Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: What hazardous-waste violations led to a record fine in Lakewood?
And on the Lakewood Patch calendar - Ratapalooza - Lakewood, WA 2026
Hey there, Lakewood! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- What hazardous-waste violations led to a record fine in Lakewood?
- How will Maverick's casino shake-up affect gambling options near Lakewood?
- Why are Tacoma and Lakewood ranked top choices for Washington veterans?
Also on today's calendar: Back to Church Sunday and 1 more event.
Today's riddle: What do you get when you cross an angry cow with an angry sheep? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Thursday: Partly sunny and beautiful, with a high of 72 and low of 55 degrees.
- Friday: Cloudy, temps: high: 70, low: 53.
- Saturday: A shower and thunderstorm, with a high of 67 and low of 52 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Hazardous waste management company hit with $1M Washington state fine (chronline.com) — State regulators have hit Crystal Clean's Lakewood hazardous-waste facility with a record $1.04 million fine, saying it mishandled toxic materials and falsified shipping documents over two years. For Lakewood residents, the case raises concerns about how dangerous waste is tracked and stored locally, and the company now plans to appeal before the state's Pollution Control Hearings Board. 
• Two Washington Casinos To Close Permanently In November (gamblingsites.com) — Lakewood casino patrons will feel Maverick Gaming's financial troubles, as the company has already closed Palace Casino in Lakewood and is keeping Chips Casino open while shutting two Tukwila properties on November 1. The closures, tied to Chapter 11 bankruptcy and rising costs, eliminate 238 jobs and highlight broader pressures on non-tribal casinos across the region.
• Washington for Veterans: Jobs, Benefits & Best Cities (gijobs.com) — If you live in Lakewood or near JBLM, this guide explains why your area is one of Washington's top spots for veterans, with strong job prospects, VA care at American Lake, and easy access to Tacoma and Seattle. It also breaks down housing costs, tax benefits, education options, and how Lakewood compares with other Washington cities for post-military life.
📸 Around Lakewood
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Lakewood
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Ratapalooza - Lakewood, WA 2026 →
McGavick Conference Center | Clover Park Technical College, 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW Bld 23, Lakewood
10:00 am
Saturday September 12
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- PIO Picture Day
Saltar's Point Elementary Auxiliary Gym
8:30 am - Back to Church Sunday →
10402 Kline St SW, Lakewood
10:00 am - NAVFAC NW Seabee Ball Golf Scramble →
Whispering First Golf Course, 895 Lincoln Blvd SW, Lakewood
12:00 pm
Friday September 11
Sunday September 20
Friday September 25
📣 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
- Wake Up at AA Asphalting
Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce AA Asphalting
9:00 am - Promotions Meeting
Puyallup Main Street Association 118 W Main, Puyallup, WA 98371
9:00 am - Baby Storytime
Moore Branch Library 215 South 56th Street, Tacoma, WA 98408
10:30 am - WayOut Kids: Bot Building
Swasey Branch Library 7001 Sixth Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406
10:30 am - Daily 15 Minute Movement Break - Yoga and Fitness
University of Washington Tacoma 1900 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA 98402
11:00 am - Wisdom Cafe
Wheelock Branch Library 3722 North 26Th, Tacoma, WA 98407
1:00 pm - Genealogy Help Desk
Wheelock Branch Library 3722 North 26Th, Tacoma, WA 98407
1:00 pm - Free Legal Aid Pop-Ups
Moore Branch Library 215 South 56th Street, Tacoma, WA 98408
3:00 pm
Thursday September 10
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Hi neighbors, this is my cat lilly, shes a very active and friendly cat in my neighborhood, and is outside everyday.
She normally comes home at night to sleep, recently on September 3rd, she went outside like normal, but she hasnt been home since. I am very worried… (Nextdoor Oakbrook)
- Dollar Tree posted a job opening for Customer Service Associate I in Lakewood. Apply here.
- Country Financial posted a job opening for Insurance Agent - Lakewood, WA in Lakewood. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lakewood here.
🗞 Nearby News
Steilacoom
- West Coast snubbed in new study of best places to retire in the US (nypost.com)
- Pierce County News Briefs Sept 9 (tacomaweekly.com)
Parkland
- Around the Valley: Wiffle ball league gives former high school athletes another shot at competing, and having fun doing it (mcall.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: An animal that's in a baaaaad mooood! (Thank you Lisa A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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