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!
Tell us about the best place to get your car fixed in the Hellertown-Lower Saucon area, and we'll have a poll to vote for the very best later this summer.
Tell us the who best dentist is in the Hellertown-Lower Saucon area, and we'll have a poll to vote for the very best later this summer.
Tell us about the best kids' menu in the Hellertown-Lower Saucon area, and we'll have a poll to vote for the very best later this summer.
Tell us about the best house painter in the Hellertown-Lower Saucon area, and we'll have a poll to vote for the very best later this summer.
Tell us about the best places for a frozen treat in the Hellertown-Lower Saucon area, and we'll have a poll to vote for the very best later this summer.
Tell us about the best place to buy jewelry in the Hellertown-Lower Saucon area, and we'll have a poll to vote for the very best later this summer.
Tell us about the best places for dining al fresco in the Hellertown-Lower Saucon area, and we'll have a poll to vote for the very best later this summer.
Tell us about the best places for a hot dog in the Hellertown-Lower Saucon area, and we'll have a poll to vote for the very best later this summer.
Tell us about the best garden center or nursery in the Hellertown-Lower Saucon area, and we'll have a poll to vote for the very best later this summer.
Tell us about the best places for pizza in the Hellertown-Lower Saucon area, and we'll have a poll to vote for the very best later this summer.
Tell us about the best places for burgers in the Hellertown-Lower Saucon area, and we'll have a poll to vote for the very best later this summer.
Tell us about the best places for food shopping in the Hellertown-Lower Saucon area, and we'll have a poll to vote for the very best later this summer.
Hellertown Police say Joel DeJesus, of Allentown, is a wanted fugitive from Connecticut. DeJesus was arrested in the borough June 11.
On June 6, Jeff Fegley, the owner of the Allentown and Bethlehem Brew Works restaurants, told Lower Saucon Township Council he is unhappy they have committed money to fight Allentown's Neighborhood Improvement Zone in court.
Francis "Jim" W. Smith, 77, of Hellertown, died Tuesday, June 12, 2012.
Saucon Valley Elementary School's "Amani Djembe" drum circle recently took to the stage at Allentown Symphony Hall to help celebrate the Youth in Education Arts programs.
Lower Saucon Township police say Paul L. Dannenhower of Coopersburg shoved a detailer at Maxi Motors because he was upset about the amount of time it was taking to detail his car and because a detailer called him 'bro.'
The accounting office will serve the adjacent Saucon Valley Manor, as well as Whitehall Manor. A site plan presented June 12 won unanimous approval from Hellertown planners.
A site plan presented by a business that specializes in selling organic and natural pet food and products won the approval of the Hellertown Planning Commission June 12.
Hellertown Borough Council is expected to discuss two important Dimmick Park projects on Monday, June 18 at 7pm.
