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!
Samuel Schadt, a chemical biology major at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, is working with Rev. Peter Clark, SJ on the topic, "Health promoter model."
Jeanette F. Kichline Shanda died Thursday, July 18, 2013.
![Jeanette F. Kichline Shanda, 86, Formerly of Williams [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/07/raw/370c408eb63354d465a52ea73612baf4.jpg)
The Dewey Fire Co. Carnival in Hellertown continues through Saturday. A fireworks show will be held Friday at 10 p.m. (rain date Saturday at 10 p.m.).
Hellertown Police say a teen driver has been charged as a result of an accident in which a boy fell off a car hood.
SVHS students who are members of the Future Business Leaders of America plan to set up a lemonade stand to benefit cancer research near the Saucon Rail Trail in Hellertown.
The neighborhood yard sale in Upper Saucon Township is well-established, according to a Patch Facebook fan.
Hellertown Police are investigating a hit-and-run accident that occurred in the 700 block of Magnolia Road.
A free car seat check sponsored by Safe Kids Allentown-Bethlehem will be held at the Capital Blue Store at the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Volunteer and Borough Authority Park fountain restoration project organizer Joe Delfoe provided Hellertown Borough Council with an update.
Katianne Janney was named to the spring 2013 dean's list at Westminster Choir College of Rider University.
Burnside Plantation's annual Blueberry Festival in Bethlehem will include a Colonial brewing demonstration, along with delicious desserts, activities for kids and much more.
A Freemansburg man pulled down his shorts and exposed himself in front of patrons at the Hellertown Community Pool Tuesday, according to police.
Several weeks into the 2013 season, things are going swimmingly at the Hellertown Community Pool, according to borough councilwoman Gail Nolf.
Madelyn Binder, a Southern Lehigh Middle School student, competed at The Lendon Gray Dressage Festival in Saugerties, N.Y., last weekend.
Hellertown Borough Manager Cathy Kichline announced the change at Monday's borough council meeting.
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay will try to revitalize Bella Luna in Forks Township this week. The filming is for an episode of Ramsay's popular TV show "Kitchen Nightmares."
Jessica Powell of Hellertown was recently named to the spring 2013 deans' commendation list at Gettysburg College.
Vaughn Rennie of Coopersburg was recently named to the spring 2013 deans' commendation list at Gettysburg College.
