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!
Plow & Hearth in The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township will hold its first annual Pet Costume Contest this Saturday, Oct. 26, from 1 to 2 p.m.
Lower Saucon Township Police say a resident of the 1300 block of Evergreen Drive reported Friday afternoon that an unknown man entered a barn at the rear of his residence
Tickets are still available for Thursday's 29th Rev. Thomas J. Furphy Lecture by Jon Huntsman Jr. at DeSales University in Center Valley.
Here's a sampling of events happening in and around the Southern Lehigh area on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Here's a sampling of events happening in and around the Saucon Valley area on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Both the victim and alleged assailant told police they met through Whisper, a new social media application that encourages users to post and share feelings anonymously.
Stanley H. Wohlbach, 92, of Hellertown, formerly of Wassergass, Lower Saucon Township, died Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013.
The winners of the judged categories in Sunday's 2013 Saucon Valley Spirit Parade have been announced by parade organizers.
Are you looking for a job? Is a good friend? Look no further! These local businesses are hiring.
Are you looking for a job? Is a good friend? Look no further! These local businesses are hiring.
The annual Saucon Valley Spirit Parade combined with the 4-County Fireman's Parade marched through Hellertown Sunday afternoon, entertaining thousands who turned out to see floats, bands and lots of fire engines.
![SV Spirit, 4-County Fireman's Parade Wow Spectators [Photos]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/10/raw/e03afb8fbf8a2cdaeb99f8f50fc43fcb.jpg)
Pennsylvania State Police at Belfast said Sunday that a motorist struck a deer on I-78 eastbound in Lower Saucon Township early Sunday morning.
A meeting to discuss a study that examines the possible consolidation of animal control services in Northampton County will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Charles Chrin Community Center in Palmer Township.
Twenty locations, including a log house in Schnecksville and farms in Lower Milford, Orefield and Breinigsville, welcomed visitors Sunday to the 2013 Lehigh County Open Gate Farm Tour.
For its spring 2014 musical, Southern Lehigh High School will stage "Shrek the Musical" on Feb. 27-28 and March 1-2.
For its spring 2014 musical, Saucon Valley High School will stage 'Bye Bye Birdie' on Feb. 27-28 and March 1-2.
Softball fundraiser to be held in Emmaus on Oct. 26 will raise money to support the fight against cancer.
Caroline R. Capuano, 92, of Hellertown, died Friday, Oct. 18, 2013.
![Caroline R. Capuano, 92, St. Theresa's Member [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/10/raw/ceff2b4e6940b2dad3a350124a524515.jpg)
Northampton Community College (NCC) will host its 33rd annual Fall Craft Fair on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Arthur L. Scott Spartan on the school's Main Campus in Bethlehem Township.
Northampton Community College (NCC) will host its 33rd annual Fall Craft Fair on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Arthur L. Scott Spartan on the school's Main Campus in Bethlehem Township.