Basics:
E-mail: Josh.Popichak@patch.com
Phone: 610-216-6043
Unlike many younger (and older) editors, I never went to J-school (that's "journalism school" for those of you who don't use the new media lingo). Most journalism schools are part of medium or large universities, and as a graduate of a large high school I wanted to downsize my education when I went away to college. That was one of the reasons I chose to attend Bates, a liberal arts college in Maine rooted in the traditions of egalitarianism. As a "Batesie" I majored in history and became the features editor for our school newspaper, The Student, before graduating and leaving the beautiful state of Maine behind in 1999. I returned to Pennsylvania and spent several eye-opening years exploring other fields and potential career paths, before feeling called to write and edit again. That was in 2005, when I joined the team at the Saucon News and began to cover Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township as full-time reporter.
On a personal level, I have always been a bit of a newshound and I think that's because I'm constantly trying to understand how the events of today are shaped and influenced by our shared history. I like to think that I have a curious mind, which is a trait I believe every journalist should have.
Right now I'm looking forward to learning a lot more about the Saucon Valley, including more about its history, its present, and its future, and I sincerely hope you'll join me on this journey!
Lower Saucon Township Police say Wayne J. Hildebrand Jr. of Bethlehem caused an accident when he attempted to pass another vehicle at Route 378 and West Raders Lane.
The work is scheduled to begin Monday. It will be completed Wednesday, according to PennDOT.
Lower Saucon Township is seeking volunteers to help staff the Saucon Valley Compost Center.
What's happening in the Southern Lehigh area this week? Read the Week Ahead to find out.
Here's a round-up of unusual police report items from the Lehigh Valley.
Here's a round-up of unusual police report items from the Lehigh Valley.
Relay for Life of Saucon Valley's third annual Duck Derby in the Saucon Creek will be held Sunday, Aug. 4 at Water Street Park, Hellertown. The event benefits Relay, which raises money for the American Cancer Society.
What's happening in the Saucon Valley area this week? Read the Week in Review to find out.
News about a black bear sighting in Hellertown and a chain reaction accident on I-78 in Lower Saucon Township topped the local headlines on Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch this week.
Are you looking for a job? These local businesses are hiring!
Are you looking for a job? These local businesses are hiring!
A story about American Sandwich Company's closure in Upper Saucon Township was one of the most-read stories on Upper Saucon Patch this week.
There's still plenty of time for summer fun, and sweet deals on some regional attractions are available to Lower Saucon Township residents through the Pennsylvania Parks & Recreation Society.
Fixed price menus for restaurants participating in the upcoming second annual Saucon Valley Restaurant Week are now posted online.
The five-team round robin-style tournament will take place in Hellertown's Dimmick Park.
A proposal to turn a former dry cleaning business at 46 W. Water St., Hellertown, into an indoor storage facility will be considered by the Hellertown Zoning Hearing Board on July 17.
Hellertown's annual free "Movies in the Park" series kicks off on Friday, Aug. 2 with a screening of "Escape from Planet Earth." The series is sponsored by the Saucon Valley Business & Friends Association.
The Ken Stauffer Memorial Golf Tournament, which will benefit the Stauffer family charities, will be held Sunday, Sept. 15 at Wedgewood Golf Course in Coopersburg.
