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 alleged use of counterfeit $20 bills at a local pizza restaurant and snow removal reminders for Lower Saucon Township residents were also among the most-read on Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch this week.
Also making the headlines this week were stories about a DeSales University student who was recognized for saving a friend's life and a 50th anniversary citation presented to Southern Lehigh Public Library by State Rep. Justin Simmons.
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/7321ee62f93eca130f7e9fe193b0c33f.jpg)
Hellertown police say they're investigating a hit-and-run accident that occurred shortly after noon Dec. 20 in the 600 block of Main Street.
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.
N-Tensity Fitness in the Creekside Marketplace shopping center on Rt. 412 in Lower Saucon Township will be unique among gyms in the area, co-owner Elaine Barone says.
Metal detecting is prohibited on the grounds of the Heller Homestead, the Lutz-Franklin Schoolhouse and on the Lower Saucon Township section of the Saucon Rail Trail. Council also recently approved rules for the activity at other park properties.
At their Dec. 23 meeting, Upper Saucon Township supervisors unanimously adopted a 2014 township budget without a tax increase.
Chairman Steve Wagner presented Gilda with a plaque and read a quote from President John F. Kennedy, who once said that 'one person can make a difference, and everyone should try.'
Hellertown Police say they are investigating the theft of items from a garage that was being used for storage.
N-Tensity Fitness in the Creekside Marketplace shopping center on Rt. 412 in Lower Saucon Township will be unique among gyms in the area, co-owner Elaine Barone says.
Saucon Valley senior Alicia Binn was the 2013 Panther girls soccer team's Most Valuable Player and holds the record for most career goals (85).
Lower Milford Township Fire Department member Terry Miller was honored for 50 years of service to the company and the township at a ceremony Dec. 23.
To assist residents who need help with tree disposal, local Boy Scout Troop 416 is planning two curbside pickup dates—Jan. 11 and Jan. 18—in Hellertown and select sections of Lower Saucon Township.
Now that pothole season has arrived, Lower Milford Township has alerted residents about a hotline to use in order to report them.
Online registration for 2014 boys and girls Saucon Valley Youth Lacrosse has begun and will continue through Feb. 15.
A DeSales University freshman criminal justice major who saved a friend from drowning in a pool last summer was recently the recipient of a prestigious Boy Scouts of America award.
Lower Saucon Township Police say they are hoping to identify the driver of a dark blue 2001 to 2005 VW Passat that collided with a stone wall in the 2400 block of Wassergass Road Wednesday morning.
A Hellertown man was charged with theft by deception, after Lower Saucon Township police say he passed two bad $20 bills at a local pizza parlor Dec. 4.
