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!
Lower Saucon Township Police say male genitalia were also drawn on the car parked on Dartford Road, in what is being investigated as a case of criminal mischief.
Starters Pub, a popular Lower Saucon Township restaurant and sports bar, was recently the scene of a well-publicized tragedy. However, many local residents say that won't deter them from visiting.
Pennsylvania's West Nile Control Program says a mosquito from Upper Saucon Township has tested positive for the virus.
Pearl D. Martin died Monday, Aug. 26, 2013.
![Pearl D. Martin, 92, Formerly of Hellertown [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/08/raw/1451f3f6441d8576cac3b3f99b544fff.jpg)
Lower Saucon Township Police say Gregory Hood, 33, of the 200 block of W. Fourth Street, Bethlehem, was arrested for DUI following a Reading Drive traffic stop.
Find out what the Labor Day weekend travel outlook is from AAA.
Find out what the Labor Day weekend travel outlook is from AAA.
The Lower Saucon Sportsmen's Association is also accused of allowing illegal gambling or lotteries to occur on its premises between July and December 2012.
A Coopersburg woman who is also an historical re-enactor will highlight the 'real story of the life and times of Mary Todd Lincoln' during a presentation at Southern Lehigh Public Library Sept. 5.
Southern Lehigh parent Karen Markham told the school board Monday that she thinks the book 'The Bluest Eye' by Toni Morrison is inappropriate reading material.
The SAGE lecture series for adults 55 and older is an outreach program of Penn State Lehigh Valley, which is located in Upper Saucon Township.
Patch recently sat down with Hellertown Borough Manager Cathy Kichline to ask about projects in the borough and find out about other matters of interest to local residents.
![5 Questions With Hellertown's Borough Manager [Part 1]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/08/raw/bbe8f7941a1b9cfd0d8fe5d1c80122ad.jpg)
A property owner in Hellertown will have to pay more than $3,000 in fines after being found guilty of code violations, borough officials said.
Lower Saucon Township Police say a home in the 1700 block of Arden Lane was burglarized after a hole was cut in a second-floor wall.
Allentown resident Amanda Hein could face the death penalty for allegedly suffocating her newborn at Starters Pub in Lower Saucon Township.
Allentown resident Amanda Hein could face the death penalty for allegedly suffocating her newborn at Starters Pub in Lower Saucon Township.
Six PA Wine & Spirits stores in Lehigh County are now open longer hours, including the store at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township.
Students in the Southern Lehigh School District returned to classes on Monday, and some parents shared photos of their children heading back to school with Upper Saucon Patch.
![First Day of School Memories in So. Lehigh [Photos]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/08/raw/63aba56bec7419e9d9ed78b8d2ee1369.jpg)
A press conference is scheduled to announce new details in a case involving a dead baby found in a restroom toilet tank in a Lower Saucon Township restaurant.
Toby Keith, John Mayer and Jeff Dunham all part of the line-up of this year's Allentown Fair performers.
