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!
Below is a list of 2013 meeting dates and locations for the Saucon Rail Trail Oversight Commission, which is made up of representatives from Hellertown, Coopersburg, Upper Saucon Township and Lower Saucon Township.
Hess Corporation is planning to get out of the retail gas business, according to a published report.
In a news release, Lower Saucon Township announced that the Steel City Park construction scheduled for this year has been postponed due to permitting delays.
Police say DNA recovered from a discarded ski mask has been linked to Rodney Amos Chery, 24, who is charged in the 2010 armed robbery of a McDonald's restaurant.
Saucon Valley Elementary School students are no longer permitted to celebrate their birthdays by bringing cookies, cakes and other treats to share in their classrooms.
Martha Kahan, President of No Nonsense Neutering, demonstrated how to use a metal trap to catch a feral cat during a workshop held at Hellertown Borough Hall Feb. 28. The traps are part of NNN's "Trap-Neuter-Return" program.
The Borough of Hellertown has partnered with No Nonsense Neutering to bring a 'Trap-Neuter-Return' program to neighborhoods where feral cat colonies are causing problems.
Freddy and Krimpet are housed at the Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Williams Township. For information about how to adopt them, call 610-252-7722.
Althea L. Yob, 80, of Lower Saucon Township, died Saturday, March 2, 2013.
![Althea L. Yob, 80, of Lower Saucon [OBITUARY]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/03/raw/b490677e17a84ac471f7178dd9931b03.jpg)
Hellertown resident and Saucon Rail Trail advocate Lee Weidner says the vigilance of others is helping to keep the trail safe and clean.
![Vigilance is Making a Difference on Trail [Letter]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/03/raw/ee2211a09ce4c81982237a83b5e93c5.jpg)
Marjorie A. Stahler, 71, of Coopersburg, died Friday, March 1, 2013.
![Marjorie A. Stahler, 71, of Coopersburg [OBITUARY]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/03/raw/a389abe4562856e2787d70b3d2e9735.jpg)
The Lower Saucon Township Citizens Academy, which will run for six weeks, is set to kick off on Thursday, March 7, 2013 starting at 7pm at Seidersville Hall, 3700 Old Philadelphia Pike.
The following schedule was provided by the Saucon Valley Athletic Department. All schedules are subject to change. For information call the athletic department at 610-838-7001, ext. 2720.
The following schedule was provided by the Saucon Valley Athletic Department. All schedules are subject to change. For information call the AD at 610-838-7001, ext. 2720.
The following schedule was provided by the Saucon Valley Athletic Department. All schedules are subject to change.
The following schedule was provided by the Saucon Valley Athletic Department. All schedules are subject to change.
The following schedule was provided by the Saucon Valley Athletic Department. All schedules are subject to change.
The following schedule was provided by the Saucon Valley Athletic Department. All schedules are subject to change.
The Cole Porter musical is being performed by a talented student cast through Sunday. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets ($10 adults, $8 students/seniors) are sold at the door.
![See 'Anything Goes' at Saucon Valley HS [Photos]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/03/raw/e9470bc693e74f47ec9a800aac93696c.jpg)
Barbara J. Kline, 61, of Hellertown, died Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013.