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!
Sarah M. Hart, 49, of North Drive, Lower Saucon Township, was sentenced to two years of probation and 50 hours of community service—as well as a requirement to continue mental health treatment—for assaulting a garbageman outside her home.
We'd like to extend a big thank you to all our users for the incredible contributions you bring to Patch sites all year long.
Upper Saucon Township Police are investigating an accident in which a 42-year-old pedestrian walking along Rt. 309 Thursday night was struck by a tow truck, and the man could be cited or charged depending on the outcome of that investigation.
In a news release, police said the teen wasn't injured, but reported that the teen's vehicle sustained disabling damage in the 9:30 a.m. accident.
Lower Saucon Township Police say they're investigating the dumping of five gallons of diesel fuel on a driveway in the 2800 block of County Line Road as a case of criminal mischief.
We'd like to extend a big thank you to all our users for the incredible contributions you bring to Patch sites all year long.
Also making headlines the past week: Elderly couple's lifesavings stolen in daytime burglary, 40 million customers affected by Target credit card breach, and missing man found dead.
Also topping the headlines in the Saucon Valley this week were stories about a possible plea deal for a woman accused of killing her baby in a Lower Saucon Township restaurant and stable real estate tax rates in 2014 for Hellertown property owners.
Also making headlines the past week: Elderly couple's lifesavings stolen in daytime burglary, 40 million customers affected by Target credit card breach, and missing man found dead.
A Hellertown resident cautioned Hellertown Borough Council to be wary of the sustainable regional planning initiative Renew Lehigh Valley Monday, saying it is part of the United Nations' 'Agenda 21' plan.
Also topping the headlines in the Southern Lehigh area this week were stories about a Coopersburg woman accused of pawning a stolen gold necklace and an accident involving a pedestrian and a tow truck on Rt. 309 in Upper Saucon Township.
Drivers from Pennsylvania were just outside the top-10 for worst in the country, according to a report.
Also making headlines the past week: Elderly couple's lifesavings stolen in daytime burglary, 40 million customers affected by Target credit card breach, and missing man found dead.
Drivers from Pennsylvania were just outside the top-10 for worst in the country, according to a report.
Anna P. Sarson, 100, of Fountain Hill, formerly of Spring Street, Bethlehem, died Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 at Cedarbrook, Fountain Hill.
![Anna P. Sarson, 100, Worked at Just Born [Obituary]](https://test.patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/98e0f415f273b264a0684539be51e42f.jpg)
Are you looking for a local job? Look no further. These businesses are hiring.
Are you looking for a local job? Look no further. These businesses are hiring.
Kay A. Campanella, 54, of Bethlehem Township died Friday, Dec. 20, 2013 at her home.
![Kay A. Campanella, 54, Bethlehem Walmart Greeter [Obituary]](https://test.patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/f3078a0881c86bd48f1db8094887461d.jpg)
Southern Lehigh seniors Jake Del Priore and Collin Kendrick have been voted onto the prestigious 2013 Pennsylvania Football Writers' Class AAA All-State team, and are the only players from the Lehigh Valley to make the cut.
A pedestrian was reportedly struck by a tow truck at Rt. 309 and W. Saucon Valley Road in Upper Saucon Township Thursday evening.
