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!
Quakertown-based Last Chance Ranch hopes to place 600 dogs and cats in loving homes by Oct. 31, as part of the ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge.
Christine Masucci of Hellertown is a member of the Mansfield University Concert Choir, which recently won three gold medals at the World Choir Games in Cincinnati.
Vincent Arnold, of Hellertown, was sentenced to two-and-a-half to five years in state prison for sexually assaulting a boy in Lower Saucon Township.
Hellertown Police say Robert J. Nelson, 26, of Lower Saucon Township, struck the signs while driving on Water Street July 23.
The following information was supplied by the Hellertown Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Paul H. Neiser, 93, of Hellertown, died Aug. 6, 2012.
Lower Saucon Township Police will take part in "National Night Out" throughout the township tonight. Residents are encouraged to leave their porch lights on and get out to meet their neighbors.
Florence S. Sharer, 75, of Lehigh Township, died Aug. 6, 2012.
Henry J. Wolst, 69, of Forks Township, died Monday, Aug. 6, 2012.
Lower Saucon Township Police say they are investigating a pair of thefts from vehicles.
The following information was supplied by the Hellertown Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
The following information was supplied by the Lower Saucon Township Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Two Hellertown residents graduated from Drexel at its 125th Commencement.
Saucon Valley Relay for Life's annual Duck Derby raised money for the fight against cancer at the Saucon Valley Farmers' Market in Hellertown Aug. 5.
These adorable pets from the Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Williams Township need new homes.
Margaret J. Kahl, 81, of Bethlehem Township, died Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012.
Bethlehem's signature nine-day music festival begins today.
Lower Saucon Township Police say Lori Ann Kern, of South Sixth Street, Allentown, used a former township man's checking account, debit and credit cards while he was incarcerated.
Patch is getting ready for Labor Day with a project to profile local workers and the jobs they do. Tell us who we should interview!
Lower Saucon Township Police say seven cows owned by Christine Hess, of the 1900 block of Waldheim Road, were found on Flint Hill and Waldheim roads July 31.
