CITY MANAGER: Gottschalks Building Coming Down To Make Way For Development

Here's the weekly report from Interim City Manager Heidi Wachter.

Lakewood Officers Ryan Moody, Jon Waller Receive Washington State Law Enforcement Medal of Honor

The police officers received the state's highest law enforcement honor for meritorious conduct during a chase and shootout with a body armored car thief Dec. 9.

Gov. Inslee Orders Flags Lowered for Fallen Army Captain

U.S. Army Capt. Aaron R. Blanchard, 32, of Selah, who died on April 23 in Afghanistan of injuries sustained from indirect fire.

CITY MANAGER INFOBULLETS: Lane Bryant Opens in Towne Center

Here's the weekly report from Interim City Manager Heidi Wachter.

Don Daniels Announces Run For Lakewood City Council

The Lakewood resident and former businessman is running for Pos. No. 5.

City of Lakewood Reminds Dog Owners To Observe Leash Laws at Fort Steilacoom Park

The City receives occasional complaints from park users about aggressive and unleashed dogs and dog owners who seem indifferent to the law.

4-2 SBCT Soldiers to Return Home from 6-Month Deployment on Thursday

Approximately 200 soldiers from the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, are scheduled to return home on Thursday after a 6-month deployment to Afghanistan.

2nd Stryker Brigade to Welcome New Senior Enlisted Leader

The 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, will conduct a change of responsibility ceremony at the Lancer Field on North Fort Lewis, Thursday, April 25, at 10 a.m.

UPDATE: Bales' Attorney Requests New Psychiatrist, Says Mother Will Testify

Staff Sgt. Robert Bales was back in JBLM court Tuesday for another hearing in his capital murder case, where he is accused of killing 16 Afghani villagers.

JBLM Sgt. John Russell Pleads Guilty to Killing Fellow Soldiers

The Army sergeant pleaded guilty Monday to killing four soldiers and a Navy officer in a Baghdad mental health clinic in 2009, saying he went into a "rage."

Pierce County Man Sentenced to Life for Setting His Girlfriend on Fire

In 2012, Lakewood Police responded to the scene after Aaron Demitris Dukes entered his girlfriend's home, poured rubbing alcohol on her, then lit her on fire.

QUESTION: What Kind Of Impact Would The Loss of 8,000 JBLM Soldiers Have on Lakewood, Region?

I Corps Com. Lt. Gen. Robert Brown discussed the proposed defense cuts this past week in Lakewood.

Lakewood City Council to Discuss 'Legacy' Park Plan

The plan lays out a 20-year roadmap on how to build and maintain a healthy parks and recreation system.

Sen. Mike Carrell to Receive Stem Cell Transplant

The Republican senator from Lakewood told constituents through his "Kitchen Cabinet" blog that he will receive a stem cell transplant from his brother next week.

Two Lakewood Employees Earn National Economic Development Council Certification

Rebecca Newton, economic development specialist, and Jeff Gumm, grants program manager, got the certification for successfully completing the training from the National Development Council.

UPDATE: Army Sergeant Accused of 2009 Iraq Shootings Reportedly Reaches Plea Agreement

The Associated Press reports that lawyers for Sgt. John Russell - the man accused of five fellow military personnel at Camp Liberty in Baghdad - are trying to get him a plea deal. He's being held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Free Admission to Mount Rainier National Park, April 22-26

The National Park Service and National Park Foundation will be waiving entrance fees for park visitors as part of the National Park Week 2013.

Lakewood Businesses, Fort Steilacoom Dog Park Named Best of South Sound

Harborstone Credit Union, Infusion Interior Design and Chambers Creek Veterinary Hospital, as well as Fort Steilacoom Dog Park, gained plenty of votes by readers of South Sound Magazine.

Madigan Army Medical Center Opens Olympia Clinic on Wednesday

The Madigan-South Sound Community Medical Home is the second of two clinics the Army operates in the local area; the Madigan-Puyallup Community Medical Home opened in April 2011.

PICTURE: JBLM Soldiers at Seattle Mariners Game

It was the 11th annual "Salute to Armed Forces" game.

CITY MANAGER'S INFOBULLETS: Interest in Joe's Building, Lakewood Officers at M's Game

Here is the weekly note from Lakewood Interim City Manager Heidi Wachter.

