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!
Monday, Jan. 20 is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Most local government offices will be open, however schools, state and federal offices will be closed.
Also making headlines the past week: Alleged 'Swiss Cheese' pervert charged, The Note to close, and former Montgomery County Republican chair pleads not guilty to rape charge.
Also making headlines the past week: Alleged 'Swiss Cheese' pervert charged, The Note to close, and former Montgomery County Republican chair pleads not guilty to rape charge.
Stories about a 'water department' scam warning, a burglary on Apple Tree Lane in Lower Saucon Township and the closure of the restaurant Pacifico at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley were also among the most-read this week.
Stories about a vacant former restaurant in Center Valley and the need for pedestrian crosswalk signs in Limeport, Lower Milford Township, were also among the most-read and discussed on Upper Saucon Patch this week.
A Gap store is expected to open at the Upper Saucon Township lifestyle center within the next week.
Trained volunteers from AARP's Foundation Tax-Aide will be at the library to offer assistance to low and moderate income taxpayers, especially those age 60 and older, according to an announcement from the HAL.
Are you looking for a job? Is a good friend in need of employment? Look no further. These local businesses are hiring!
Are you looking for a job? Is a good friend in need of employment? Look no further. These local businesses are hiring!
A 52-year-old Kintnersville, Bucks County, man died Thursday from a head injury he received in a fall, according to Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim.
A Southern Lehigh School District mother whose children attend St. Thomas More School in Salisbury Township told the school board Monday the amount of time her children spend on the bus on their way home is too much.
Vincent La Volpe Jr., 25, of the 1600 block of Main Street, has been charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment.
A Southern Lehigh School District mother whose children attend St. Thomas More School in Salisbury Township told the school board Monday the amount of time her children spend on the bus on their way home is too much.
Bernadine E. (Yastrop) Hock, 79, of Lower Saucon Township, died Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014 at VNA Hospice House of St. Luke's, Lower Saucon Township.
![Bernadine E. (Yastrop) Hock, 79, Worked in Food Services [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2014/01/raw/a9a6cec0e55146ad89511ba5b74f6d25.jpg)
Nestle Toll House Cafe by Chip at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley closed for business Dec. 21.
Coopersburg resident Olivia Ambrose was named to Clarion University of Pennsylvania's dean's list for the fall 2013 semester.
The employees had agreed to a pay freeze during the 2012-2013 school year, and the new one-year agreement is for the 2013-2014 school year.
Frank J. Wilk Sr., 88, of Hellertown died Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014 at Holy Family Manor, Bethlehem.
![Frank J. Wilk Sr., 88, WWII Veteran, Coke Works Foreman [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2014/01/raw/45792bed978bcd2aacc50a7d19ab2fb9.jpg)
The Southern Lehigh School District affirmed via a message posted on its website Wednesday that all schools and offices in the district will be closed Monday in observance of the Martin Luther King Day holiday.
Tis the season for potholes in Pennsylvania, as dramatic temperature swings cause macadam to contract and expand, and road craters form that threaten both motorists and pedestrians.
