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!
A Bethlehem man was charged with DUI, fleeing and eluding and a number of traffic violations after police said he led them on a chase down Main Street in Hellertown that ended when he struck a boulder at the roadside.
The seventh National Take Back Day drug collection event scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be held at various locations throughout Lehigh County.
A map that displays 2010 U.S. Census data about median household income reveals distinctions between north and south Hellertown, and eastern and western Lower Saucon Township.
The pavilion in Town Hall Park is in need of urgent repairs, Lower Saucon Township Council recently learned.
Are you passionate about your faith? Whether you’re affiliated with a religious organization, house of worship or parochial school, serve as a religious leader in the community, or just feel spiritual, we want your voice on Upper Saucon Patch!
Representatives from more than 150 colleges, universities and technical schools will be at the college fair Oct. 15.
Lower Saucon Township's newest park—Kingston Park—was opened with a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony Saturday.
Doris M. Yurack died Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013.
![Doris M. Yurack, 88, of Bethlehem [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/10/raw/343d244c91d99de49f50b4498025c26c.jpg)
Lovers of the almighty apple flocked to the Lutz-Franklin one-room schoolhouse in Lower Saucon Township Saturday to enjoy a festival devoted to the beloved fruit.
![Apple Festival at One-Room Schoolhouse is a Hit [Photos]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/10/raw/38cf776c218ec74d062c949ba69febe3.png)
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 Council decided to delay a vote on changes to its peddling and soliciting ordinance after a door-to-door salesperson and township resident criticized the hours when soliciting would be allowed as too restrictive.
A Hellertown woman was charged with endangering the welfare of a child after police said they received calls from residents concerned about a boy wandering alone in the borough's Dimmick Park.
A broken rooftop air conditioning unit that was sitting behind Silver Creek Country Club was found to have been stolen when staff went to remove it Sept. 28, according to police.
The Saucon Rail Trail has been nominated for a sustainability award from the The Delaware Valley Green Building Council.
The Saucon Rail Trail has been nominated for a sustainability award from the Delaware Valley Green Building Council.
The Wednesday (Oct. 9) continuation of a public hearing about the rezoning of land that could pave the way for an expansion of IESI Bethlehem Landfill in Lower Saucon Township will be held in the Saucon Valley High School cafeteria.
Robert W. Ritter died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013.
![Robert W. Ritter, 82, Formerly of Center Valley [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/10/raw/d95e0dbbd701808dff6d931945257682.jpg)
Robert W. Ritter died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013.
![Robert W. Ritter, 82, of Lower Saucon [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/10/raw/5130c9af75d3932c7fd217759974ef4c.jpg)
There will be a lane restriction on Interstate 78 westbound in Upper Saucon Township Monday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
