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!
Hellertown Police say they are investigating a hit-and-run auto accident that occurred July 26 or July 27 at East Clarke Street and First Avenue.
Bethlehem Apparatus Company was fined $103,433 by the EPA for alleged violations of reporting and record-keeping requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Stephen J. Bartakovits, 91, of Hellertown, died Tuesday, July 24, 2012.
Lower Saucon Township Police say Ronald Feist, 65, of Sherry Hill Road, was charged following a July 21 incident at 1303 Evergreen Drive.
The following information was supplied by the Lower Saucon Township Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Daily admission rates at the Hellertown Pool doubled on Saturday, July 21--partly in response to what officials have described as recent behavioral problems, and partly to bring them into alignment with rates at other nearby pools.
The Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks Summer Concert Series in Bethlehem will resume following Musikfest and continue through Sept. 1.
Bethlehem resident Margaret Hrubenak told The Morning Call that an anonymous "kind woman" stopped to help her family when their car broke down in Hellertown June 24.
Borough police say Shawn Michael Kozack, 21, of 30 E. Depot Street, Hellertown, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and other charges June 25.
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Vote in the 2012 Readers' Choice poll below.
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