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!
The following students have been named to the Deans’ List for the spring semester at Northampton Community College. The honor is reserved for students who achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
A discussion about rezoning that is related to an expansion plan proposed by IESI Bethlehem Landfill is on Tuesday night's meeting agenda for the Lower Saucon Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC).
Patch has teamed up with James Patterson’s READKIDDOREAD program to bring you reading lists for every age. If you’re looking for great summer reading options, check out this list of “Favorite Pageturners” from James Patterson.
Patch has teamed up with James Patterson’s READKIDDOREAD program to bring you reading lists for every age. Here, James Patterson’s summer reading picks for tweens and teens, ages 11-up.
Patch has teamed up with James Patterson’s READKIDDOREAD program to bring you reading lists for every age. If you’re looking for some great summer reading options, check out this list of The Best Illustrated books from James Patterson.
Patch has teamed up with James Patterson’s READKIDDOREAD program to bring you reading lists for every age. If you’re looking for some great summer reading options, check this list of “Terrific Transitional” books from James Patterson.
Perry Costello, a singer and guitarist from Hellertown, recently opened for the pop-rock singer Edwin McCain at Bethlehem's Musikfest Cafe.
National Public Radio’s “Car Talk” guys will retire this fall, but the show will continue to air on WDIY, the Lehigh Valley's Public Radio station.
The Saucon Valley Farmers' Market will host the unusual Father's Day contest, which is sponsored by gourmet dog treat-maker Best in Show Barkery.
Lower Saucon Township Council was told June 6 that the Saucon Valley Library Task Force's final report will be delivered in mid-August.
In light of the recent fatal accident and fire at the Leithsville Fire Company, do you think the Leithsville section of Lower Saucon Township should have municipal water services provided? If so, who should pay for the infrastructure, and how?
Stephen "Chip" Woroniak, 85, of Hellertown and formerly of Macungie, died Friday, June 8, 2012.
The Saucon Valley High School Cheerleaders hosted a car wash fundraiser in Hellertown June 9.
Gertrude M. Zimmerman, 90, of Hellertown, died Saturday, June 9, 2012.
Elmer James Brown, 95, of Hellertown, died Friday, June 8, 2012.
The price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline has dropped significantly since April, and some experts expect it to dip to $3 per gallon in the coming weeks.
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.
Local sellers of Tastefully Simple and Pampered Chef products are donating proceeds from their sales this month to help the victims of the May 24 Leithsville Fire Company disaster. Facebook groups have been set up to help promote the sales.
The Saucon Valley Diamond Sports-Hellertown-Lower Saucon Little League Junior Mariners team has made it into their division's Championship Game, which will be played June 9 at 5:30pm in Dimmick Park.
