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 Borough Council heard from lifeguards and borough Pool Manager Ed Kolosky July 16. Council voted to raise rates and impose new rules at the pool, effective July 21.
Members of the team recently attended Universal Dance Association summer camp at Hofstra University.
The following information was supplied by the Hellertown Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Nine participating Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township eateries will offer patrons special dining deals through Saturday, July 28.
Opponents of a proposed expansion by IESI Bethlehem Landfill in Lower Saucon Township have created a website and petition to help rally support and draw attention to their cause.
The office of State Rep. Justin Simmons (R-131) says the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation hopes to fill positions that will supplement its permanent winter maintenance workforce.
Hellertown Police say they arrested Jun Ying Li, of Brooklyn, N.Y., for knowingly driving a casino bus that had displayed fraudulent International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) stickers.
Laquan Marquise Knolton, 23, of Blake Street, Bethlehem, was arrested by state police in Upper Bucks County early Saturday.
Four family-friendly movies will be shown in Hellertown's Dimmick Park during August.
Ruth A. Ramos, 65, formerly of Bethlehem, died Friday, July 13, 2012.
The July 26, 2012 meeting of the Lower Saucon Township Planning Commission has been canceled.
The following information was supplied by the Hellertown Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
The Borough of Hellertown announced Friday morning that a water line in the 1400 block of Easton Road had been struck by a local contractor, resulting in issues with water pressure and water clarity for nearby residents.
These adorable pets from the Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Williams Township need new homes.
Hellertown Police say they arrested Jun Ying Li, of Brooklyn, N.Y., for knowingly driving a casino bus that had displayed fraudulent International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) stickers.
Hellertown Police say Paul Henry Scherbaum, 35, of 1451 Hillcrest Court, assaulted his girlfriend July 4.
Hellertown Police say a gray BMX Verde was stolen from the pool July 6.
High temperatures could reach the 90s this weekend--and stay there through next weekend.
In a poll and comments on Facebook, many Hellertown Patch readers have expressed support for the idea that non-residents should pay more to use the borough's pool.
An author event will be held at the Saucon Valley Farmers' Market in Hellertown this Sunday from 9am to 1pm.
