• Josh Popichak, Patch Staff Verified Patch Staff Badge

  • Hellertown-Lower Saucon, PA

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!

Posting Activity

Hellertown-Lower Saucon|News|

Borough Offers Tips for Shoveling Snow from Driveways

In anticipation of a major winter storm that is forecast to affect the area, the Borough of Hellertown issued an announcement Thursday that includes tips from the public works department for clearing snow from driveways.

Josh Popichak's profile picture
Josh Popichak, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Borough Offers Tips for Shoveling Snow from Driveways
Hellertown-Lower Saucon|News|

Snow Emergency in Hellertown Takes Effect at 5 p.m.

Hellertown Borough Manager Cathy Hartranft announced Thursday morning that a snow emergency will take effect in the borough at 5 p.m., and remain in effect until further notice.

Josh Popichak's profile picture
Josh Popichak, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Snow Emergency in Hellertown Takes Effect at 5 p.m.
Hellertown-Lower Saucon|News|

SVHS Senior Spotlight: Elizabeth Chikotas

Senior cross country star Elizabeth Chikotas is the most talented distance runner ever to come out of Saucon Valley, according to her coach, Ed Kolosky. She will attend Penn State in the fall, where she plans to continue her running career.

Josh Popichak's profile picture
Josh Popichak, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
SVHS Senior Spotlight: Elizabeth Chikotas
Hellertown-Lower Saucon|News|

SV Grad Ian Gimbar an Asset to Muhlenberg Football Program

Muhlenberg College junior and Saucon Valley graduate Ian Gimbar was recently named to the All-Centennial Conference first team after helping the Muhlenberg College football team earn a postseason berth in 2013.

Josh Popichak's profile picture
Josh Popichak, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
SV Grad Ian Gimbar an Asset to Muhlenberg Football Program
Hellertown-Lower Saucon|News|

Alleged Car Thief Arrested Outside L. Saucon Liquor Store

Joshua Todora, 29, of Salisbury Township, was arrested outside a Lower Saucon Township liquor store Monday after allegedly stealing a car in Bethlehem Township. He has been charged with robbery of a motor vehicle, which is a level one felony.

Josh Popichak's profile picture
Josh Popichak, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Alleged Car Thief Arrested Outside L. Saucon Liquor Store
Hellertown-Lower Saucon|News|

Traffic Sign Damaged in Hit-and-Run Accident, Police Say

Lower Saucon Township police say they are investigating minor damage to a traffic sign that was caused by a hit-and-run accident at Springtown Hill Road and Kohas Drive.

Josh Popichak's profile picture
Josh Popichak, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Traffic Sign Damaged in Hit-and-Run Accident, Police Say
BackNext