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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!
Lee Weidner's "Saucon Secrets, Volume 2" is being published in time for the 2012 holiday season. The author will discuss some of the stories in his book at upcoming book-signings in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township.
The following information was supplied by the Hellertown Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Robert L. Stahler, 76, of Quakertown, died Friday, Nov. 9, 2012.
The Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Williams Township says a change in its policy "merely reflects the reality of our current status." Lower Saucon Township currently has a contract with the center.
These pets at the Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Williams Township need new homes.
Pauline M. (Diehl) Styer, 89, of Bingen, Lower Saucon Township, died Nov. 8, 2012.
Local shoppers can now pay with PayPal at their local Foot Locker, The Home Depot, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch.
A Veterans Day ceremony will be held at Union Cemetery of Hellertown on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 10:30am.
From 6 to 8pm, stop by Cafe Erica to talk about all things local with editor Josh Popichak.
If only Saucon Valley voters had been the deciders, Republican Mitt Romney would have won the presidential election. Although Barack Obama received more votes in Hellertown, Lower Saucon Township went heavily for his opponent.
Two to four inches of snow are possible Wednesday into Thursday along with gusty winds, according to the National Weather Service.
Two to four inches of snow are possible Wednesday into Thursday along with gusty winds, according to the National Weather Service.
The Allentown-based company was the low bidder for the Hellertown borough recycling contract. It received a three-year bid award Nov. 5.
Two to four inches of snow are possible Wednesday into Thursday along with gusty winds, according to the National Weather Service.
On Nov. 5 Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp thanked members of the public for remaining calm during the recent power outage that lasted for up to a week for some residents.
Hellertown Borough Council announced Monday that it's considering a one mill tax increase and possible layoffs in order to balance the borough's 2013 proposed budget.
Kenneth J. Clause Sr., 82, of Lower Saucon Township, died Monday, Nov. 5, 2012.
The National Weather Service now calls a storm that's forecast for Wednesday 'significant.'
Carol Schneider says many local residents benefited from the kindness and quick-thinking of the Saucon Valley School District's administration and staff during the recent power outages.
These pets at the Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Williams Township need new homes.
