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!
A Salisbury Township man has been charged with auto theft, receiving stolen property and burglary after Lower Saucon Township police say he stole a car from his mother and stepfather's garage.
In a news release, Lower Saucon Township police said Gail Paulus, 60, of Kintnersville, lost control of her car after hitting a pole on Christmas night, losing a back wheel and sliding for 97 feet in the 2600 block of Easton Road.
Lower Milford is also currently seeking a volunteer to serve on the Recreation and Open Space Board.
In a news release issued over the weekend, police said an arrest warrant will be issued for John Antonelli III, of the 200 block of W. Sixth St., Berwick, Pa.
The heaters were sold at Sears and Kmart.
Eric P. Mason, 27, of 1451 Clauser Drive was charged with driving under the influence of marijuana and other offenses for allegedly causing a Sept. 4 wreck on Shimersville Road. The accident left another driver in critical condition.
Anyone with information about the Friday evening accident is asked to call the Hellertown Police Department at 610-759-2200.
Jewelry has been a target of thieves involved in other recent burglaries in Lower Saucon Township.
Recent catalytic converter thefts are under investigation in both South Whitehall and Upper Macungie townships.
It was announced Tuesday that Melt owner George Paxos plans to open another restaurant in The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township. The new restaurant will be where the former Latin fusion eatery, Pacifico, was located.
Lower Saucon Township police say DNA collected from a piece of crime scene evidence—a discarded Newport cigarette—has connected a Hellertown man to a July 2011 criminal mischief case.
Recent catalytic converter thefts are under investigation in both South Whitehall and Upper Macungie townships.
Mountainview Moravian Church in Hellertown has announced that it will again hold free clothing distributions for area families in need on Saturday, Jan. 18 and Saturday, Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Here's a look at some of the events that will be happening in the Saucon Valley area this weekend.
Here's a look at some of the events that will be happening in the Southern Lehigh area this weekend.
A black and white female cat named January has gone missing from her home in the area of Walnut Street, near Hellertown's Union Cemetery.
Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp is warning residents about a scam involving thieves claiming to be 'Water Department' employees. Anyone who observes suspicious activity should call either the Borough Authority or the police department.
Lower Saucon Township police say a Philadelphia man was cited for allegedly driving at an unsafe speed following a Friday morning accident at the intersection of Bingen and Saucon Valley roads.
Coopersburg resident Ed Leitgeb questions the need for the recently-installed 'yield to pedestrian crosswalk' in Limeport village, Lower Milford Township, in a 'Road Warrior' column by Dan Hartzell published by The Morning Call Sunday.
Certain restrictions on commercial drivers hauling heating oil and propane gas to allow for the smooth delivery of heating oil and propane gas to homes and businesses for heating purposes.
