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!
The LL Bean "Bootmobile," that is... The unusual vehicle will roll into The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley on Sunday, according to the company's Facebook page.
Pennsylvania's Job Gateway website has been improved to help workers connect with employers.
A number of students from the Southern Lehigh area were named to the DeSales University spring 2013 dean's list.
Hellertown Borough Council frowned on the proposal to install a concrete barrier in the center of Route 412 north of Kiernan Avenue.
Dario Mann, 35, of the 900 block of Centre Street, Easton, was charged with DUI following a traffic stop at Lower Saucon and Island Park roads in Lower Saucon Township.
A Coopersburg woman was one of three members of the Lehigh Valley County Animal Response Team who helped rescue and shelter dogs and cats lost or buried in the rubble of an Oklahoma tornado.
A hit-and-run accident that occurred near the intersection of East Water Street and Delaware Avenue is under investigation by Hellertown Police.
A drop in June donations has left the Red Cross with 50,000 fewer donors than expected.
Lower Saucon Township Police are investigating a hit-and-run accident that damaged a guide rail and a street sign on Alpine Drive.
Several Coopersburg area residents recently graduated from Millersville University of Pennsylvania.
A drop in June donations has left the Red Cross with 50,000 fewer donors than expected.
An ordinance that limited where convicted sex offenders could live within the borough of Hellertown was legally unenforceable, according to an attorney for the borough.
Lower Saucon Township Police say Randy Bond, 44, of the 3200 block of Bingen Road, ran away after allegedly pounding on windows at his home while intoxicated.
Pedro Luis Freytes-Ferrer, 22, is wanted by the Northampton County Sheriff's Department on charges of DUI and resisting arrest.
