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 special Southern Lehigh School Board hearing that's mandatory for a district considering closing an elementary school has been scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Hellertown police say a former Adams Plumbing employee stole more than $31,000 from the business by taking out loans in her employer's name and using the company credit card.
Lower Saucon Township Police say Theodore Schlie of the township will be cited for allegedly causing an accident at the intersection of Bingen and Black River roads.
On Monday, Oct. 14, the Copperhead Grille, 5737 Rt. 378, Center Valley, will donate 10 percent of sales from 5 to 9:30 p.m. to the library.
A nurse at a Lower Saucon Township nursing and rehabilitation center has been charged with DUI-Controlled Substances, police said.
Giant Food Stores will celebrate its 90th anniversary Friday by handing out free pieces of cake and apple slices to customers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.
Hellertown Police said Tuesday that they are investigating two recent hit-and-run accidents in the borough.
Here's a sampling of what's happening in the Southern Lehigh area on Thursday, Oct. 3.
The new bridge will replace an old one-lane bridge that spans Cooks Creek near Moyer Road, between Hellertown and Springtown.
The former Leithsville station in Lower Saucon Township was destroyed in the fire that ensued after a runaway dump truck struck it in May 2012.
From the 'crunch, crunch' of withered leaves underfoot to piles of pumpkins in bins outside Bechdolt's Orchard, it's obvious to all that fall is here.
![Signs of Fall in the Saucon Valley [Photos]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/10/raw/d0160d2f5f34d2eb72e0470f9b5bfe0c.png)
Here's a sampling of events happening in the Southern Lehigh area this weekend.
Highlights of this weekend will be a ribbon-cutting at Lower Saucon Township's new Kingston Park, the annual Apple Festival at the Lutz-Franklin Schoolhouse, and registration for the Saucon Valley Farmers' Market's Cabbage Recipe Contest.
Saucon Valley School District superintendent Dr. Sandra Fellin told district staff of a threat allegedly made against 27 Lehigh Valley schools by a man who is receiving a mental health evaluation, according to a published report.
A Bethlehem man has been charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment in connection with a fight in the 500 block of Willow Road.
As Bethlehem's Greenleaf Street explosion case ended in court, another suspected meth lab was busted in Bethlehem Township. There have also been several recent meth lab busts in the Hellertown area.
An Upper Saucon Township man began to gobble prescription pills as part of an unsuccessful suicide attempt after being sentenced Tuesday in Lehigh County Court for having sex with a 14-year-old girl in a cemetery.
Hellertown zoning and codes enforcement officer Kris Russo recently announced that inspections of residential rental units in the borough will likely begin again in mid-October.
A regional trail system in upper Bucks County could ultimately connect with the popular Saucon Rail Trail in Northampton and Lehigh counties.
It must be fall if it's almost time for Southern Lehigh homecoming.
