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!
On April 2, Hellertown Borough Council approved Police Chief Robert Shupp's suggestion to test traffic changes at the so-called "five points intersection" of Penn Street, Durham Street and Delaware Avenue.
Hellertown Borough Council members recently asked the Saucon Rail Trail Oversight Commission to resubmit a proposal that will pave the way for special events to be held on the popular path.
By a vote of 5-1, Hellertown Borough Council approved a motion to join the lawsuit against Allentown's Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ) at its April 2, 2012 meeting.
Some customers may see discolored water on Thursday, April 5, when the flushing is occurring.
Sixth-grader Connor Jackson, of Lower Saucon Township, plans to travel to England and France this summer as part of the "People to People" student ambassador program.
Hellertown Borough Manager Cathy Kichline told Borough Council April 2 that PennDOT has agreed to an accelerated inspection schedule for the aging bridge across the Saucon Creek.
Elizabeth J. (Yeager) Kost, 81, of St. Pete Beach, Florida, and formerly of Hellertown, died Sunday, April 1, 2012.
The unnamed victim was reportedly leaving J.P. McGrady's bar in Bethlehem when he was attacked early Saturday.
Hellertown resident Lee Weidner says the Saucon Valley School District has twice rebuffed his offer of 40 free copies of his local history tome, "Saucon Secrets, Volume I."
Tell us the biggest lesson you learned from Sesame Street by noon on Wednesday and you could win tickets to Sesame Street Live at Stabler Arena.
The following information was supplied by the Lower Saucon Township Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Irene Sraj, 98, of Glen Riddle and formerly of Bethlehem Township, died Saturday, March 31, 2012.
Students at Saucon Valley Middle School recently participated in the Olive Garden's "Pasta for Pennies" program coordinated with the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
John C. Hershey Jr., 73, of Springtown, died Saturday, March 31, 2012.
Donald L. Henn, 87, of Hellertown, died Friday, March 30, 2012. He was a World War II Navy veteran.
These adorable pets from the Center for Animal Health and Welfare need new homes.
Vincent Arnold, 22, of Hellertown, pleaded guilty to sexual assault charges in Northampton County Court on Friday, March 30, 2012. His sentencing is scheduled for July.
Douglas W. King, 61, of Hellertown, died Friday, March 30, 2012, at Gracedale in Upper Nazareth Township.
Saucon Valley residents should protect outdoor plants and tender vegetation if possible.
Giant Food Stores customers donated $537,000 to the store's "Bag Hunger" campaign between Feb. 26 and March 10, 2012.
