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.
This award recognizes teachers, administrators, students, and community members who help make music part of a well-rounded education.
Officials notified drivers that a section of Hillside Road is closed Tuesday and Thursday in the Chesters, as crews are milling and paving.
Pups will have to find somewhere else to play, as the dog park is closed for maintenance.
Residents can get a first look at the town's proposed spending plan - and any potential tax increases - on Wednesday.
Officers responded to two residences early one morning after the homeowners were woken up by burglars, police said in their incident report.
This award recognizes teachers, administrators, students, and community members who help make music part of a well-rounded education.
High school senior John is "proud of where he comes from" and that is evident in the Eagle Scout project he completed, his nominator wrote:
The Barstool founder stopped at a Morristown pizzeria this weekend for one of his famous reviews (no sightings of his dog, Miss Peaches).
Federal officials said he drained money from the deceased person's Social Security retirement benefits between 2015 and 2018.
The first 100 guests in line Thursday can get free coffee for a year, and spin a Dunkin' prize wheel to get some prizes. See the details:
The first 100 guests in line Thursday can get free coffee for a year, and spin a Dunkin' prize wheel to get some prizes. See the details:
The Chester Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary will get funds for every pound collected, which will then be donated to those in need.
Millie's Old World is inviting customers to come in for complimentary food and beverages, as well as music and some surprises, on April 25.
Record Store Day, an annual celebration of record stores, takes place on Saturday, April 20, at over 250 participating shops.
Plus, National Record Store day is on Saturday and there's a 19th-century baseball team in town. Check out the schedule:
A local teen wanted to fill a Willys Jeep with donations for NJ veterans. The community helped him get several Jeep-loads for a VA Hospital.
Online voters selected K9 Kaboom, whom the Morris Co. Sheriff’s Office adopted after his third surrender to a local shelter, as "top dog."
Two people went to the hospital after the five-vehicle crash early Friday morning on Route 80 westbound, said state police.
The full-time crossing guard position pays $20 per hour, and guards are needed for up to five hours per day.
The doctor also faced criminal charges in the case, after six female patients came forward and said he fondled them during office visits.
