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!
Joseph C. Koller, 85, of Lower Saucon Township died Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013 at the VNA Hospice House of St. Luke's, Lower Saucon Township.
Here is a sampling of events happening in the Southern Lehigh area on Wednesday, Oct. 30.
Here is a sampling of events happening in or near the Saucon Valley on Wednesday, Oct. 30.
A man brandished a gun and demanded money from a clerk at the Holiday Inn Express on Cherry Lane, on the Hellertown border, according to police.
It's been exactly a year since the remnants of Superstorm Sandy blew through the Saucon Valley, snapping trees and power lines, plunging most of the area into darkness, and forcing many families to seek shelter in warming centers.
Lower Saucon Township Police say they are investigating the reported theft of a "Vote for Donna Louder" campaign sign from 1789 Meadows Road, where it was placed along the roadside.
It's been exactly a year since the remnants of Superstorm Sandy blew through the Southern Lehigh area, snapping trees and power lines, plunging most of the area into darkness, and forcing some families to seek shelter in hotels or warming centers.
Carl 'Collie' Adam Ankele, 77, of Center Valley, died Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013 at his residence.
Carl 'Collie' Adam Ankele, 77, of Center Valley, died Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013 at his residence.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state departments of health are telling people to get shots now.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state departments of health are telling people to get shots now.
Here's a selection of events happening in and around the Saucon Valley area on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Here's a selection of events happening in and around the Southern Lehigh area on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Lower Saucon Township police say Susan Conklin, of the 700 block of Easton Road, Hellertown, has been charged with retail theft. Police say her child pushed a cart filled with more than $2,000 in shoplifted groceries out of a Giant store.
Pennsylvania State Police at Belfast say a Bethlehem man who was traveling westbound on I-78 in Lower Saucon Township struck a buck Saturday morning at mile marker 64.4, near the Hickory Hill Road overpass.
Bechdolt's Orchard, which is located in Lower Saucon Township, will be the featured farm this year at the upcoming Peddler's Village Apple Festival at Peddler's Village in Lahaska, Bucks County.
Bechdolt's Orchard, which is located in Lower Saucon Township, will be the featured farm this year at the upcoming Peddler's Village Apple Festival at Peddler's Village in Lahaska, Bucks County.
Restaurant Week at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township will begin soon.
The Saucon Rail Trail was one of a number of projects recognized by the Delaware Valley Green Building Council at an awards ceremony held Oct. 17.
Are you looking for a job? Is a good friend? Look no further! These local businesses are hiring!
