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!
A "No Rezoning" flyer was placed on the windshields of cars parked at the Giant Food Store in Lower Saucon Township Wednesday night. Local residents were urged to attend tonight's township planning commission meeting.
Certain varieties of peanut butter have been recalled due to possibility of salmonella.
The Hellertown Borough Authority says a breakdown in the equipment that disinfects the public water supply was discovered last night. A boil water advisory may be in effect for days.
Jennie B. Straka, 89, formerly of Bethlehem, died Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012.
Find out where and how to observe the Jewish holiday in your community.
The following information was supplied by the Lower Saucon Township Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
You can share your best shots on Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch! It's fun and easy.
Yessy Rivera was reportedly arrested in Easton following an anonymous tip. He was wanted for allegedly assaulting a woman at Black River Plaza in Lower Saucon Township Sept. 19.
Hellertown Police say the alleged incident happened in the 1000 block of Third Avenue Sept. 8.
The following information was supplied by the Hellertown Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Katherine I. (Cope) Grube, 91, of Hellertown, died Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012 at Gracedale, Upper Nazareth Township.
Kevin W. Weil, 51, of Allentown, died Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012.
Hellertown resident Lee Weidner told Borough Council Sept. 17 that "intruders" on dirt bikes and ATVs are damaging Hellertown's section of the Saucon Rail Trail.
Hellertown Borough councilwoman Gail Nolf told Public Works Director Tom Henshaw Sept. 17 that the floors at the women's restroom in Dimmick Park are "disgusting."
The Hellertown Borough Authority wants to be able to contact its customers in case of an emergency, such as a water main break.
Subscriptions for ambulance services provided by the Dewey Fire Co. Ambulance/EMS of Hellertown have been distributed to borough and Lower Saucon Township households.
This year's annual Bach Choir seven-concert noon concert series features the works of Bach and Vivaldi at Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem.
Dave Liebman, who has been honored by the National Endowment for the Arts as a Jazz Master, will guest host on WDIY starting on Friday, Sept. 21.
Gloria L. Carnes, 86, of Bethlehem, died Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012.
The borough-owned property will become a park near the Saucon Rail Trail, west of Main Street in Hellertown. Lower Saucon Township resident Vincent Behe plans to build an information kiosk there as an Eagle Scout project.
