Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why a Lakewood hazardous waste facility faces a record state fine.
And check out Ratapalooza - Lakewood, WA 2026 on the Lakewood Patch calendar
Morning Lakewood! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why a Lakewood hazardous waste facility faces a record state fine.
- Why Lakewood stands out for veterans leaving JBLM
Also on today's calendar: Back to Church Sunday.
Today's riddle: I'm a rock group with 4 members; one member was assassinated. What am I? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Friday: Cloudy, with a high of 69 and low of 54 degrees.
- Saturday: An afternoon thundershower, temps: high: 69, low: 55.
- Sunday: A shower in the morning, with a high of 72 and low of 52 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Hazardous waste management company hit with $1M Washington state fine (chronline.com) — State regulators have fined Crystal Clean more than $1 million after finding its Lakewood hazardous waste facility repeatedly mishandled toxic materials and falsified shipping records. Ecology says the site improperly stored waste and sent some loads to unauthorized facilities, raising concerns about how dangerous materials are tracked and managed in and around Lakewood. The company plans to appeal but says it will cooperate with the state. 
• Washington for Veterans: Jobs, Benefits & Best Cities (gijobs.com) — Veterans considering Washington will find Lakewood highlighted as a prime spot near JBLM and the American Lake VA campus, offering strong access to healthcare, jobs, and a large military community. The guide compares Lakewood, Tacoma, Olympia, Kitsap County, Spokane and other regions on housing costs, careers, taxes, and benefits, helping veterans decide where in the state their skills and budgets fit best.
📸 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
- 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
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
- PIO Picture Day
Saltar's Point Elementary Auxiliary Gym
8:30 am - Kid Program Kits: Craftopia Tie Die Bandana
Mottet Branch Library 3523 East G Street, Tacoma, WA 98404
10:00 am - Social Work Support with Samie
Tacoma Public Library- Main Branch 1102 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402
10:00 am - Family Storytime
Wheelock Branch Library 3722 North 26Th, Tacoma, WA 98407
10:30 am - Baby Storytime
Tacoma Public Library- Main Branch 1102 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402
10:30 am - Drop-in Tech Help at Swasey Branch
Swasey Branch Library 7001 Sixth Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406
11:00 am - Daily 15 Minute Movement Break - Yoga and Fitness
University of Washington Tacoma 1900 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA 98402
11:00 am - Learn to Play Mah Jongg
Wheelock Branch Library 3722 North 26Th, Tacoma, WA 98407
12:00 pm - Free Legal Aid Pop-Ups
Mottet Branch Library 3523 East G Street, Tacoma, WA 98404
2:00 pm
Friday September 11
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
- Does anyone know what is happening with the property on the corner of Bridgeport & Lakewood Dr?
Obviously, the old buildings have been demolished! (Nextdoor Lakewood Towne Center)
- Columbia Bank posted a job opening for Accounts Payable Specialist in Lakewood. Apply here.
- Dollar Tree posted a job opening for Customer Service Associate I in Lakewood. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lakewood here.
🗞 Nearby News
Steilacoom
- Black Hills sweeps Yelm for first 3-0 start since 2009 (thurstonchronicle.com)
- Pierce County News Briefs Sept 9 (tacomaweekly.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: Mount Rushmore (Thank you J.J. W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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