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 Freemansburg man has been charged with DUI, following an alleged hit-and-run accident that Lower Saucon Township Police say injured another motorist.
Now that summer is here, many residents are eager to enjoy the ambience of a blaze built in an outdoor fireplace, or chiminea.
A Reading Drive home was entered, but nothing was disturbed or damaged, according to Lower Saucon Township Police.
A $25 quarterly water authority fee was explained at a recent Coopersburg Borough Council meeting.
Hellertown Police say a car that was parked on East High Street was vandalized.
Hellertown Police are investigating a case of criminal mischief.
A representative for the Southern Lehigh Education Association told the school board Monday that his organization is concerned about cuts to part-time staff in the district.
Denise Woodworth of Center Valley has earned a CAS in health informatics.
Mayo W. Lanning passed away at his home on Saturday, June 22, 2013.
![Mayo W. Lanning, 97, of Coopersburg [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/06/raw/d17f3ca675c13407c60d2785cb6bbf74.jpg)
Elouise Jackson died Saturday, June 22, 2013.
![Elouise Jackson, 76, of Milford Township [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/06/raw/c9a523f11e90b4faf44ffebc87a1b62c.jpg)
Lower Saucon Township Police say they are investigating a case of trespassing in the 2000 block of Glen View Drive.
Lower Saucon Township Police say David Andrew Palumbo, of Tulpe Way, Riegelsville, drove across a yard and over a mailbox along Apple Tree Lane.
Pennsylvania State Police released information about an accident that occurred on I-78 in Lower Saucon Township.
The annual Coopersburg Fire Company Carnival opens in the borough on Wednesday, June 26.
There's a daily chance of thunderstorms as heat and humidity blanket the Southern Lehigh area this week--and lighting can strike even when you don't expect it.
Lower Saucon Township Police are seeking the owners of a dog leash and a Ford key.
Shane Higgins of Coopersburg recently graduated from Delaware Valley College in Doylestown.
Georgeann M. (Urich) Young died Friday, June 21, 2013.
![Georgeann M. (Urich) Young, 60, of Springfield [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/06/raw/379f97eb87371c8724acb88dc069d095.jpg)
It will be hot and hotter as the first extended heat wave of 2013 blankets the Southern Lehigh area this week.
The Hellertown Community Pool will open Thursday, June 27, after a twelve-day delay caused by the installation of a new liner.
