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!
Eleanor S. Lewis, 85, of South Whitehall Township, formerly of Washington D.C., died Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014 at Luther Crest, South Whitehall Township.
![Eleanor S. Lewis, 85, Cathedral Church of the Nativity Member [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2014/01/raw/870a8f2381316a32f204d53323be0249.jpg)
Iva Arleyne Knappenberger, 96, of Upper Nazareth Township, formerly of Hellertown, died Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014, at Gracedale, Upper Nazareth Township.
![Iva Arleyne Knappenberger, 96, Hellertown Assembly of God Member [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2014/01/raw/eef04fe039d070b776e3188599e79b24.jpg)
Eric S. Vogel, 31, of Macungie, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 in St. Luke’s Hospice House, Lower Saucon Township, surrounded by his loving wife and daughter.
![Eric S. Vogel, 31, Graduated from So. Lehigh HS in 2000 [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2014/01/raw/b558be2884c2d9d7ba8da6831fa181c4.jpg)
Eleanor S. Lewis, 85, of South Whitehall Township, formerly of Washington D.C., died Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014 at Luther Crest, South Whitehall Township.
![Eleanor S. Lewis, 85, Was Born in Columbus, Ga. [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2014/01/raw/1503fdeb874e1577ccfb8c0622b44f9a.jpg)
Here's a look at some of the events that will be happening in the Saucon Valley area this weekend.
Here's a look at some of the events that will be happening in the Southern Lehigh area this weekend.
Stewart W. Yeakel Jr., 57, of Hellertown, died Monday, Jan. 20, 2014 at St. Luke's University Hospital, Fountain Hill.
![Stewart W. Yeakel Jr., 57, Production Manager at Surefit [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2014/01/raw/613cab6e4f0ca5b5e870a5760e1b5ae8.jpg)
The monthly task force meetings will be open to the public and all interested parties are invited to attend.
Michael Ambrose of Coopersburg has been named to the fall 2013 Dean's List at the University of Scranton, the school recently announced in a news release.
Colin Chapman and Christine Masucci were named to the list for attaining at least a 3.5 GPA for the semester.
In a news release, Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim said Ana Filaseta, 85, fell Dec. 10. She died Friday.
Snow and bitter cold will keep Saucon Valley students at home Wednesday.
Snow and bitter cold will keep Southern Lehigh students at home Wednesday.
Tuesday's winter storm could drop as much as eight inches of snow on the Southern Lehigh area, according to the National Weather Service. Another forecaster—the Eastern PA Weather Authority—is predicting 10 to 15 inches for the area.
Yet another in what seems to be a parade of winter storms is affecting the Saucon Valley, with eight or more inches of snow predicted.
Hellertown Police say a borough man was charged with two counts of providing false identification to law enforcement, after he allegedly provided police officers with fake names on two different occasions in December.
Stephen M. Lindaberry, 21, has been charged with possession with intent to deliver heroin and possession of heroin.
Tickets for both shows went on sale last week.
