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 a Quakertown man was cited for traffic violations after he allegedly lost control of the Dodge Ram he was driving and crashed on Rt. 378 on the morning of Jan. 4.
But runners only have until Monday to register with early-bird pricing.
But runners only have until Monday to register with early-bird pricing.
A Patch reader said some residents of the Old Philadelphia Pike area reported hearing two small explosions early this morning.
The female Hellertown pedestrian reportedly suffered a head injury.
Southern Lehigh schools were closed for one day and their opening was delayed on another due to an invasion of Arctic air that made being outside dangerous.
These stories were some of the most-read and shared on Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch this week.
Ann Marie Jones, 65, of Lower Saucon Township, died Friday, Jan. 10, 2014 at her residence with her daughter by her side.
![Ann Marie Jones, 65, Loving Mom, Excellent Seamstress [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2014/01/raw/c5848915e6f274e5bec7ea80c560ce.jpg)
Also making headlines this past week: West Chester alum is 'Bachelor' contestant, Congressman Jim Gerlach won't seek re-election, and youngster's American Girl doll mission gaining national attention.
Are you looking for a job? Is a good friend seeking employment? Look no further. These local businesses are hiring!
Are you looking for a job? Is a good friend seeking employment? Look no further. These local businesses are hiring!
Also making headlines this past week: West Chester alum is 'Bachelor' contestant, Congressman Jim Gerlach won't seek re-election, and youngster's American Girl doll mission gaining national attention.
In an email Friday, PennDOT said bridge inspections on Rt. 309 in Upper Saucon Township between the Center Valley Parkway and Summit Lawn exits will affect traffic on Monday.
The Saucon Valley boys basketball team beat Bangor Thursday night, toppling a team that had been undefeated in the league for a big win.
Hellertown Police say John R. Kunsman, 60, of 149 E. Chestnut St., has been charged with sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl.
Lower Saucon Township police say a 24-year-old Allentown man who allegedly faked a seizure and banged his head on a window while seated in a police car has been charged with DUI and multiple traffic offenses.
Burrington's Bikes is a new online bike rental business serving the Lehigh Valley.
Tickets for this year's Mardi Gras-themed Beef and Beer are $25 each, and all proceeds will go toward the Saucon students' May trip to Tennessee.
Fans of the popular "Masterpiece Classic" series "Downton Abbey"—which recently premiered its new season on PBS—will want to consider joining the Southern Lehigh Public Library's Downton Abbey Bus Tour to Winterthur Museum in Delaware on April 30.
The cost to have a tree picked up curbside is $5 ($4 for senior citizens), and proceeds will benefit scouts who plan to attend summer camp.
