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 Saucon Valley Compost Center closed for the 2013 season on Nov. 30. The center will reopen on Saturdays in January from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the disposal of Christmas trees and yard waste.
Southern Lehigh schools will be closed Tuesday, due to the inclement weather expected from an approaching winter storm.
Saucon Valley schools will be closed Tuesday, due to the inclement weather expected from an approaching winter storm.
The Southern Lehigh School District is one of five Lehigh Valley school districts recently named to the fourth annual AP District Honor Roll, according to The College Board's website.
Another one to three inches of snow is possible in the Southern Lehigh area Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service's latest forecast.
Another one to three inches of snow is possible in the Saucon Valley Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service's latest forecast.
Jeffrey Taddei, of the 3300 block of Greenwood Drive, Springtown, and Sean Boyer, of the 100 block of Traugers Crossing Road, Kintnersville, have been arrested in connection with a theft that occurred at the Lower Saucon Giant Nov. 8, police say.
A new report ranks Lower Saucon Township among the 50 safest municipalities in Pennsylvania.
At a meeting Tuesday, the Saucon Valley School Board's three board officers were re-elected. They are: Michael Karabin, president; Susan Baxter, vice president; and Edward Inghrim, treasurer.
Betty Lou's Pantry in Coopersburg hopes to distribute a take-home Christmas dinner to 150 Southern Lehigh families in need. The food bank has put out a call for monetary donations to help pay for the meal.
Reservations and permits are needed to use the Town Hall and Southeastern park pavilions, and the township has announced that it will begin accepting reservations for their use in 2014 on Friday, Jan. 3, starting at 8:30 a.m.
Are you looking for a job? Look no further. These local businesses are hiring.
Are you looking for a job? Look no further. These local businesses are hiring.
Lower Saucon Township Police are seeking the owner of a male Weimaraner dog found in the 2500 block of Easton Road Sunday.
When and where to look for the International Space Station.
When and where to look for the International Space Station.
At the Southern Lehigh School Board meeting Tuesday Corinne Gunkle was elected board president, William Lycett was elected vice president and Jeff Dimmig was elected treasurer.
Here's a look at some of the events planned in the Saucon Valley area this week. Weekend highlights will include the Dewey Fire Co.'s annual Santa Run, and Holiday Shopping/Photos with Santa at the Heller-Wagner Grist Mill.
Hellertown police said in a news release that Glenn A. Bronson Jr., of the 700 block of Front Street, was charged with harassment.
Here's a look at some of the events planned in the Southern Lehigh area this week.
