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!
Six teens—including three from Hellertown—were charged with underage drinking, state police at Fogelsville said, after officers were called to the 6800 block of Chestnut Hill Church Road in Lower Milford Township early Sunday.
The Southern Lehigh Soccer U9 Girls Travel Team "Blue Lightning" came away champions last weekend at the Western Lehigh Fall Fest soccer tournament.
A man who has been convicted of DUI several times in the past and labeled a "habitual offender" by PennDOT was arrested and charged with DUI-Habitual Offender following a Lower Saucon Township traffic stop, police said.
Upper Saucon Township supervisors on Monday unanimously approved a subdivision plan for an age-restricted community that is to be built on 150 acres at the corner of W. Hopewell and Lanark roads.
Three men hunting near the Tannersville Cranberry Bog Preserve off Hallet Road in Pocono Township, Monroe County, came upon remains that could be those of a 64-year-old Hellertown man who went missing about two months ago.
Here's a sampling of what's going on in the Saucon Valley area on Thursday, Oct. 17.
Here's a sampling of what's going on in the So. Lehigh area on Thursday, Oct. 17.
This weekend will be a memorable one in Hellertown, with many family-friendly activities planned as part of a Saucon Valley Spirit Weekend that will also celebrate the 75th anniversary of the borough's Dimmick Park.
Here's a sampling of things to do in the Southern Lehigh area this weekend.
Katherine DeWalt, of Parryville, Carbon County, died Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013 at her home.
![Katherine DeWalt, 88, Was Born in Hellertown [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/10/raw/8b50d5a76564992efdfc932e8bd977ac.jpg)
Lower Saucon Township Police say they are investigating the theft of rims and tires valued at $550 from a home in the 2500 block of Redington Road.
A man and woman from Arizona were cited for an alleged Lower Saucon Township ordinance violation after police say they peddled and solicited door-to-door at multiple locations throughout the township without a permit.
Hopewell Elementary School parent and PTA president Jennifer Phillip also told Southern Lehigh school board members that moving students to the district's Joseph P. Liberati Intermediate School 'is not a viable option.'
Six teens were charged with underage drinking, state police at Fogelsville said, after officers were called to the 6800 block of Chestnut Hill Church Road in Lower Milford Township early Sunday.
A Lower Saucon Township woman's blood-alcohol concentration was almost four times the legal limit when she allegedly struck a parked car earlier this month, according to township police.
An annual football rivalry will be revived Friday, when Saucon Valley faces off against the Southern Lehigh Spartans at Southern Lehigh in Center Valley.
An annual football rivalry will be revived Friday, when Southern Lehigh faces off against the Saucon Valley Panthers at home in Center Valley.
Here's a sampling of what's going on in the Saucon Valley area Wednesday.
Here's a sampling of what's going on in the Southern Lehigh area Wednesday.
Ronald George Long Sr., of Hellertown, died Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013.
