• Josh PopichakPatch Staff Verified Patch Staff Badge

  • Hellertown-Lower Saucon, PA

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!

Posting Activity

Hellertown-Lower Saucon|News|

Tractor Worth $10,000 Stolen from Easton Road Shed, Police Say

Lower Saucon Township Police say they are investigating the theft of a Massey-Ferguson tractor valued at $10,000 and a Woods mower valued at $2,500 from a shed in the 2200 block of Easton Road.

Tractor Worth $10,000 Stolen from Easton Road Shed, Police Say
Upper Saucon, PA|News|

B.Braun to Build New Headquarters in Upper Saucon

Well-known Lehigh Valley employer B.Braun Medical Inc. has announced that it will build its new corporate headquarters on 21.5 acres of land near the confluence of Route 309, I-78 and Center Valley Parkway in Upper Saucon Township.

B.Braun to Build New Headquarters in Upper Saucon
Hellertown-Lower Saucon|News|

Farmers' Market Will Host Trick-or-Treat on Sunday

The Saucon Valley Farmers' Market will host its own version of Trick-or-Treat Sunday, with many vendors handing out treats to children who visit.

Farmers' Market Will Host Trick-or-Treat on Sunday
Hellertown-Lower Saucon|News|

Heintzelman Sponsoring Workshops for Veterans and Families

Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc. of Hellertown is sponsoring a series of 'We Honor Veterans' interactive workshops that will be led by nationally-recognized author Deborah Grassman on Nov. 11 and 12.

Heintzelman Sponsoring Workshops for Veterans and Families
Hellertown-Lower Saucon|News|

Man Held Airsoft Gun to Woman's Head, Police Say

A Hellertown man was arraigned on charges of reckless endangerment, terroristic threats, simple assault and disorderly conduct after he allegedly held an Airsoft gun to a woman's head and choked her.

Man Held Airsoft Gun to Woman's Head, Police Say
Hellertown-Lower Saucon|News|

Police Want to ID Man Allegedly Using Stolen Credit Card

Lower Saucon Township Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a man they say is using a stolen credit card to buy gift cards and items at grocery and auto parts stores.

Police Want to ID Man Allegedly Using Stolen Credit Card
Hellertown-Lower Saucon|News|

Truck Driver Blocked Rt. 378, Grabbed Woman's Phone, Police Say

Lower Saucon Township Police say a Bethlehem Township man will be charged with disorderly conduct, after he allegedly blocked Rt. 378 with his tractor trailer and grabbed another motorist's cell phone while she was trying to take his photo.

Truck Driver Blocked Rt. 378, Grabbed Woman's Phone, Police Say
Upper Saucon, PA|News|

2 School Board Members Honored for Service

Two Southern Lehigh School Board members who've each served a dozen years on the board were recognized for their commitment to education in the Southern Lehigh School District at a recent board meeting.

2 School Board Members Honored for Service
Hellertown-Lower Saucon|News|

Borough Man Charged With Harassment, Assault

A borough man was recently charged with harassment and assault in connection with an alleged Oct. 1 incident, Hellertown Police said.

Borough Man Charged With Harassment, Assault