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.
The man, 65, faces multiple charges of aggravated sexual assault. Officials say he had sexual contact with the child for at least 2 years.
These students volunteer with first aid or EMS companies in Morris County, or have parents/guardians working locally as first responders.
Authorities shared a list of common scams, and methods that fraudsters might use to get victims' money and personal information.
A former North Jersey police chief will be the owner-operator of this new Chick-fil-A on Route 46, which officially has an opening date.
The 42-year-old California man is charged with attempted murder and assault after the attack which left a Morris County man hospitalized.
There are giveaways scheduled on Friday in Morristown and Parsippany, which anyone may attend if they would like seedlings for their yard.
See inside the flagship next-generation Foot Locker store, which opened this week at Willowbrook Mall.
The township is accepting applications for an entry-level police officer. See the requirements, starting salary, and how to apply:
The proposed five-story addition and parking garage have already gotten approval from the state Historic Sites council.
Students from a college-level research group presented on how vaping affects children and teens, as they say it continues to be prevalent.
The winner will win a tree of their choice to be planted in their front yard, courtesy of the Mendham Borough Shade Tree Commission.
An officer recognized the suspects' vehicle more than a week later, and charged two Philadelphia residents with theft and other crimes.
The home decor and crafts retailer will reportedly set up shop in a former Bed Bath and Beyond on Route 10, its first Morris County store.
The Morris County man spent his birthday in the hospital after being stabbed outside the Port Authority Bus Terminal, he told reporters.
The chef and general manager at Krust Kitchen told Patch he didn't recognize the famous customer at first when he stopped by on Sunday.
After the painful and stressful experience of having spinal surgery, a local mom is hoping to make the process more “bear-able” for kids.
Which Morris County schools stood out from the rest in the U.S. News and World Report ranking?
The school board may cut three programs, including theater. County Commissioners are expecting a full house at their own meeting Wednesday.
The qualifiers hail from Morris, Somerset, Middlesex, Warren, Essex, and Bergen counties in New Jersey and there is one from New York State.
Wayne Police will also play in this year's Families Behind The Badge tournament, in memory of Detective First Class Jason Clemente.
