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!
Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp told Borough Council Monday that a man suspected of passing counterfeit currency was recently arrested in the borough.
Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp told Borough Council Monday that a man suspected of passing counterfeit currency was recently arrested in the borough.
The proposed 150-foot cell tower would be located near Upper Saucon Township Community Park and the Southern Lehigh Public Library.
Lower Saucon Township Police say Michael A. Wambaugh, of the 500 block of Pawnee Street, Bethlehem, was arrested for DUI in the Starters Pub parking lot.
Gas prices are again on the rise.
The 7th annual Barn Tour of Saucon Valley Barns sponsored by the Saucon Valley Conservancy will be held Saturday, Sept. 14.
Four Southern Lehigh Public Library board members were appointed by Upper Saucon Township supervisors.
Pennsylvania State Police at Belfast say a rear-end collision on I-78 in Lower Saucon Township resulted in a minor injury suffered by a New York woman.
Peter Lynch of Center Valley was named to the spring 2013 dean's list at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
Gina M. Borso died Sunday, July 14, 2013.
![Gina M. Borso, 54, of Whitehall [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/07/raw/816684cc47840cf4fc314c00bc0e3174.jpg)
Pot-luck buffet, schoolhouse tours of the school and quoits were part of annual picnic.
Samantha Kevitch of Hellertown was awarded a Doctor of Law degree from the Emory University School of Law.
According to Yelp reviewers, the following local businesses are the best places to buy cold treats in the Southern Lehigh area.
The heat index on Thursday and Friday could top 100 degrees.
The New Jerusalem Food Bank in Lower Saucon Township continues to quietly serve the needs of hundreds of Saucon Valley residents who can't afford to put food on the table.
Joseph J. Wilson, 24, told a judge he was high on drugs when he threw a can of baked beans at a car on Leithsville Road last winter.
PennDOT says drainage work will be performed on Route 412 between Flint Hill and Apples Church roads in Lower Saucon Township.
Brett Elliott Ryan received a B.S. degree in business from Miami University in Ohio.
Eleanor C. Weierbach died Saturday, July 13, 2013.
![Eleanor C. Weierbach, 87, of Hellertown [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/07/raw/30235d32dd36d4b0651ac25dcdf3ba45.jpg)