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!
Missing Lower Macungie Township resident Holly Grim was last seen on Nov. 22 and there have been no new developments in the case, according to PA State Police. A bowling benefit for her family is planned for Feb. 8.
Thomas D. Fegely, 72, of Whitehall, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by caring and love on Dec. 17, 2013. He was a 1959 graduate of Southern Lehigh High School.
![Thomas D. Fegely, 72, Former Magazine Editor, Limeport Native [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/129d10007be0342e606dd0b343569161.jpg)
Here's a look at some of the things happening in the Saucon Valley area and beyond this weekend.
Here's a look at some of the things happening in the Southern Lehigh area and beyond this weekend.
State Rep. Justin Simmons—who represents the Southern Lehigh area in the state legislature—presented Southern Lehigh Public Library director Lynnette Saeger and board of directors members with a citation recognizing the library's 50th anniversary.
It's wintertime, and Lower Saucon Township is reminding residents to clear sidewalks and fire hydrants of ice and snow, move cars from cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets to allow for plowing, and refrain from putting snow in roads.
A Shiba Inu dog named Laney went missing from the Lanark Road area in Center Valley, Upper Saucon Township over the weekend.
The upcoming guide is planned to be a definitive reference for Saucon Valley High School alumni, and will make it easy for them to reconnect with former friends and classmates, according to an announcement from the school district.
Leslie C. Keiser, 70, of Hellertown, formerly of Quakertown, died Dec. 19, 2013 at his home.
![Leslie C. Keiser, 70, Devoted Life to U.S. Military [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/a6981106622fc53f24c5d07ca49601b7.png)
James J. Hofstetter, 81, of Friedensville, passed away in his home on Dec. 5, 2013.
![James J. Hofstetter, 81, Life Member of U. Saucon Social Quarters [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/4e7c8560eca4f1d8bcb0ca5831bd4a95.jpg)
Participants in the Saucon Valley School District's mentorship program recently celebrated the conclusion of a successful holiday gift drive that benefited dozens of other Saucon Valley students.
Se-Wy-Co Fire Company in Lower Saucon Township is one of eight volunteer fire companies from throughout the nation competing to win a Pierce Manufacturing 100th anniversary prize pack in a Facebook photo contest being sponsored by the company.
At their meeting Thursday, the Lower Milford supervisors adopted a 2014 township budget that doesn't include a real estate tax increase.
Are you looking for a job? Look no further! These local businesses are hiring.
The Borough of Hellertown is currently seeking interested residents of the borough to fill vacancies on the Zoning Hearing Board, the Rental Property Board of Appeals and the Saucon Rail Trail Oversight Commission in 2014.
Are you looking for a job? Look no further! These local businesses are hiring.
Drivers from Pennsylvania were just outside the top-10 for worst in the country, according to a report.
Drivers from Pennsylvania were just outside the top-10 for worst in the country, according to a report.
Schools, government offices and many businesses in Coopersburg, Upper Saucon Township and Lower Milford Township will be closed in observance of Christmas this week.
Schools, government offices and many businesses in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township will be closed in observance of Christmas this week.
