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!
Also making headlines: Samuel Adams boss says government shutdown affecting craft brewing and former Abington Penn State professor charged with sex crimes.
Also making headlines: Samuel Adams boss says government shutdown affecting craft brewing and former Abington Penn State professor charged with sex crimes.
Are you or is someone you know looking for work? Look no further! These local businesses are hiring.
Are you or is someone you know looking for work? Look no further! These local businesses are hiring.
Lower Saucon Township officials recently announced via the township website that several road projects originally scheduled to be completed this year are now on hold.
Lawmakers want to promote Pennsylvania's 'brand" and tourism through a new state commission.
Lower Saucon Township Police say John T. Brogle, of the 4000 block of Huckleberry Drive, Center Valley, caused an accident when he allegedly drove through a stop sign at the intersection of Bingen and Saucon Valley roads.
Doctors say a proposed prescription tracker plan would violate patient confidentiality in Pennsylvania.
Doctors say a proposed prescription tracker plan would violate patient confidentiality in Pennsylvania.
Lawmakers want to promote Pennsylvania's 'brand" and tourism through a new state commission.
Lower Saucon Township Police announced late Friday that a suspected meth lab was uncovered and three people arrested early Friday at a home in the 1700 block of Railroad Lane.
Renee G. Hashagen died Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013. She worked in the health care industry as a nurse.
![Renee G. Hashagen, 57, of Hellertown [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/10/raw/18fd41a4a96018850ce1dd8fff72f1c4.jpg)
Approximately $3,000 in copper plates and ground wire was stolen from a Williams Township cell phone tower sometime between July 18 and Wednesday, according to state police at Belfast.
Lower Saucon Township Police said Thursday that a man and woman—both described as white—have been attempting to sell books door-to-door in the township without a permit, which is required by ordinance.
The seven members of Hellertown Borough Council didn't take long to unanimously approve a library consolidation proposal presented to them Monday by representatives from the Hellertown Area Library and Lower Saucon Township.
A parent and recent transplant to the Saucon Valley School District told the school board Tuesday that she's concerned about low teacher and staff morale, as well as the threat of another teacher strike.
The Nestle Toll House Cafe in the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township is almost a year behind on its rent, according to a published report.
In advance of Friday's Homecoming football game, Saucon Valley's annual community pep rally was held Thursday night in the high school gym. Senior student-athletes and members of the Homecoming Court were recognized.
![Panther Pride on Display at 2013 SV Homecoming Pep Rally [Photos]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/10/raw/9665ea3a1b41a5804d58216ac239575a.jpg)
An Allentown man was charged with DUI after he allegedly fell asleep while waiting for a traffic light at a busy Lower Saucon Township intersection to turn green.
Lower Saucon Township Police said Thursday that a man and woman—both described as white—have been attempting to sell books door-to-door in the township without a permit, which is required by ordinance.
