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!
Saucon Manor in Hellertown was evacuated when a breaker blew on a nearby utility pole Friday afternoon. Surrounding streets were closed after emergency and fire personnel responded to the scene.
The traffic light adjustments were made to help alleviate construction-related congestion and followed a Friday afternoon meeting between borough officials, business owners, State Rep. Bob Freeman and PennDOT representatives.
Candace A. Croft died Thursday, May 9, 2013.
![Candace A. Croft, of Upper Black Eddy [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/05/raw/8cb13a6112ef6f3cae4861029431d143.jpg)
These pets are housed at the Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Williams Township. For information about how to adopt them, call 610-252-7722.
Marie B. Molnar went to heaven Thursday, May 9, 2013.
![Marie B. Molnar, 68, of Lower Macungie [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/05/raw/e2e477649e881144febe01ce77777585.jpg)
Dana Elizabeth Valasek has received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Alvernia University in Reading.
Newly-appointed Hellertown-Lower Saucon Community Day Committee chair Kim Medei says area residents can expect lots of fun and excitement in the borough's Dimmick Park.
![Annual Community Day Will Return on Aug. 17 [Letter]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/05/raw/bca0d3589b6dfb3bade9ac1455ee5ded.jpg)
Cristabelle Braden, a graduate of Southern Lehigh High School, has released her second album.
A blood drive will be held at the fifth annual Show & Shine Car Show at Trinity UCC, Pleasant Valley, on Saturday, May 18.
Check out our list of best places for Mother's Day brunch or dinner in Saucon Valley and beyond, and tell us what YOUR favorite dining destination is in the comments.
Elizabeth "Betty" A. Ranek died Monday, May 6, 2013.
![Elizabeth 'Betty' A. Ranek, 86, of Hellertown [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/05/raw/ec492230353e74dbe90f8034a155f3a6.jpg)
With barricades going up on side streets at Main Street's north end in Hellertown, business owners, residents and officials are worried about the potential for long-term, major inconvenience.
Sandra C. LaPorta died Sunday, May 5, 2013.
Hellertown Police say they are investigating a case of criminal mischief that recently occurred in the alley behind the 600 block of Main Street.
Saucon Valley baseball and softball games that were originally scheduled to be played Wednesday have been rescheduled for Tuesday, due to the weather forecast.
Marjorie M. McCullough, 95, died Monday, May 6, 2013.
![Marjorie M. McCullough, 95, of Hellertown [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/05/raw/a389abe4562856e2787d70b3d2e9735.jpg)
Hellertown Police say two men have been cited for allegedly riding off-road vehicles in the Cinder Banks area near the Saucon Creek.
A rededication and flag-raising ceremony was held at Hellertown's Edward H. Ackerman American Legion Post 397 Saturday. Volunteers, veterans and legionnaires gathered to celebrate the post's reopening earlier this year.
Lower Saucon Township Police say they are seeking information about a man who was rear-ended by a township dump truck on Bingen Road near Friedensville Road.
William J. 'Jack' Geyer III, of Lower Saucon Township, died Friday, May 3, 2013.
![William J. 'Jack' Geyer III, 60, of Lower Saucon [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/05/raw/4a537af3c00222c78f8799c4faa983a8.jpg)