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!
Stories about the opening of the final leg of the Saucon Rail Trail in Upper Saucon Township and the crowing of a So. Lehigh graduate as the 2013 Allentown Fair Queen were among the most read this week.
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!
First human case of West Nile Virus and 'Hero of the Year' winner are also among region's top stories.
First human case of West Nile Virus and 'Hero of the Year' winner are also among region's top stories.
Patrick Zimmerman, 26, of the 3700 block of Old Philadelphia Pike, Lower Saucon Township, has been charged with theft and receiving stolen property.
Pa. Lottery's Match 6 game jackpot has climbed into record-high territory for Monday's drawing.
Randal Stoneback, 36, of the 2500 block of Alpine Drive, Lower Saucon Township, has been charged with aggravated assault and other offenses.
Donald L. Hunsinger died Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013.
![Donald L. Hunsinger, 81, of Lower Saucon [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/08/raw/72a9d2a5c59198577aa99a7a4095a18f.jpg)
Supporters and opponents of a proposed expansion by IESI Bethlehem Landfill addressed the Lower Saucon Township Planning Commission Thursday night.
A Lower Milford Township man accused of DUI, possession with intent to deliver heroin and other offenses was Tasered by Coopersburg police as he reached into his car's center console, where a loaded 9mm handgun was later recovered.
The final leg of the Saucon Rail Trail's Phase II extension in Upper Saucon Township opened Thursday. Trail users can now walk or bike all the way from Hellertown to Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Park in Coopersburg.
The final leg of the Saucon Rail Trail's Phase II extension in Upper Saucon Township opened Thursday. Trail users can now walk or bike all the way from Hellertown to Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Park in Coopersburg.
Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp told Borough Council members he is pleased with professionalism and diligence displayed by the pool's youthful staff this summer.
Find out if a bridge in your town is on the list of bridges the state is putting new restrictions on.
Lower Saucon Township Police say five black plastic garbage bags filled with green vegetation were found dumped on a property in the 4300 block of Adams Avenue.
Lehigh Carbon Community College is seeking independent designers, crafters and vendors for its Fall Holiday Festival.
The stone arch Meadows Road Bridge in Lower Saucon Township is one of the bridges that will receive new restrictions or have their current weight limits lowered, according to PennDOT.
Join a local astronomer Saturday at the Trexler Environmental Center in Schnecksville to learn how to identify stars and planets.
Several Pennsylvania government agencies are using controversial remote flying machines called drones.