Steve O'Ban-Sponsored Bill to Help Veterans With Job Search Passes State Senate

House Bill 1537, co-sponsored by Republican Reps. Steve O’Ban and Jan Angel, will become law with the governor’s signature.

Friend of Wounded JBLM Soldier Trying to Raise $2,000 to Help Him Get a Service Dog

Jen Smith is trying to help her friend, Jesse Knott, who has to pay for an apartment and costs associated with picking up his service dog. She has 12 days to raise the money.

JBLM Senior Airman Steven Solo Named Army Military Firefighter of the Year

The firefighter won the Army-level Military Firefighter of the Year honors, and will now represent the Department of the Army and compete against the other Services for the Department of Defense Military Firefighter of the Year honors later this year.

Nisqually Tribe Opens Market In Lakewood

The convenience store and full-service fuel station located at 11741 Pacific Highway SW. More than $1 million was invested in redeveloping the property.

Pierce County: Ferries' Online Ticketing System Mistakenly Rejecting Some Customers' Credit Cards

Troubleshooting by the ticketing vendor is underway.

Lakewood Towne Center Developer Plans To Demolish, Redevelop Former Gottschalks Building

Retail Properties of America Inc. told the Lakewood City Council on Monday that unless a new tenant steps forward, the building will be torn down this summer and redeveloped, with the space ready for tenants in 2014.

Keep Lakewood Beautiful's City Wide Litter Clean Up Event Scheduled For May 18.

Those who register will get a free hotdog picnic outside City Hall at noon that day.

CITY MANAGER'S INFOBULLETS: Nisqually Market Cashiers Get Robbery, Customer Service Training

Also, staff with the city's parks, recreation and community services department will attend the 3rd Annual Fairy Garden Tea Party on Saturday.

4-2's Raider Ready Reserve Holds Spring Break Boot Camp (PHOTOS)

The event allowed children of 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry soldiers to look inside vehicles and get in some Army-style physical activity, just like their parents. It's all part of the "Month of the Military Child."

NBA's Return To Seattle? Sonics Guy Says 'It's Just Going To Happen' (VIDEO)

On the heels of Seattle and Sacramento lobbying for their city's right to the Kings, Kris Brannon - the green-and-gold-clad Tacoma man who has become a cult icon among Seattle Supersonics fans - says a team will return to Northwest.

PGA Announces Down Range Golf Clinic At American Lake Veterans Course on April 8

The goal of the program is to encourage disabled veterans to be more active in their communities through the game of golf.The clinic will deliver convenient, accessible golf instruction, resources, and support to veterans with a range of disabilities.

Lakewood City Council Recognizes Clover Park High's Xavier Means

Means recently was named a finalist in the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound's Youth of the Year Awards. He received a $2,000 scholarship.

CITY MANAGER INFOBULLETS: 'Today in America' Segment On Lakewood To Air In ... Salt Lake City

The segment, which is featured on the City of Lakewood, will air in Utah's biggest city throughout the month of April.

City of Lakewood Reportedly Sues State Over Passenger Train Plan. Will It Win?

The News Tribune reports that the city's main contention is the state's environmental assessment didn't thoroughly examine the effect of trains on neighborhoods.

Lakewood City Councilman Jason Whalen Announces Re-Election Bid

The city's deputy mayor is seeking a second term for Pos. 3. His term began in 2010.

Washington AG Unveils New Web Resources for Active Military, Veterans

Resources are available for those seeking employment, facing foreclosure or dealing with other challenges.

Mike Carrell Expected To Receive Bone Marrow Transplant From Brother, Lakewood Chamber Says

The 28th District senator was diagnosed with a blood condition - Myelodysplastic syndrome - that put him in the hospital recently.

Longtime Lakewood Clerk Alice Bush Wins "Clerk of the Year Award"

She received the award last week at the Washington Municipal Clerks Association's annual conference in Tacoma.

Sen. Patty Murray To Hold Roundtable Sequester Discussion Wednesday in Lakewood

The Washington Democrat will hear from military civilian employees and discuss how the Senate budget would ensure cuts won't jeopardize military civilian employees and their families. The meeting takes place at West Pierce Fire & Rescue, Stati