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!
Highlights of the week in Saucon Valley will be the Hellertown Area Library's second annual "Get Bookin'" 5K race on Saturday and a public hearing about land rezoning that could affect the landfill in Lower Saucon Township on Wednesday.
The 2013 Saucon Valley Spirit Parade will be held along with the 4-County Firemen's Parade on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. in Hellertown.
It's time to celebrate 100 years of elk in Pennsylvania.
The 2013-2014 Saucon Valley Recreational Swimming Program, which allows local residents to use the high school swimming pool for a fee, is now underway.
Environmentalists see Pennsylvania's growing gas drilling industry as a threat to endangered species.
Lower Saucon Township Police say a resident of the 2000 block of Susan Lane reported that a German Shepherd appeared at her door, growled, and temporarily prevented her from leaving her home.
Gov. Tom Corbett has rolled out a plan called 'Healthy Pennsylvania.'
Joseph B. Hammel Jr. died Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013.
![Joseph B. Hammel Jr., 74, of Bethlehem Twp. [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/09/raw/9bda1727e1b9220cd71d4d8671a6d496.jpg)
An article highlighting reader opinions about recent arrests related to the alleged manufacturing of methamphetamine in the Saucon Valley was among the most read on Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch this week.
Stories about Coopersburg gymnast Elizabeth 'Ebee' Price being named an alternate team member for a world competition and a report of West Nile Virus in Upper Saucon Township topped the local headlines in the So. Lehigh area this week.
Are you looking for a job, or do you know someone who is? Look no further! These local businesses are hiring!
Are you looking for a job, or do you know someone who is? Look no further! These local businesses are hiring!
Pennsylvania State Police at Belfast said Yasin Turudu, 29, of Parsippany, N.J., was charged with driving too fast for conditions.
Also making headlines: Montgomery County solicitor to appeal same-sex marriage ruling, search for 24-year-old missing woman and 'rare' caterpillar.
The Tri-a-Biathlon Challenge is a bike/run race for students in grades three through 12. It will be held Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Southern Lehigh School District in Upper Saucon Township.
A proposed tax on alcoholic drinks would help financially distressed municipalities in Pa.
A family-friendly 'Show Your Spirit Dance' will be held Friday, Oct. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m., Saucon Valley Family Weekend organizers recently announced. It is one of many activities being planned around two big parades scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 20.
Find out what Pennsylvanians think of their gas and electric companies.
Also making headlines: Montgomery County solicitor to appeal same-sex marriage ruling, search for 24-year-old missing woman and 'rare' caterpillar.
Lower Saucon Township Police say 87 motorists were recently cited for aggressive driving in the Route 412 corridor, as part of an effort to help curb the dangerous practice.
