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.
Police said southbound traffic will not be affected, but there will be a northbound detour to get around a closed part of the street.
The new federal Veteran Center Community Access Point (CAP) in Morris County opens on Thursday to provide counseling services to local vets.
Officer Brian Lora worked in the School Resource Division, and is a nephew of the city's mayor Hector C. Lora.
Police are looking for a suspect believed to be in a white van, who also reportedly placed anti-semitic pamphlets on residents' property.
This will affect traffic going to the township elementary school on Wednesday, police said. See more details below:
The winery employees notified state troopers that two children were alone in the car while a man and woman went in to sample wine.
Graduating seniors have volunteered with Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps, led student service trips, and spearheaded new DEI initiatives.
Wash-N- Wag opened up in Lake Hiawatha, offering animal supplies as well as professional grooming services and a self-wash for your pets.
Residents may experience discolored water or reduced pressure as New Jersey American Water crews flush fire hydrants this week.
The borough will host another public meeting about possible improvements to Main Street, including sidewalks, lighting, public art, and more
The 63-year-old Morris County man admitted to not filing federal income tax returns over the course of four years, officials said.
This lucky player scored the second-tier prize in the CASH4LIFE game, the NJ Lottery said.
You can meet dogs, rabbits, and cats who are certified therapy animals - and learn more about the work of NJ's Creature Comfort Pet Therapy.
The district is using its last emergency day to schedule an extra day off, part of a Wellness Weekend for students.
"Extensive" tree work will be taking place beginning on Monday, and police said detours will be posted for drivers. See more details below:
Warrior Hockey provides a way for disabled military veterans to rehabilitate and heal through team sports. Read more about the NJ team:
A public hearing on the spending plan is scheduled for Monday, April 29, where the board is likely to adopt it. See the budget breakdown:
If you’re looking for something to do on this last weekend in April, take a look at the variety of things going on around Morris County.
Police said they went to the 28-year-old's home on Thursday after a family member called them for a wellness check.
State officials are giving out almost 3,000 heavy-duty trash cans to towns that have histories of bear sightings and nuisance reports.
