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!
A Lower Saucon Township woman reported Tuesday that two Christmas cards that had been placed in her mailbox had been opened, police said.
With Christmas only a couple of weeks away, businesses and homeowners up and down Hellertown's Main Street are celebrating the season by decorating with lights and other festive accents.
![Holiday Lights Twinkle on Hellertown's Main Street [Photos]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/fbe9ad1e00cb3e5dc74279c97dc4bbbe.jpg)
Mildred M. 'Millie' Smoyer, 92, of Hellertown, died Monday, Dec. 9, 2013 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg, Bethlehem.
![Mildred M. 'Millie' Smoyer, 92, Was a Devoted Homemaker [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/7bf3fed7274051f77f860183c755df5f.jpg)
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.
Lower Saucon Township is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time road crewman position with the township's public works department.
It's still a couple of days away, but this weekend holds the possibility of more snow for the Southern Lehigh area, according to the latest National Weather Service forecast.
Some of the highlights of this weekend in the Saucon Valley will be Dewey Fire Co.'s annual Santa Run and the Hellertown Historical Society's "Holiday Shopping at the Mill" gift-buying event, both of which are on Sunday.
Highlights of the weekend will include the Southern Lehigh intermediate school's instrumental concert, "Retail Therapy Bingo" and a vigil in remembrance of the victims of the Newtown massacre.
Saucon Valley residents were forced to cope with the first significant snow of the season Tuesday, when a fast-moving storm dumped several inches of the white stuff on the area.
Southern Lehigh residents were forced to cope with the first significant snow of the season Tuesday, when a fast-moving storm dumped several inches of the white stuff on the area.
Lower Saucon Township police are seeking information about a hit-and-run accident they say happened at Rt. 378 and Black River Road on Friday at 5:40 p.m.
Margaret Ohl, 92, of Hellertown, formerly of Allentown, died Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013 at Saucon Valley Manor, Hellertown.
![Margaret Ohl, 92, Worked at Former Allison Manufacturing Co. [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/1a3ef03b72fadfe452efd7f659545ed4.jpg)
Joseph A. Bubba, Managing Shareholder of Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, P.C., has been named Chairman of Miller-Keystone Blood Center.
The Saucon Valley School Board recently gave its views on a fact-finding report and the heard the views of residents, and for the first time the teachers union spoke publicly about its views.
Lower Milford Township used Facebook Sunday to remind property owners that snow should not be shoveled into public roadways.
Lower Saucon Township police say they are investigating a burglary that occurred Friday on Caryn Drive in the Four Seasons development. Silverware, jewelry and sports memorabilia were reportedly stolen.
The Fitness Studio is a fitness and nutrition center owned by certified personal trainer and sports nutritionist Misty Jaymes. The business is located on Main Street in Coopersburg.
Pennsylvania State Police at Belfast say they are investigating the egging of several homes along Butternut Road and Melchor Drive in Williams Township.
Margaret "Peg" A. Murphy, 88, of Coopersburg and formerly of Chalfont, passed away on Dec. 2, 2013 at Phoebe Home, Allentown.
![Margaret 'Peg' A. Murphy, 88, Member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/54b468011a90fb30b094274b2711bdd9.jpg)
The Saucon Valley Compost Center closed for the 2013 season on Nov. 30. The center will reopen on Saturdays in January from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the disposal of Christmas trees and yard waste.
