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 police say a township man will be cited for driving his vehicle at an unsafe speed because he allegedly caused an accident on Hickory Hill Road near its intersection with Bingen Road.
Devin Siebert of Center Valley graduated with 497 other Millersville University of Pennsylvania students during the December 2013 undergraduate commencement ceremony held Sunday, Dec. 15.
A GoFundMe campaign in memory of Prudence the Cat seeks donations to support life-saving veterinary care for The Cat Shack foster cats that have severe medical conditions.
A GoFundMe campaign in memory of Prudence the Cat seeks donations to support life-saving veterinary care for The Cat Shack foster cats that have severe medical conditions.
Are you looking for a job? Look no further. These local businesses are hiring.
Are you looking for a job? Look no further. These local businesses are hiring.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is trying to locate and help a deer with a plastic container stuck on its head. The deer was recently spotted in Upper Saucon Township, as well as just over the border in Northampton County.
The Hellertown Historical Society hosted its annual Holiday Open House on two consecutive evenings last weekend. Highlights of the open house included performances by the Lehigh Valley Idols, a vintage toy train display and refreshments.
A Pen Argyl man was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after Lower Saucon Township police say three capped syringes, a metal spoon with dried residue on it and several empty heroin packets labeled 'Great Ape' were found in his car.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is trying to locate and help a deer with a plastic container stuck on its head. The deer was recently spotted in Upper Saucon Township, as well as just over the border in Northampton County.
Lower Saucon Township police say a fire hydrant at Meadows Road and Meadow Ridge Court was knocked off its base when it was struck by an unknown vehicle sometime Dec. 7.
A man who says a "super friendly" cat is living behind his house on Liberty Street in Coopersburg is seeking any available information about the cat's owner in a recent Craigslist posting.
According to Plainfield Township police, Sami M. Mirza, 24, of Lower Saucon Township, broke into a Rita's Water Ice store in May 2010 and stole $2,200 from a safe and two registers. Mirza has been linked to the crime through DNA, police say.
Part of Route 378 is closed in Bethlehem and Lower Saucon Township, reportedly because of a fire.
Part of Route 378 is closed in Bethlehem and Lower Saucon Township, reportedly because of a fire.
Republic of Couture has opened at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township. The new men's and women's clothing store merges fashion with interactivity and entertainment.
Edward S. 'Zeke' Kozlowski, 87, of Hellertown, died peacefully Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013, surrounded by his loving family.
![Edward S. 'Zeke' Kozlowski, 87, World War II Veteran [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/a721d5520820963538de5c45482f03b2.jpg)
An 18-year-old Hellertown man who told police he was acting out a 'rape fantasy' in an alleged sex assault of a 14-year-old girl waived his preliminary hearing Wednesday.
An 18-year-old Hellertown man who told police he was acting out a 'rape fantasy' in an alleged sex assault of a 14-year-old girl waived his preliminary hearing Wednesday.
It's still a couple of days away, but this weekend holds the possibility of more snow for the Saucon Valley, according to the latest National Weather Service forecast.
