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!
Lower Saucon Township has announced the adoption of the following stray animal policy, which was recently posted on the township website: www.lowersaucontownship.org.
Hellertown Police are seeking the public's help in identifying the driver of a Toyota Solara allegedly involved in a hit-and-run accident at Depot Street and New Jersey Avenue.
The Hellertown Police announced Tuesday that in addition to five skunks, a raccoon that was recently found in the borough may have been infected with the rabies virus.
Lower Saucon Township Police say copper ground cables were recently stolen from PPL transmission towers at a substation on Applebutter Road.
Lower Saucon Township Police say a borough woman's purse was taken after she forgot it in a shopping cart at the Leithsville Road supermarket.
Distinguished author Robin Moore recently visited St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Ottsville, Bucks County.
Dan Dortic is in the process of reopening the Main Street used car center as Murray Motors of Hellertown.
MaryAnne Lueckenbach, 76, of Lower Saucon Township, died Saturday, March 16, 2013.
![MaryAnne Lueckenbach, 76, of L. Saucon [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/03/raw/48b71ecec160a49ab0b718ef0d569ba8.jpg)
Gladys M. Dwinal, 79, died Sunday, March 17, 2013.
![Gladys M. Dwinal, 79, Formerly of Center Valley [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/03/raw/a389abe4562856e2787d70b3d2e9735.jpg)
Hellertown Police have been dispatched to five recent calls about rabid skunks in the borough, according to information posted at HellertownBorough.org.
These and other 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.
Although the descendants of patriarch Christopher Heller are most closely associated with the Saucon Valley and its history, they also helped shape the modern Christmas City.
Students at New Jerusalem Preschool in Lower Saucon Township were recently read to by Beverly Bradley of the Cops 'n' Kids Reading Room, who explained how the charitable organization benefits children learning to read.
Nancy S. Mosher, 71, died March 14, 2013.
An apparent road rage incident on I-78 in Lower Saucon and an alleged dispute between roommates that involved wood-chopping are among the top local headlines this week.
A woman driving on I-78 near the Route 33 interchange in Lower Saucon Township was shot at by another motorist, according to Pennsylvania State Police, who are investigating the incident.
Six candidates have filed petitions to appear as Hellertown Borough Council candidates on the May primary ballot. One Republican and five Democrats are vying for four open seats.
Two incumbents and one political newcomer have filed petitions to appear on the May primary ballot in Lower Saucon Township. All three are running as Republicans.
Eleven people have filed petitions as school board candidates for the May primary election in the Saucon Valley School District. There are four open school board seats.
The Hellertown Planning Commission approves a plan presented by John Ingles, who owns Freedom Landscaping.
