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!
Horse trainer Jimmy Wray, of Coopersburg, suffered a stroke Nov. 15. With little insurance to help cover his medical bills, friends have been donating to an online fund established for his benefit. As of Monday nearly $5,000 had been raised.
Lucille B. Weber, 93, of Bethlehem, died Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013 at Woodland Terrace at The Oaks, Salisbury Township.
![Lucille B. Weber, 93, Was a Member of Holy Trinity E.L. Church [Obituary]](https://test.patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/8a0875b7df3b684d26c6afb7cdb95bd9.jpg)
Horse trainer Jimmy Wray, of Coopersburg, suffered a stroke Nov. 15. With little insurance to help cover his medical bills, friends have been donating to an online fund established for his benefit. So far nearly $5,000 has been raised.
Horse trainer Jimmy Wray, of Coopersburg, suffered a stroke Nov. 15. With little insurance to help cover his medical bills, friends have been donating to an online fund established for his benefit. So far nearly $5,000 has been raised.
A Lower Saucon Township man and a boy who allegedly fought Nov. 22 at the Saucon Valley High School bus loop have both been cited with harassment.
Lower Saucon Township police say a mailbox in the 2500 block of Crestline Drive was damaged in what is being investigated as a case of criminal mischief.
Upper Saucon Township supervisors learned more about a Verizon proposal to build a 120-foot cell phone tower on the municipal complex property at 5500 Camp Meeting Road, Center Valley, at a meeting last month.
The Saucon Valley Jaycees will host their annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 8:30 a.m. at Dewey Fire Co. Social Hall in Hellertown.
Pondelek's Florist & Gifts in Hellertown will hold its annual Holiday Open House this weekend.
A collection of unopened, unwrapped gifts for Toys For Tots and canned goods for the local food bank—Betty Lou’s Pantry—will be taken at Saucon Lodge No. 469, Masonic Temple, in Coopersburg on Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m.
Neighbors Home & Garden Center in Hellertown will host an open house Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8.
A 'very friendly' orange cat was found Tuesday on Steinsburg Road near Wind Hill Road in Lower Milford Township.
Kenneth M. Wismer Jr., 70, of Springfield Township died Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013 at St. Luke's University Hospital, Fountain Hill.
![Kenneth M. Wismer Jr., 70, Was a Vietnam War Veteran [Obituary]](https://test.patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/d9b312e8015b5b2943cfc3f27e8185d3.png)
One of two men charged in the November 2010 armed robbery of the Hellertown McDonald's admits to participating in the crime in Northampton County Court Monday.
A Saucon Valley business is doing its part to help make the holidays brighter for pets in need. Anyone who wants to help can donate one of the requested items at A Furry Tail Come True in Hellertown through Jan. 1.
Highlights of this weekend in the Saucon Valley area will include holiday open houses at the Hellertown Historical Society and Pondelek's Florist & Gifts in the borough. Other events will be hosted by Doggy Dao & Cat's Meow and Relay for Life of SV.
Upper Saucon Township supervisors unanimously approve a proposal to subdivide a 5-acre parcel from the former Center Valley Golf Course at their most recent meeting.
Lower Saucon Township police say a Bethlehem woman was charged with failing to drive her vehicle at a safe speed, after she allegedly caused an accident on Rt. 378 north near the I-78 overpass Nov. 19.
Business Spotlight is a regular column featuring information provided by local businesses.
One of the highlights of this weekend in the So. Lehigh area will be the annual holiday tree-lighting celebration at the Coopersburg Fire Company in the borough's downtown.
