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!
Coverage of the 2013 Saucon Valley Spirit & 4-County Fireman's Parade in Hellertown and a story about a borough man who allegedly raped a 14-year-old girl near the Hellertown-Bethlehem border were popular on Patch this week.
Also making headlines: CFO allegedly stole $1.4 million from company, woman allegedly fled crash scene and left children behind.
In comments posted to the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch "Boards," several readers have questioned the extended absence from meetings and possible ill health of Lower Saucon Township Council president Glenn Kern, who is running for re-election.
Members of a group called Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America protested at state Rep. Justin Simmons' (R-131) office in Coopersburg Wednesday, eliciting support from passersby.
Members of a group called Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America protested at state Rep. Justin Simmons' (R-131) office in Coopersburg Wednesday, eliciting support from passersby.
Also making headlines: CFO allegedly stole $1.4 million from company, woman allegedly fled crash scene and left children behind.
Lower Saucon Township Police say a man was charged with making a false report, after he allegedly lied to them about an accident police say he caused by driving carelessly.
A Pew Research Center report says most Catholics want Pope Francis to reform the Vatican.
Hellertown Borough Council accepted emergency management coordinator Chris Scherer's resignation 'with regret' at a meeting Monday.
Jeffrey A. Wargo, the author of two books of Riegelsville ghost stories, will offer Ghost Tours of Riegelsville, Bucks County, on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at 9 p.m.
A Pew Research Center report says most Catholics want Pope Francis to reform the Vatican.
Anna May Miller, 73, of Emmaus, died Oct. 24, 2013 in Lehigh Valley Hospital.
![Anna May Miller, 73, Member of St. George's Episcopal Church [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/10/raw/a8eb5a24264a16abf985250b7b1c19bd.jpg)
James F. Weaver, remarkably charming husband and father, steadfast business owner, army veteran and sports enthusiast, died on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013, at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia at the age of 73.
![James F. Weaver, 73, Owned Roofing Business [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/10/raw/6f25f9b9b8657a5813840286bb7d4f9e.jpg)
In addition to extra patrols, the Lower Saucon Township Police Department will help make Trick-or-Treat night in the township a little merrier by handing out candy.
It's only been a short time since their deployment, but Hellertown Councilwoman Gail Nolf says traffic police at key Rt. 412 intersections near the I-78 interchange are already making a big difference in terms of traffic flow.
Lower Saucon Township police say a township resident was charged with destruction of a survey monument after she allegedly moved stakes that were put in the ground as part of a recent property survey.
Restaurant Week at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township will begin soon.
Lower Saucon Township Police say a resident was cited for an alleged township ordinance violation after officers observed him burning tires Oct. 20.
The Monday, Oct. 28 regular meeting of the Upper Saucon Township Board of Supervisors has been canceled.
The Saucon Rail Trail was one of a number of projects recognized by the Delaware Valley Green Building Council at an awards ceremony held Oct. 17.
