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!
If you're already a supporter of local businesses, or want to be, you'll have a special opportunity to contribute to the vitality of Hellertown's Main Street on Tuesday.
Stories about a meeting held to discuss repairs needed at Lower Milford and Hopewell elementary schools and plans for townhouses in Upper Saucon Township were among the most read on Upper Saucon Patch this week.
Stories about a crash that critically injured a woman on Shimersville Road and a crackdown on aggressive driving on Route 412 in Lower Saucon Township were among the most read on Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch this week.
Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp told borough council Tuesday he is investigating new concerns about congestion on Route 412 near Cherry Lane.
Are you looking for a job? Look no further! These local businesses are hiring!
Are you looking for a job? Look no further! These local businesses are hiring!
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey wants Congress to pass the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013.
Man shot but fights off robbers, protester pays $7,143 tax bill in singles and new train track also made headlines.
Man shot but fights off robbers, protester pays $7,143 tax bill in singles and new train track also made headlines.
Check out these unusual police stories from around Eastern Pennsylvania.
Check out these unusual police stories from around Eastern Pennsylvania.
Hellertown Police are issuing tickets to motorists who fail to obey the speed limit in posted school zones.
The beer garden would be set up in the Dewey Fire Company parking lot in Hellertown during the weekend of Oct. 19-20.
The Southern Lehigh Public Library is planning a 5K Run/Walk to be held Oct. 13 as part of its 50th anniversary celebration. Proceeds from the event will benefit the library, which is located in Upper Saucon Township.
Another cash mob sponsored by the Hellertown Borough Business Revitalization Program will be held Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 4:30 p.m. Anyone who wants to take part should plan to meet at Main Street and Cherry Lane at that time.
A Fegely's Dairy metal milk box marked "Limeport, Pa.," is currently listed for sale on Craigslist.
Four students from Saucon Valley High School have succeeded in their goal of raising $1,500 for the pediatric cancer charity Alex's Lemonade Stand.
Knowing the Southern Lehigh School District calendar can help you plan ahead.
The half-pint bottle from Lerch Dairy is said to be in 'very good condition.'
Angel L. Robert died Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013.
![Angel L. Robert, 58, of Hellertown [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/09/raw/4129fbf1a9cb81314fd4dea797d08038.jpg)