival benefits the Chester First Aid Squad and Chester/Mendham Food Pantry. You'll find 20 food vendors, music, drinks, and more.
This year, the holiday dedicated to celebrating Mom is on Sunday, May 12. See which local restaurants have reservations open:
This year, the holiday dedicated to celebrating Mom is on Sunday, May 12. See which local restaurants have reservations open:
This year, the holiday dedicated to celebrating Mom is on Sunday, May 12. See which local restaurants have reservations open:
The total amount for the families of Miranda Vargas, who died at the age of 10, and Asher Majeed is more than $20 million.
This year, the holiday dedicated to celebrating Mom is on Sunday, May 12. See which local restaurants have reservations open:
The starting salary is $45,175 for this position, which involves answering 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls and dispatching first responders.
Classic cars and trucks will be lined up along Main Street at the annual event, which is free to the public.
Thursday's road work will also affect elementary school and library traffic, police said. Here are the latest updates:
Lora, who worked in the school resource division, died Monday at the age of 29.
The company appealed NJ State Police's decision to remove them from the towing rotation, after an employee called a customer a racial slur.
Pastrami and latkes, please! The delicatessen, which is already open in Morristown, is offering free samples at an upcoming celebration.
A grand re-opening celebration is set for this Saturday, with activities, discounts, and product giveaways at the store on Route 10.
Residents can give input on the proposed budget, which includes a $204 tax increase for the average-assessed house, at Thursday's meeting.
