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!
In front of a large audience, the Lower Saucon Township Planning Commission voted 3-2 to recommend support for a zoning map change that could pave the way for an expansion by IESI Bethlehem Landfill.
The Saucon Valley Farmers' Market will host its monthly Art in the Park event featuring local artists and crafters this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Hellertown's Water Street Park.
A highlight of this weekend in the Southern Lehigh area will be the 50th anniversary celebration held by the Southern Lehigh Public Library on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.
Eric Adams, a Saucon Valley resident who fought to have the book 'Nickel and Dimed' banned from use in Easton Area schools' curriculum last year, was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Saucon Valley School Board Tuesday.
Lower Saucon Township Police say a man spat in the face of a clerk at the Hess Express convenience store on Rt. 378 after they became involved in a verbal argument.
Miguel Espada, 48, of Coopersburg was taken into custody and charged with simple assault and other offenses following the 911 call from a borough home.
Lower Saucon Township Police are investigating the theft of a cell phone and cigarettes from a car that was parked in the 1500 block of Amherst Court.
A stuffed polar bear displayed at a restaurant for years is up for sale but it has to stay in Pennsylvania.
Several Pennsylvania government agencies are using controversial remote flying machines called drones.
A woman who lives near the Hellertown home where authorities say four people operated a meth lab says she observed a lot of activity there.
U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) says it's time to cut off foreign aid to Egypt.
An accident that occurred on I-78 West in Lower Saucon Township Tuesday left two people injured.
Samuel Henry Repynek Jr., 39, of S. Seventh Street, Emmaus, was arrested and jailed on charges related to his alleged operation of a meth lab in Lower Saucon Township.
Mountainview Moravian Church in Hellertown has announced that it will hold another free clothing distribution for families in need this Saturday.
The Upper Saucon Township Board of Supervisors' Planning & Zoning Committee will discuss a proposed ordinance that would place restrictions on ATV use in the township.
Hellertown Police are investigating the accident, which they characterized as a hit-and-run.
Pennsylvania State Police say two children from a camp in New Jersey suffered minor injuries when their bus was rear-ended on I-78 East in Lower Saucon Township.
Lower Saucon Township Police say they are investigating as cases of criminal mischief two drawings of penises that were left on houses.
Motorists are being detoured onto alternate routes whiles sections of Blue Church Road and Limeport Pike are closed for paving in Upper Saucon Township.
Brianna Yates of Coopersburg is a sophomore behavioral health major at Penn State Main Campus.
