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!
Crayola has announced plans to consolidate its distribution centers in an 800,000-square-foot building at the Bethlehem Majestic Center, which straddles Bethlehem and Lower Saucon Township.
A Lower Saucon Township horse that was recently euthanized is Pennsylvania's first confirmed case of West Nile Virus in 2012, according to the state's Department of Environmental Protection.
Chefs Robyn Cavallaro and Jim Zebert, who are owners of Hellertown's Sagra Bistro and Catering, will present a cooking demonstration at Northampton Community College's Fowler Family Center in Bethlehem April 9.
Saucon Valley athletic director Bob Frey recently announced the rosters for baseball, softball, boys and girls lacrosse, boys tennis and girls soccer.
The following information was supplied by the Hellertown Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
It's that time of year again: The time when teens pound the pavement looking for satisfying summer jobs that will net them extra cash and help them learn the ways of the working world.
The major project will widen the road to accommodate two southbound and three northbound lanes between the I-78 interchange and Shimersville Road in Bethlehem.
The St. Theresa Youth Group in Hellertown recently assembled more than 100 colorful Easter baskets for the New Jerusalem Food Bank in Lower Saucon Township.
Subfreezing temperatures are likely Tuesday morning. These conditions could kill crops and plants already in bloom, according to the National Weather Service.
Cory Newhard, a 2011 Saucon Valley High School graduate, reported for active duty in the U.S. Navy at Great Lakes Naval Base in Lake County, Illinois on March 5, 2012.
The following information was supplied by the Lower Saucon Township Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
On March 21, Lower Saucon Township Council voted 5-0 to join the legal fight against the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ).
After receiving an update from solicitor Michael Corriere on March 19, Hellertown Borough Council declined to attempt to regulate the distribution of phone books and other printed informational materials in the borough.
These adorable pets from the Center for Animal Health and Welfare need new homes.
Roger E. Shaffer, 98, of Hellertown, died Thursday, March 22, 2012.
The following information was supplied by the Lower Saucon Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
In a March 19 presentation before Borough Council, Hellertown Area Public Library director Robin Rotherham said 69 percent of borough residents hold a library card.
Hellertown Borough Manager Cathy Kichline announced March 19 that--according to a preliminary plan--barricades are to be placed at Kichline, Kiernan, Roth and Hess avenues and Main Street during the upcoming widening of Route 412 north of the borough.
Hellertown Brownie Troop 8523 plans to help pick up trash along the Saucon Creek on April 21, in celebration of Earth Day.
Vote in our poll and leave a comment below about the name of the proposed Lower Saucon Township entertainment center.
