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!
Borough Manager Cathy Kichline said a resident of Easton Road, Hellertown, asked that stop signs be installed at each intersection along that road. On Oct. 1 his proposal failed to gain the support of Borough Council.
The kick-off meeting for the Saucon Valley Community Coalition will be held Thursday, Oct. 25 from 5-7pm at Hellertown Borough Hall.
The first Braveheart Fall Festival will be held inside and outside at Braveheart Highland Pub and Restaurant, 430 Main St., Hellertown.
The following information was supplied by the Lower Saucon Township Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
The following information was supplied by the Hellertown Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Ronald W. Serafin Sr., 76, of Lower Saucon Township, and formerly of Brooklyn, N.Y., died Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012.
The partnership represents an effort by Hellertown and Lower Saucon officials to create a single information source for local users of parks and other recreational facilities.
Municipal managers Cathy Kichline and Jack Cahalan told members of the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber of Commerce Sept. 27 that local volunteer fire companies cooperate extensively with one another.
Hellertown resident Lee Weidner says the public's help is needed to apprehend the people who continue to illegally ride motorized dirt bikes and ATVs on the Saucon Rail Trail.
Local officials say the Saucon Valley Compost Center could open on additional days next year if enough volunteer help can be found.
Hellertown Borough Manager Cathy Kichline said Phase 1B of the $36 million project to improve Route 412 is about to begin. That phase will result in new parking restrictions in Hellertown near and within the work zone, she said Sept. 27.
The 6-1 decision to oppose a request by IESI Bethlehem Landfill to rezone property it owns near its Applebutter Road facility came at a Sept. 27 meeting of the Lower Saucon Township Planning Commission.
A risk of salmonella contamination prompted Giant Food Stores to recall Late July Organic Snacks organic mini peanut butter sandwich crackers Friday.
Evelyn H. Folenta, 86, formerly of Hellertown, died Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012.
The mural that was dedicated at Saucon Valley Elementary School Sept. 21 was inspired by the story "How Night Came from the Sea."
The options are for students with iPads who are involved in after-school activities in the Saucon Valley School District.
These pets from the Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Williams Township need new homes.
Former Hellertown resident Richard Edward Novack will go on trial in Northampton County Court for allegedly molesting a girl.
As of Thursday mid-afternoon, the restrictions on water consumption announced by the Hellertown Borough Authority on Tuesday have been lifted.
A Salmonella outbreak has led to the recalling of more than 100 nut butter spreads. Products included in the recall are listed below.
