Michelle Rotuno-Johnson

Fairfield, Trask

Roving Editor at Patch

Previously on @RJReports. Writing for @patchtweet's NJ/PA team from OH. Graduate of @OhioWesleyan, @OhioU, and @unileipzig. Header is from a fan. 😉 #KTBFFH

Articles

Find The 'Purr-fect' Valentine At Special Cat Adoption Event In Wayne | Wayne, NJ Patch

2 months ago | patch.com | Michelle Rotuno-Johnson

Find The 'Purr-fect' Valentine At Special Cat Adoption Event In Wayne - Wayne, NJ - Plenty of cats and kittens at FOWA Rescue are looking for love — here's when you can meet them at a Valentine's Day adoption event.
Meet NJ's First Babies Of 2025 (And Their Parents)

Jan 2, 2025 | patch.com | Michelle Rotuno-Johnson

NEW JERSEY — A new year means new beginnings — and several Garden State families welcomed new babies into the world on the first day of 2025. Hospitals shared photos of these happy arrivals from delivery rooms around the state. One little girl arrived right on the stroke of midnight at Jersey Shore University Hospital, as people along the East Coast rang in the new year, and became New Jersey's first baby of 2025.
Meet Passaic County's First Baby Of 2025

Jan 2, 2025 | patch.com | Michelle Rotuno-Johnson

PATERSON, NJ — A Paterson couple welcomed their second child on New Year's Day 2025, along with a number of other New Jersey parents who celebrated new life in the new year. Baby Gabriel Raniel Martinez Abreu was the first new arrival in Passaic County this year. He was born to parents Rafielys Baez and Robert Martinez Tavarez just after 8 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Joseph's University Medical Center.
Rattlesnake Bite Hospitalizes NJ Senator

Jan 2, 2025 | patch.com | Michelle Rotuno-Johnson

WANTAGE, NJ — A New Jersey state senator was hospitalized after being bitten by a rattlesnake earlier this week at the zoo his family has owned for generations. State Sen. Parker Space (R-24) was feeding mice to rattlesnakes at Space Farms Zoo and Museum on Monday when one bit his finger, he said. Space, who said he has been working with rattlesnakes since he was 12 years old, said it was not the animal's fault. "I thought I was a safe distance away," Space told Patch.
How Did Wayne Home Values Change In The Past Year? Take A Look

Jan 2, 2025 | patch.com | Michelle Rotuno-Johnson

WAYNE, NJ — The typical home value in Wayne rose 8.3 percent over the last year and is approaching $700,000, according to the most recent Zillow data. Home values in Wayne Township have increased by almost $200,000 over the past four years, according to the real estate website — which predicts prices will rise at a slower rate in this new year. As of Nov. 30, the average Wayne home value was $692,228, up 8.3 percent from that point in 2023 (when values were $638,908).
Possible Tornado Hit South Jersey Town On New Year's Eve: NWS

Jan 2, 2025 | patch.com | Michelle Rotuno-Johnson

CLAYTON, NJ — The National Weather Service is investigating whether a tornado touched down in Gloucester County when strong storms blew through on New Year’s Eve, officials said. The Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management said residents near Fries Mill Road in Clayton reported heavy wind damage to their homes on Tuesday evening.
NJ's Best Hospitals For 2024: See Full List

Dec 31, 2024 | patch.com | Michelle Rotuno-Johnson

NEW JERSEY — Throughout 2024, several data-based national rankings and safety grades helped New Jersey residents navigate the labyrinth of health care, and make decisions about the best places to have a baby, surgery or take care of other medical issues.
NJ's Best Schools 2024: Rankings For High Schools, Elementary, College

Dec 31, 2024 | patch.com | Michelle Rotuno-Johnson

NEW JERSEY — Throughout 2024, various publications released “best of” lists to help guide New Jersey residents’ educational choices, from the best elementary schools to the best colleges and universities to pursue a degree. New Jersey figured prominently in several data analyses and study-driven rankings for education from U.S. News & World Report and Niche, which provides rankings on schools, neighborhoods, cities and companies in the United States.
NJ, NY At Odds Over Congestion Pricing Again After Court Ruling

Dec 31, 2024 | patch.com | Michelle Rotuno-Johnson

NEW JERSEY — After a judge ruled the Federal Highway Administration needs to weigh in on New York City's controversial pricing plan, the state of New Jersey says that is enough to delay its planned start. But, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said Monday's ruling from the U.S. Court of International Trade will not delay the pricing plan, which is set to charge drivers $9 to enter Manhattan below 60th Street beginning on Jan. 5.
Explosion Reported Before Fire Breaks Out At Country Club In Wayne: Officials

Dec 31, 2024 | patch.com | Michelle Rotuno-Johnson

WAYNE, NJ — Wayne fire crews battled a blaze on the property of Preakness Hills Country Club on Monday night, after a possible explosion was reported. Firefighters arrived to the club (1050 Ratzer Road) shortly after 9 p.m. to find flames coming from one of the maintenance buildings, according to Fire Commissioner Frank Velardi. The fire was burning close to a fuel storage tank, and a "large storage container containing hazardous materials," he said.