• Josh PopichakPatch Staff Verified Patch Staff Badge

  • Hellertown-Lower Saucon, PA

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!

Posting Activity

Hellertown-Lower Saucon|News|

Parent Opposes School Delays Due to Cold; SVSD Supt. Responds

Saucon parent Randy Yardumian says the district's delays and closure of school due to cold weather represent 'kowtowing to a dumbed-down society' and will set kids up for failure. School district superintendent Dr. Sandra Fellin has a different take.

Parent Opposes School Delays Due to Cold; SVSD Supt. Responds
Hellertown-Lower Saucon|News|

Water Test Results Expected Back Soon, LS Authority Says

In a letter, the Lower Saucon Authority said the water main break that occurred on Old Bethlehem Pike Saturday evening was 'major' and caused a 'catastrophic loss of water pressure' in the heart of its service area in the township.

Water Test Results Expected Back Soon, LS Authority Says
Hellertown-Lower Saucon|News|

Saucon Valley Resident Named to Drexel Dean's List

Lower Saucon Township resident Brandon Palik—who is also a member of the Drexel wrestling team—was named to the fall 2013 dean's list at the Philadelphia school's LeBow College of Business.

Saucon Valley Resident Named to Drexel Dean's List
Hellertown-Lower Saucon|News|

2-Hour Delay for Saucon Valley Students Tuesday

The Saucon Valley School District announced Monday evening that there will be a two-hour delayed opening of schools on Tuesday morning, due to very cold temperatures.

2-Hour Delay for Saucon Valley Students Tuesday
Hellertown-Lower Saucon|News|

Boil Water Advisory Remains in Effect for Some L. Saucon Residents

A 12-inch water main break on Old Bethlehem Pike in Upper Saucon Township has affected the water supply for hundreds of residents of both Upper and Lower Saucon Township. The main has been repaired, but a boil water advisory remains in effect.

Boil Water Advisory Remains in Effect for Some L. Saucon Residents
Hellertown-Lower Saucon|News|

SV Wrestlers Competing for Colonial League Title Monday

The Saucon Valley High School wrestling team will compete for the Colonial League title Monday night at Catasauqua, after defeating Bangor and capturing the top seed heading into the tournament on Saturday.

SV Wrestlers Competing for Colonial League Title Monday