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!
Hellertown borough councilman Mike McKenna reported Monday that a local resident plans to help Santa at the borough's annual Light-Up Night Nov. 29...as an elf.
Other popular reads this week included stories about a local bakery that specializes in gluten-free and nut-free products, and the Spartan football team's loss to Bethlehem Catholic High School in the District 11 championship game.
Are you looking for a job? Look no further! These local businesses are hiring.
Also making headlines: St. Mary's Villa, where 'The Trouble with Angels' was filmed, is set to be sold to developers; alleged bank robber sought and arrests made in killings.
Also making headlines: St. Mary's Villa, where 'The Trouble with Angels' was filmed, is set to be sold to developers; alleged bank robber sought and arrests made in killings.
Lower Saucon Township Police say a man who was allegedly found passed out behind the wheel of his car while it was stopped at Willowbrook and Sanbrook drives had both synthetic marijuana and a smoking pipe.
A Bethlehem man driving east on I-78 in Lower Saucon Township slid on ice at about 8:10 a.m. Thursday, Pennsylvania State Police at Belfast said in a news release.
The many successes of Saucon Valley's fall athletes were celebrated at an awards ceremony Wednesday evening.
The members of Saucon Valley High School's chapter of Future Business Leaders of America have been busy with many community service-oriented projects.
Business Spotlight is a regular column featuring information provided by local businesses.
State Rep. Robert Freeman (D-136) announced Thursday that Hellertown has been awarded a $193,000 state grant for improvements to Water Street Park.
The Penn State Lehigh Valley men's and women's basketball teams will play their first home game on Saturday, Nov. 30 at Stabler Arena in Bethlehem. The games are free and open to the public.
A Lower Macungie Township man was charged with DUI after police say he struck a Coopersburg woman's vehicle on Grange Road in Upper Macungie Township.
Saucon Valley resident James Cressman shares historical and personal reflections on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which occurred 50 years ago this week.
![Remembering a President's Assassination, 50 Years Later [Op-Ed]](https://test.patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/11/raw/99eb76a5cec3a4cb59b163b08c5ec35b.png)
Dennis Wiedmann, 55, of the 1600 block of Bleyler Street, was charged Tuesday with aggravated assault, simple assault, disorderly conduct, reckless endangerment, harassment and DUI.
An amendment to the Hellertown borough sidewalk ordinance that would have required property owners to replace existing concrete sidewalks with pavers in order to come into compliance was killed by borough council Monday.
Saucon Valley High School students with an interest in law enforcement have a unique opportunity to learn about it firsthand, thanks to the Hellertown Police Department's student mentorship program.
A Lutheran World Relief Fair Trade Sale will be held Saturday, Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, 333 E. Oxford St., Coopersburg.
The first session will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays from Jan. 4 to Feb. 22. The second session will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays from March 1 to April 26.
Merritt C. Pearson, 82, of South Whitehall Township died Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Salisbury Township
![Merritt C. Pearson, 82, Recipient of the Purple Heart [Obituary]](https://test.patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/11/raw/b61221352f1b1dcc5b98f09b60347e3a.png)