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!
Residents of Upper Saucon Township who are supplied public water via Bethlehem's system could be affected if a proposed 15 percent water rate increase is approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
The Upper Saucon Township Board of Supervisors will also meet on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Lower Saucon Township Police are asking for the public's help in identifying two men who they say stole more than $1,000 worth of Crest White Strips and razor blades from the Giant Food Store at 1880 Leithsville Road.
![[Updated] Men Stole $1,000 Worth of White Strips, Razor Blades: Police](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/11/raw/fda60e0219b254a817205ae78edc0217.png)
Hellertown Police say a man passed counterfeit bills at the Dimmick Park snack stand.
Hellertown Police say two men and a boy were charged with various drug-related offenses after they were allegedly found with marijuana and synthetic marijuana in a parked car at Reservoir Park.
Are you looking for a job? Look no further! These local businesses are hiring.
Although the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation has withdrawn funding for local Main Street coordinators such as Hellertown's, borough council recently voted to allocate $5,000 in next year's budget for the program to continue.
A presentation of the 2014 preliminary Upper Saucon Township budget by township staff is on supervisors' Tuesday night meeting agenda.
Santa will soon arrive at the popular lifestyle center in Upper Saucon Township.
Are you looking for a job? Look no further! These local businesses are hiring.
Santa will soon arrive at the popular lifestyle center in Upper Saucon Township.
The Hellertown Police Department is advising residents to beware of online property and lottery scams.
What's happening in the Southern Lehigh area this week? Read 'The Week Ahead' and find out.
What's happening in the Saucon Valley area this week? Read 'The Week in Review' and find out.
Here's a list of what's open and closed in the Saucon Valley area on Monday, Nov. 11.
Here's a list of what's open and closed in the Southern Lehigh area on Monday, Nov. 11.
A 'road closed' sign that was being used by Lower Saucon Township public works employees while a parking lot was being painted with lines was stolen from inside Polk Valley Park Oct. 31.
Robert S. Moriarty, 90, of Lower Saucon Township died Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013 at home.
![Robert S. Moriarty, 90, Was Metallurgical Engineer [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/11/raw/45f8568e6b35fb31b3c30f3d39627e2c.jpg)
Stories about the results from Tuesday's local elections topped the headlines and were among the most-read in the Southern Lehigh area this week.
Stories about Saucon Valley elections were among the most-read on Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch this week.
