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!
Pennsylvania State Police at Belfast are seeking information about a red dump truck that spilled debris on Interstate 78 West in Lower Saucon Township June 28.
Premium Healthy Spring Water Inc. has donated a pallet of Kiwaii 100% True New Zealand Spring Water to volunteers and firefighters who are battling a massive wildfire in Colorado.
These adorable pets from the Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Williams Township need new homes.
The summer's second heat wave arrives today and won't let up at least until Tuesday.
Donald R. Koch, 74, of Leithsville, Lower Saucon Township, died Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at his residence.
Mark Allen Niemkiewicz, 53, of Coopersburg, passed away June 26, 2012.
Paul R. Hersh, 60, of Bethlehem, passed away June 27, 2012 at his residence.
The free, guided history tours will be held at Union Cemetery of Hellertown on Aug. 16 and 17 from 6 to 8pm. Cemetery Tours are presented annually the week of Community Day.
The 11th annual Hellertown-Lower Saucon Community Day will be held Saturday, Aug. 18 in Dimmick Park.
The local amateur baseball team managed by Bob Zerfass has compiled an impressive record over the past 35 years.
Christopher Schaeffer, a member of the U.S. military who is about to be deployed for multiple years, is seeking permanent, loving homes for his four adult cats.
Hellertown native and recent Cornell University graduate Kaitlin Hardy is currently conducting research on epilepsy--which she suffers from--at Lafayette College.
The Center for Animal Health and Welfare is sponsoring "Operation Freedom" from July 1-8.
The following information was supplied by the Lower Saucon Township Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Jabiel Ruiz, of Hellertown, is accused of hitting two of his children with a stick.
The following information was supplied by the Hellertown Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Do you find a "no weapons" rule on the Saucon Rail Trail appropriate or objectionable?
Lower Saucon resident Matt McClarin is urging other township residents to oppose the proposed rezoning of land that would open the door to an expansion of IESI Bethlehem Landfill.
Dan Dortic received the title in recognition of his fundraising efforts on behalf of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter over a 10-week period.
Helen D. Derr, 101, formerly of Washington Avenue, Bethlehem, died Friday, June 22, 2012.
