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: Federal government shutdown, bomb threat at Bucks County Community College, and kitten hit with broomstick handle.
Also making headlines: Federal government shutdown, bomb threat at Bucks County Community College, and kitten hit with broomstick handle.
State officials have commissioned a study on the potential for gas drilling in Bucks and Montgomery counties.
Cabbage-lovers won't want to miss the upcoming Cabbage Fest at the Saucon Valley Farmers' Market in Hellertown.
Pa. business owners say the economy has improved but they are still worried, according to a new study.
Pa. business owners say the economy has improved but they are still worried, according to a new study.
Frederick G. Koehler Jr. died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013.
![Frederick G. Koehler Jr., 84, Formerly of L. Saucon [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/10/raw/adaca576115355def9b6704ef7f45670.jpg)
In an email Thursday night, Saucon Valley School District superintendent Dr. Sandra Fellin defended her response to a perceived threat against area schools this week.
Lower Saucon Township Council inched closer to rendering a decision about a proposed library consolidation between the township and Hellertown Area Library Wednesday, when council members voted to put the proposal to a vote Oct. 16.
Betty Lou's Pantry in Coopersburg is in need of donations. The food bank will be collecting items during the Coopersburg Halloween Parade on Sunday, Oct. 13, and during a door-to-door Boy Scout food drive Nov. 9.
Lower Saucon Township Police say a Perkasie man caused an accident on Route 378 in Lower Saucon Township when he retrieved a cigarette he dropped while driving.
An Upper Saucon Township man was sent to Lehigh County Prison in lieu of $20,000 bail after being charged with endangering the welfare of a child and simple assault for allegedly punching his 5-year-old daughter and infant son.
Do you prefer Trick-or-Treat on the Friday before Oct. 31, on a Sunday afternoon or on Halloween night?
Do you prefer Trick-or-Treat on the Friday before Oct. 31, on a Sunday afternoon or on Halloween night?
A one million square-foot Walmart distribution center that's expected to employ 350 people will open on Commerce Center Boulevard in Bethlehem, near Rt. 412 and I-78.
Nestled between the banks of the Lehigh Canal and the Lehigh River in Freemansburg is a beautiful place to wile away a warm autumn afternoon.
![Canal Park in Freemansburg is a Fun Fall Day Trip [Photos]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/10/raw/bcb0bf8470964228e16d986c35820c10.jpg)
Nestled between the banks of the Lehigh Canal and the Lehigh River in Freemansburg is a beautiful place to wile away a warm autumn afternoon.
![Canal Park in Freemansburg is a Fun Fall Day Trip [Photos]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/10/raw/6fec786add30190d6c1423c1fe2b4898.jpg)
Lower Saucon Township Police reported Tuesday that an unlocked vehicle was entered in the 1500 block of Glenwood Drive sometime between Sept. 27 and Sept. 30.
Lehigh County District Attorney James B. Martin announced Thursday that there was no credible threat to area schools this week. In a statement, Martin blamed school administrators and local media for reporting misinformation and causing concern.
Lower Saucon Township has announced that a section of Meadows Road that has been closed for a stream bank stabilization project will reopen by 3 p.m. Thursday.
