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 a Center Valley business that rents inflatables, a home for sale on Curly Horse Drive in Upper Saucon Township and a discussion about "mothballing" a Southern Lehigh elementary school were also widely read this week.
Are you looking for a job? Is a good friend in need of employment? Look no further. These local businesses are hiring!
Are you looking for a job? Is a good friend in need of employment? Look no further. These local businesses are hiring!
Where do you stand on the practice of saving spaces? Should it be permitted? Should police take a tougher stance against it? Are there circumstances under which the law should simply turn a blind eye?
Where do you stand on the practice of saving spaces? Should it be permitted? Should police take a tougher stance against it? Are there circumstances under which the law should simply turn a blind eye?
Brilliant sunshine was not enough to defrost the Saucon Valley Friday. The entire region remains locked in the deep freeze following another invasion of Arctic air.
![A Cold, Cold Day at the Grist Mill [Photos]](https://test.patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2014/01/raw/75d704aacd2c0cb5887061ddb16809b0.png)
Saucon Valley Music is a Hellertown music store that provides lessons, instrument rentals and much more.
Lower Saucon Township police say Richard Norman Hamm II, 22, of Center Valley, also made two prank phone calls in which he asked Subway staff to check the women's restroom that he had allegedly just vandalized.
Lower Saucon Township police say a Saucon Valley High School student was recently charged with criminal mischief for allegedly damaging a car by trying to perform a pushup on it in November.
Lower Saucon Township police say a Bethlehem man was issued a citation for allegedly failing to obey traffic control devices after he was involved in an accident in the 1300 block of Seidersville Road.
Veteran Peyton Manning and second-year pro Russell Wilson will lead their teams into the big game Feb. 2 at MetLife Stadium.
Tours of the Lower Saucon Township police station and public works department have been added to the program beginning this year. This year's Citizens Academy will begin on Thursday, March 6.
Casey Erin Anthony of Center Valley was named to Juniata College's fall 2013 dean's list.
Lower Saucon Township police say Richard Norman Hamm II, 22, of Center Valley also made two prank phone calls in which he asked Subway staff to check the women's restroom that he had allegedly just vandalized.
A Bethlehem police officer from Hellertown who allegedly caused a Sept. 15 accident on the city's South Side is being sued—along with the city and the Bethlehem Police Department—by a 28-year-old woman who was injured in the crash.
Let's Bounce Around LLC is an inflatables rental business based in Center Valley. The company rents popular party inflatables such as Moon Bounces and water slides.
A number of Southern Lehigh area residents who are Northampton Community College students were recently named to the school's fall 2013 dean's list.
A number of Saucon Valley residents who are Northampton Community College students were recently named to the school's fall 2013 dean's list.
The American Red Cross Pet First Aid gives iPhone and Android smart phone users instant access to expert information, according to a release.
The American Red Cross Pet First Aid gives iPhone and Android smart phone users instant access to expert information, according to a release.
