🌱 Patch AM: What this big Western State Hospital milestone means for Lakewood residents

Good morning Lakewood! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• What this big Western State Hospital milestone means for Lakewood residents
• Judge's decision frees man after 17 years for Lakewood killing
• Why Western State Hospital staff walked out in Lakewood Monday

Also on today's calendar: Ratapalooza - Lakewood, WA 2026 and 2 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the 1 way to guarantee winning a small fortune at the casino? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Clouds breaking for some sun, with a high of 74 and low of 57 degrees.
• Wednesday: Afternoon rain, temps: high: 68, low: 50.
• Thursday: A brief shower or two, with a high of 65 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Western State Hospital Project Reaches Concrete Milestone (constructionowners.com) — Construction of the new forensic hospital at Western State Hospital in Lakewood has hit a major milestone, with crews finishing the final major structural concrete pour on the 467,000-square-foot facility. Work will now shift to interior slabs, crane removal, and building systems, marking visible progress on a key investment in Washington's behavioral health infrastructure located right in Lakewood.
   

• Shooter in 2008 Pierce County murder released after 17 years (thenewstribune.com) — A man convicted in a 2008 Lakewood murder has been ordered released after 17 years in prison, following a resentencing that weighed his youth at the time of the crime and extensive rehabilitation work. A Pierce County judge concluded additional prison time would serve little purpose, while supporters and family members described his firefighting service and growth behind bars.
   

• WA state workers stage walkout to protest pay proposals from Ferguson (seattletimes.com) — State workers are staging midday walkouts across Washington, including at Western State Hospital in Lakewood, to protest what they say are inadequate pay offers from Gov. Bob Ferguson. Union members argue low raises and heavy caseloads hurt vulnerable residents, while the governor's office cites serious budget constraints and competing demands on state services.
   

📸 Around Lakewood

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Lakewood

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Wednesday September 2
• HUNKS The Show at Lakewood Elks Lodge 2388 (Lakewood, WA) 09/02/26 →
  Lakewood Elks Lodge #2388, 6313 75th St W, Lakewood
  7:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Thursday September 3
• SHS New Student & Family Night
  Saltar's Point Elementary SHS Theater
  6:00 pm
Tuesday September 8
• SHS Class of 2027 Senior Family Night
  Saltar's Point Elementary SHS Theater
  6:00 pm
Friday September 11
• PIO Picture Day
  Saltar's Point Elementary Auxiliary Gym
  8:30 am
Saturday September 12
• Ratapalooza - Lakewood, WA 2026 →
  McGavick Conference Center | Clover Park Technical College, 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW Bld 23, Lakewood
  10:00 am

📣 Lakewood Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday September 1
• Workforce Grants & Application Workshop
  Tacoma Community College 6501 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA 98466
  2:00 pm
• Pioneer Back to School Open House
  Saltar's Point Elementary Pioneer Middle School
  4:00 pm
Wednesday September 2
• Stewart Open House
  Stewart Middle School
  4:00 pm
• Wainwright Panther Night
  Wainwright Middle Tacoma, WA 98466
  4:30 pm
• Geiger Meet & Greet
  Geiger Montessori
  4:30 pm
• Larchmont Meet & Greet
  Larchmont Elementary Tacoma, WA 98445
  5:00 pm
Thursday September 3
• SHS New Student & Family Night
  Saltar's Point Elementary SHS Theater
  6:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• We found a dog roaming near Montesano/Elma Road.
  Looks like he's been living rough for a while. We think he's a flat coat retriever. Intact, no chip. If you think he's yours please contact me (Nextdoor Oakbrook)
• Good afternoon neighbors….
  I'm in need of a mechanic to come look at my car, the coolant is leaking on my car is overheating… I believe it's a cracked hose, but I do not know… (Nextdoor Lake City)

• Professional Staff Northwest posted a job opening for Millwork Puller Warehouse in Lakewood. Apply here.
• PetSmart, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate Part Time in Lakewood. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lakewood here.

🗞 Nearby News

University Place

• Unique waterfront home in UP accessible only by railroad (thenewstribune.com)
• Sound Financial Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFBC) Sees Large Drop in Short Interest (marketbeat.com)

Ok Lakewood! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: By starting with a large fortune. (Thank you Kourtney Z. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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