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!
John A. 'Jack' Tretter Jr., 76, of Center Valley, died on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013 in the Inpatient Hospice Unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown.
![John A. 'Jack' Tretter Jr., 76, So. Lehigh Little League Coach [Obituary]](https://test.patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/59d33577e9635e372a066760958d6d15.jpg)
Lower Saucon Township Police say two drivers were cited after one allegedly caused a Dec. 18 head-on collision at the entrance to the Saucon Square shopping center on Rt. 378.
At a recent Upper Saucon Township Board of Supervisors meeting, supervisor Dennis Benner questioned the township's director of community development—Sharyn Heater—about how land development fees assessed to developers are calculated.
The HBBRP committee meets monthly for breakfast at Café Erica, 637 Main St., Hellertown. Meetings in 2014 will be held the second Thursday of every month at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 will be the first meeting of the new year.
Katherine and Teribio Cuono of West Bangor celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Dec. 26, 2013 with their family, including daughter Priscilla deLeon of Lower Saucon Township.
Muhlenberg College junior and Center Valley resident Chelsea Rivenbark was recently named to the Centennial Conference Academic Honor Roll. Rivenbark, who is a member of Muhlenberg's women's cross country team, is a Southern Lehigh graduate.
According to some local weather forecasters, a snowstorm on Thursday is a real possibility.
According to some local weather forecasters, a snowstorm on Thursday is a real possibility.
Grant H. Michener, 23, of Coopersburg, died Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013 at St. Luke's University Hospital, Fountain Hill.
![Grant H. Michener, 23, Palisades Grad Had Artistic Capabilities [Obituary]](https://test.patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/c2fb28ec7121239e276cc323113a23ad.jpg)
According to some local weather forecasters, a snowstorm on Thursday is a real possibility.
According to some local weather forecasters, a snowstorm on Thursday is a real possibility.
In a news release, police said the majority of the papers were dumped in the 2000 block of Fieldstone Drive.
A Lower Saucon Township man was charged with a traffic violation after police say he collided with a passing vehicle as he was backing out of his driveway in the 1300 block of Seidersville Road Dec. 13.
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.
A Hellertown man was jailed in lieu of $20,000 bail Tuesday, according to a story published by WFMZ Channel 69 News, after he allegedly threw furniture at his girlfriend inside her apartment and then fled after authorities were called.
Officers who responded to the scene of a reported drug overdose in the 100 block of Northampton Street on the morning of Dec. 13 arrested a man for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Allen H. Diehl, 88, of Coopersburg, died Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Salisbury Township.
![Allen H. Diehl, 88, Former Faith UCC Sexton [Obituary]](https://test.patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/647dbc0509d260e63a474905cfb3032c.jpg)
New Year's 2014 celebrations will be a highlight of this week in the Saucon Valley.
New Year's 2014 celebrations will be a highlight of this week in the Southern Lehigh area.
