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!
Pamela Samuels, a resident of Clearfield Avenue, told Lower Saucon Township Council June 6 that she is seeking a variance to install an above-ground pool on her property.
Several residents of the development recently told Lower Saucon Township Council they are frequently dealing with mosquitoes and swampy yards due to excessive storm water runoff.
Steel City resident Donna Louder told Lower Saucon Township Council June 6 that a tour of IESI Bethlehem Landfill is being planned for township residents concerned about a proposed expansion of the facility.
These adorable pets from the Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Williams Township need new homes.
On June 6, Jeff Fegley, the owner of the Allentown and Bethlehem Brew Works restaurants and a Lower Saucon Township resident, told township council he is unhappy they have committed money to fight Allentown's Neighborhood Improvement Zone in court.
The Saucon Valley Athletic Department's 2011-2012 Winter/Spring Athletic Awards Ceremony and Hall of Fame Inductions were held at the high school June 6.
![[UPDATED] Students, Hall of Fame Inductees Honored for Athletic Achievements](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2012/06/raw/d5228b68f67c911c1535554898d0fe1.jpg)
William S. Hoff Sr., 77, of Kirkland Village, Bethlehem, and formerly of Flourtown, died Tuesday, June 5, 2012.
Marian D. Henn, 89, of Upper Nazareth Township, died Wednesday, June 6, 2012.
The Hellertown Community Pool will open for the 2012 season on Saturday, June 16 at noon. Also opening will be the pool's new aquatic play area, also known as a splash pad.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society says Saucon Valley Middle School students deserve recognition for raising more than $6,500 this year for the "Pasta for Pennies" program presented by Olive Garden.
On June 4, Hellertown Borough Council unanimously approved paying a $15 daily stipend to animal control officer Scott Ziegler when stray dogs are kept in the borough's canine holding facility for more than 24 hours.
On June 4 Hellertown Borough Council discussed proposed changes to the borough's ordinance regulating fires and open burning.
Hellertown Borough Council members and borough officials discussed the installation of security cameras in five borough parks at council's June 4 meeting.
Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp said stray cats in the borough of Hellertown should not be fed, even by well-meaning residents.
Ethel E. (Brown) Mertz, 87, of Springfield Township, died at home on Sunday, June 3, 2012.
A resident of Moravia Street in Lower Saucon Township reports that her family's pet rabbit was taken from his hutch on Sunday, June 3.
Hellertown police say a 15-year-old boy "became out of control" after officers responded to his home when he refused to go to school.
Lower Saucon Township residents concerned about a pending rezoning request that could open the door to an expansion of the IESI Bethlehem Landfill held an informal organizational meeting at Steel City Park on Saturday, June 2.
Pondelek's Florist & Gifts on Main Street in Hellertown is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a special promotion.
Patrick M. Quinn, 25, was sentenced May 31 to four years' probation after earlier pleading guilty to felony criminal mischief in Northampton County Court.
