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!
Hellertown Police say a side view mirror on a car was damaged in a hit-and-run accident at the Hellertown Area Library on Constitution Avenue.
Thomas L. Clooney died Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013.
![Thomas L. Clooney, 88, of Hellertown [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/09/raw/ef1a5d38a50d07c9bb7d46c105a4a867.jpg)
Here's a sampling of what's happening in the Saucon Valley area on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
Here's a sampling of what's happening in the Southern Lehigh area on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
Lee Weidner of Hellertown says many Lower Saucon Township residents have been 'hoodwinked' by IESI Bethlehem Landfill, which is seeking permission to expand its facility along Applebutter Road in the township.
Signs that autumn has arrived are visible throughout the Southern Lehigh area.
Beer drinkers can celebrate the fact that the suds will likely flow at a tent in Dewey Fire Company's parking lot during the planned Family Weekend Oct. 19-20.
Southern Lehigh's fall play will be 'Noises Off,' running from Nov. 14-16, and the spring musical will be 'Shrek the Musical,' running from Feb. 26 to March 2.
Hellertown Police say April Levy, of the first block of E. Saucon Street, was 'highly intoxicated' when she allegedly resisted arrest, after officers were called to her home.
More than 2,000 people are expected to turn out for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walk to help raise money for blood cancer research on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown. It's not too late to register.
More than 2,000 people are expected to turn out for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walk to help raise money for blood cancer research on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown. It's not too late to register.
Lower Saucon Township residents Patrick Quinn, 27, of Riverside Drive, and Kelly Cunningham, 22, of Nancy Lee Court, allegedly used dozens of bags of heroin a day while they were on a four-county burglary spree.
Are you or is someone you know looking for a job? Look no further! These local companies are hiring!
Are you or is someone you know looking for a job? Look no further! These local businesses are hiring!
Southern Lehigh School District administrators will discuss their findings regarding the feasibility of recommendations for Hopewell and Lower Milford Elementary schools at the school board meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
The Hellertown Area Library's second annual 'Get Bookin'' 5K race will be held this Saturday, Sept. 28, starting at 9 a.m. Advance registration is available online.
Motorists who regularly travel Taylor Drive in Upper Saucon Township should be aware that the road will be closed for at least two weeks starting Monday.
The 'Six @ Seven' series will feature in-depth lectures presented by a campus faculty member held at 7 p.m. for six consecutive weeks. The first lecture takes place on Oct. 17 in Center Valley.
Hellertown Borough Council members vetoed a request by a resident to consider making Furnace Street a one-way street.
One of the highlights of the upcoming week in the Southern Lehigh area will be the annual Lower Milford Township Fall Festival on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
