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!
Laura S. Gallagher, 57, of Lower Saucon Township died Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
![Laura S. Gallagher, 57, Was a Monitor at SV Middle School [Obituary]](https://test.patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/84f598fea632af9f7c775b2629f00ea4.jpg)
The Saucon Valley area is part of an area that is under a Code Orange air quality alert Wednesday.
The Southern Lehigh area is part of an area that is under a Code Orange air quality alert Wednesday.
Saucon Valley Music Connection's annual Christmas tree sale, which supports music students in the Saucon Valley School District, will open Thursday at Christ Lutheran Church, 69 Main St., Hellertown.
Lower Saucon Township police say a township man has been cited for allegedly leaving the scene of an accident involving an unattended vehicle.
The Lower Saucon Township Historical Society hosted a holiday gathering for members and friends at the Lutz-Franklin Schoolhouse on Saturday. Highlights of the event included making s'mores, crafts, caroling and refreshments.
![Holiday Cheer Spread at One-Room Schoolhouse Gathering [Photos]](https://test.patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/b417e9393586491c38229f765b880821.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.
Gladys Wohlbach, 93, of Hellertown, passed away on Nov. 30, 2013. She was the beloved wife of the late Stanley H. Wohlbach for more than 55 years before his death in October.
![Gladys Wohlbach, 93, Was a Longtime Quilter [Obituary]](https://test.patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/bc31e9fa26fa9be0cbfbe918686fad4f.jpg)
Business Spotlight is a regular column featuring information provided by local businesses.
Lower Saucon Township police are seeking information about who may have illegally dumped garbage bags containing old ceramic tile and a toilet on Hellertown Borough Authority-owned watershed property near Banko Lane.
In the latest issue of Lehigh Valley Style, several Upper Saucon Township eateries were recognized as part of the magazine's 10th annual Decadent Dish awards.
State police at Belfast have filed charges in an August incident on Interstate 78 involving an Easton man operating a motorcycle.
A beloved pet cat named Shadow is missing from the Applebutter Road area of Lower Saucon Township and a 10-year-old girl is 'heartbroken.'
The owners of YogaMos, a Main Street yoga studio, were presented with the Hellertown Borough Business Revitalization Program's first Golden Broom during a ceremony Friday. The award was given in recognition of the business's attractive appearance.
Are you looking for a job? Look no further! These local businesses are hiring.
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley will again host its popular "Men's Night" on Monday, Dec. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Are you looking for a job? Look no further! These local businesses are hiring.
Dr. Jacob J. "Jack" Guth Jr., 69, of Upper Black Eddy, died Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013 at Grand View Hospital, West Rockhill Township.
![Dr. Jacob J. 'Jack' Guth Jr., 69, Former Palisades School Board President [Obituary]](https://test.patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/a9e6a9a2fecca65c1b75ed77aa540349.jpg)
Penn State Lehigh Valley will sponsor a blood drive at Friedens Lutheran Church, 2451 Saucon Valley Road, Center Valley, on Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
As a result of a traffic count made on Blue Church Road, there are no plans to place a three-way stop sign at Blue Church and Limeport Pike in Limeport village, Lower Milford Township.
