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 beloved Canadian Pacific Holiday Train rolled through Scranton's Steamtown National Historic Site last month. One of the highlights of the visit was a live performance by a band that played on a boxcar stage.
Gerald W. Stoneback, 87, of Lower Saucon Township, died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012.
The iPad Family Education Session for Saucon Valley seventh-graders and their parents will be held at the middle school from 6:30 to 7:30pm.
In the wake of the Dec. 14 Newtown, Connecticut school shooting, the Saucon Valley School District has asked the parents and guardians of students to take a security survey.
Ruth T. Kaufman, 94, formerly of Bethlehem, died Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 at Phoebe Home in Allentown.
Gladys L. (Leith) Seifert, 82, of Hellertown, and formerly of Springtown, died Friday, Dec. 21, 2012.
Scooby-Doo Live! Musical Mysteries comes to the Sands Bethlehem Event Center Feb. 8.
The citations were issued during a two-day speed enforcement effort earlier this month, police said.
Madeline M. Blazick, 70, of Upper Saucon Township, died Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
The following information was supplied by the Lower Saucon Township Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Hellertown resident Lee A. Weidner says he sees evidence of moral decay in U.S. society.
These adorable pets are awaiting adoption at the Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Williams Township.
The following information was supplied by the Hellertown Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Lee Weidner says the section of the Saucon Rail Trail between Water and Walnut streets in Hellertown is being ruined by someone who isn't cleaning up their dog's feces.
Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp told Borough Council Monday that a police presence observed at some local schools following Friday's Connecticut school shooting was not meant to cause alarm.
Looking for a local job? Check out these Saucon Valley area businesses. They're hiring!
The annual Dewey Fire Company Santa Run will bring smiles to residents throughout the borough this Sunday, Dec. 23.
Hellertown Borough Councilman announced Dec. 17 that residents can now report street light outages via the borough website.
