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's second annual Community-Wide Yard Sale was held Saturday from 8am to 2pm. Families and businesses all throughout town set up tables and sold, sold, SOLD!
Lower Saucon Township police say they responded to a domestic dispute at 1900 Skibo Road on May 20.
Gladys F. Koder, 67, of Springfield Township, Bucks County, died Thursday, May 31, 2012.
Saucon Valley High School Band Director Kevin O'Connell and Chorus Director Dennis Smith were honored with a surprise performance by alumni at the school's May 31 pops concert. Both directors are retiring this year.
The following information was supplied by the Lower Saucon Township Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Lower Saucon Township police say Paul L. Dannenhower, of Springfield Township, Bucks County, 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."
These adorable pets from the Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Williams Township need new homes.
Herman W. Spiegler, 72, of Bethlehem, died Wednesday, May 30, 2012.
The following information was supplied by the Hellertown Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Margie Peterson won a top category award in the Pennsylvania Women's Press Association for three Patch columns--on death, school vouchers and gay marriage.
Se-Wy-Co Fire Company establishes a fund to help rebuild the Leithsville Fire Company, destroyed in accident that sparked a massive fire. One person was killed.
Se-Wy-Co Fire Company has established a fund for donations to help rebuild the Leithsville Fire Company. The station building was destroyed by a May 24 accident that sparked a massive fire.
Se-Wy-Co Fire Company establishes a fund to help rebuild the Leithsville Fire Company, destroyed in accident that sparked a massive fire. One person was killed.
Se-Wy-Co Fire Company established a fund to help rebuild the Leithsville Fire Company, destroyed in accident that sparked a massive fire. One person was killed.
Eleven St. Michael students and one adult were taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital Wednesday morning.
Se-Wy-Co Fire Company has established a fund for donations to help rebuild the Leithsville Fire Company. The station building was destroyed by a May 24 accident that sparked a massive fire.
Wanda K. Schleppy, 56, of Breinigsville, died Monday, May 28, 2012.
Former U.S. Marine John Kowalenko says he was disappointed not to see U.S. flag protocol followed on Memorial Day.
Hellertown Borough Council discussed adopting a donation/contribution policy at its May 21 meeting.
A number of Steel City residents attended the May 24 meeting of the Lower Saucon Township Planning Commission, where they blasted a possible rezoning of township land that would pave the way for the proposed expansion of the IESI Bethlehem Landfill.
