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!
Chrystyna M. Fenchen, 63, of Lower Saucon Township was sentenced last week to serve two to 10 years in state prison for repeatedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
Hellertown Borough Council members express differing opinions over the continued use of signs with interchangeable letters at the busy intersection of Main and Water streets.
There's still time to register as a crafter, demonstrator or vendor for the Lower Milford Township Fall Festival.
Instead of Philadelphia Funk Authority, attendees at the final Second Sunday concert in Hellertown's Dimmick Park this Sunday will see Mike Dugan and June Thomas perform.
Betty Lou's Pantry in Coopersburg is open for distributions on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.
The Samuel Adams brewery in Breinigsville has many local and out-of-state job opportunities available, according to its website.
Rockabilly band The Ultra Kings will perform a free concert at Upper Saucon Township Community Park at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Musikfest 2013 continues in Bethlehem through Sunday.
Lower Saucon Township Police are investigating a theft of boat anchors and a truck bed toolbox in the 2500 block of Redington Road.
The Labor Day race to benefit the HCM Foundation will begin and end at Upper Saucon Township Community Park in Center Valley.
The Labor Day race to benefit the HCM Foundation will begin and end at Upper Saucon Township Community Park in Center Valley.
Relay for Life of Saucon Valley's third annual Duck Derby fundraiser was held at Hellertown's Water Street Park on Sunday.
Freddies, Save the Kales and WFMZ all in the running for Mid-Atlantic Emmy awards.
The Samuel Adams brewery in Breinigsville has many local and out-of-state job opportunities available, according to its website.
Season passes for Saucon Valley athletic events are now available for purchase.
Here's a roundup of events happening in the Saucon Valley area on Wednesday.
Here's a roundup of events happening in the Southern Lehigh area on Wednesday.
On Aug. 10 and 12, Mountainview Moravian Church in Hellertown will give away hundreds of pieces of clothing to area families in need, with no questions asked.
A mass shooting at a Monroe County municipal building has local leaders asking how to keep public meetings safe.
A mass shooting at a Monroe County municipal building has local leaders asking how to keep public meetings safe.
