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!
The Southern Lehigh School Board voted Monday to allow sponsored yard signs to be placed by the football booster club at home games this season, despite concerns that the signs violate the district's advertising policy.
Saucon Valley High School's 2013 varsity/JV field hockey roster has been announced.
Lower Saucon Township Police say a stop sign at Bingen Road and Reading Drive was found in brush on the side of the road.
A section of the Saucon Rail Trail in Upper Saucon Township will be temporarily closed for the spraying of herbicide on Monday, Sept. 16.
Eighty-six hunters across the state will win elk licenses this Friday.
The Fall 2013 edition of the Lower Milford Township newsletter has been issued. It is available for download from the township's website.
Find out what's happening in the Southern Lehigh area on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013.
A car wash/bake sale fundraiser to support the Saucon Valley High School boys soccer team will be held Saturday, Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, Hellertown.
Upper Saucon Township Police Chief Robert Coyle said his department has not received any reports of attempted child luring in the township, in spite of text messages warning parents about a suspicious man in a green van.
Jacob M. Christine is appealing a nine- to 20-year sentence for a razor attack on another inmate at Northampton County Prison in 2009.
Donald Rohrbach's resignation from the Hellertown Planning Commission was accepted at borough council's Sept. 3 meeting.
Lower Milford Township officials are letting residents know that their fight to uphold ordinances they believe prohibit a quarry in the township is far from over.
'Ella's Garden' at Kingston Park in Lower Saucon has been adopted by the members of Girl Scout Troop #8505, who will help maintain it in the future.
Patch wants to see your favorite local sports teams in action.
Lee Weidner, who has written extensively about the history of the Saucon Valley, has announced that copies of his book "Saucon Secrets, Vol. 2" are on sale for $30 through the end of the year.
Eighty-six hunters across the state will win elk licenses this Friday.
Volunteer firefighters from Dewey Fire Company No. 1 in Hellertown pay tribute in a special way to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during 9/11.
The fall 2013 varsity/JV roster for Saucon Valley High School's volleyball team has been announced.
Find out what's happening in the Southern Lehigh area on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.
Patch readers share their tips for packing a school lunch that travels well, is relatively healthy and, perhaps most importantly, the kids will eat.
