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!
According to court records, Michael Stephen Kolesnik, of Hellertown, was apprehended by police after he allegedly drove to his sister's home on Brad Lane in Lower Saucon Township with a loaded Remington rifle on Sunday.
The bereavement support group Wings has helped many Lehigh Valley residents deal with grief following the death of a pet.
Allen E. Keller, 62, died Sunday, March 18, 2012. He was past president of the Springtown Volunteer Fire Company.
What's your family's favorite Saucon Valley restaurant?
Marcus O. "Duke" Bauder Jr., 82, died Sunday, March 18, 2012 at his residence in Lower Saucon Township.
The March 17 holiday was celebrated in style at Hellertown's Braveheart Highland Pub and Restaurant.
Dr. Carl J. Manone, 88, of Palmer Township and Destin, Fla., and formerly of Hellertown, died March 14, 2012.
In Hellertown the topic du jour is not what's being heard--it's what's not being heard.
Saucon Valley residents and O'Grady Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance students Nina Hart, Breanne Toolan and Nora Burke will participate in a world championship competition in Belfast, Northern Ireland in April.
The following information was supplied by the Lower Saucon Township Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Several Hellertown students were recently inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society at Northampton Community College.
These adorable pets from the Center for Animal Health and Welfare need new homes.
The following information was supplied by the Hellertown Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Dorothy C. Brunell, 89, died Sunday, March 11, 2012.
On March 7, Lower Saucon Township Council gave the green light to the Saucon Rail Trail Oversight Commission to approve special events held on the trail in the township, although it will retain final authority over those decisions.
The Saucon Valley Compost Center's popularity with local residents has grown considerably in recent years, Lower Saucon Township manager Jack Cahalan told council March 7.
Ramona P. Hollowell, 79, died Saturday, March 10, 2012.
Converting the Heller Homestead's oil furnace to gas could result in a significant savings. The potential for a conversion was discussed at Lower Saucon Township Council's March 7 meeting.
The borough's two cast-iron Keystone Markers are once again welcoming visitors via the Route 412 gateways to Hellertown.
Grace P. Crouse, 94, formerly of Bethlehem, died Friday, March 9, 2012.