Accused Afghanistan Shooter Robert Bales Defers Entering Plea

Following a two-week pre-trial appearance in November, Bales appeared again in military court today at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Family of Leah King, Girl Who Died At JBLM In 2009, Reportedly Gets $40,000 From Government

The News Tribune is reporting that the family of the girl - who sneaked on base with Army Pvt. Timothy Bennitt and overdosed - settled with the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Wal-Mart Pledges To Hire Recently Discharged Veterans

The retail giant calls the move part patriotism, part common sense.

More Cuts to Hit Pierce Transit in September

Pierce Transit’s board voted to cut Pierce Transit service by 34 percent this fall.

JBLM's 446th Airlift Wing, South Sound Law Enforcement Train For C-17 Water Rescue

The high volume of C-17 traffic flying back and forth from JBLM, paired with the countless bodies of water in the Puget Sound area forces both military and non-military personnel to prepare for the worst.

Fairchild Air Force Base in Running For Aerial Refueling Tanker Main Operating Base

The Spokane base is a candidate to be the first active-duty led KC-46A main operating base, along with three others from the Midwest.

Board Confirms Andrew Neiditz As First South Sound 911 Director

The South Sound 911 Policy Board unanimously voted today to confirm the Lakewood city manager.

Mother Of Brian Wurts Speaks To Lakewood City Council About Her Son's Termination

Virginia Wurts of Gig Harbor read to elected leaders a letter about how former Officer Skeeter Manos - convicted of embezzling money from a fund for the families of Lakewood's Fallen Four - broke her son's trust.

Fort Lewis Museum Remembers Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf

Schwarzkopf, who died Thursday, served two assignments at Fort Lewis, now Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The museum hopes people will visit to learn more about him and share their stories.

Northwest Guardian Releases Year In Review For JBLM

From the new Warrior Zone to I Corps' redeployment to the JBLM Air Expo, 2012 was a busy year for the base's soldiers, airmen and their families.

Lakewood-JBLM Patch's Most-Read Stories of 2012

The story of the woman who was attacked by raccoons at Fort Steilacoom Park topped the list.

Army Will Seek Death Penalty For Accused Afghanistan Shooter Robert Bales of JBLM

The New York Times is reporting that the military court will consider charges - including 16 counts of premeditated murder - tied to a predawn shooting spree in March.

Congressman-Elect Denny Heck Comments On Passing of Sen. Daniel Inouye

Senator Inouye played a critical role in the historic 1988 Puyallup Land Claims Settlement, Heck says.

CITY MANAGER INFOBULLETS: Grants, Holiday Charity Drive, Tree Lighting, Jingle Bell 5K

Here's the weekly report from Lakewood City Manager Andrew Neiditz.

Panel Recomemnds Lakewood City Manager Andrew Neiditz For South Sound 911 Post

The recommendation, on a unanimous vote in a public meeting, advances for consideration by the new agency’s Policy Board, a nine-member body of elected officials who meet Dec. 19.

City Manager Andrew Neiditz Is A Finalist For South Sound 911 Post

Lakewood's top staffer since 2005 is one of three finalists for executive director of the voter-approved agency that's intended to streamline emergency communications in area.

SHARE: Show Us Your Pics And Video From Lakewood Tree Lighting, Jingle Bell 5K

The Tree Lighting takes place tonight, and the run takes Saturday.

DuPont Could Get An Amazon Distribution Center, According To Report

The Seattle-based online retailer, one of the largest in the world, is eyeing a 92-acre parcel in Pierce County, The News Tribune reports. Would a distribution center, Amazon's second in the South Sound, be good or bad?

Joint Base Lewis-McChord To Reopen Newly Renovated Main Chapel Today

The chapel, built in 1934, underwent a 13-month, $5.5-million renovation, including a new fire prevention system, elevators, air conditioning, bathrooms, classrooms with flat-screen televisions and a new kitchen.

REPORT: US House Moves To Rename Eatonville Post Office After Slain Ranger Margaret Anderson

The News Tribune reports that the lawmakers are proposing naming the building National Park Ranger Margaret Anderson Post Office. The ranger was killed Jan. 1 while on duty at Mount Rainier National Park.

Mike Carrell to Push For Stricter Safety Regulations At State-Run Psychiatric Hospitals

The Lakewood Republican wants staff and patients at Western State and other psychiatric hospitals to be protected by sending patients convicted of violent crimes to state prisons after their mental condition is stabilized.

Lakewood's Jingle Bell Rock 5K Will Give Residents A Chance To Shed Turkey Day Calories

The event takes place Dec. 8. It starts at the roundabout near Lakewood City Hall, and the city is throwing a party afterward.

CITY MANAGER'S INFOBULLETS: Swap Meet Code Enforcement, Charity And More

Here's is Lakewood City Manager Andrew Neiditz weekly report to the City Council

FBI Agent Who Triggered Petraeus Investigation, Eventual Resignation Is A Steilacoom Native

The New York Times identified the agent as Frederick Humphries II, who has plenty of ties to the Northwest.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta Releases Statement On Afghanistan Commander Gen. John Allen

Allen is under investigation for alleged "inappropriate communications" with a woman who is said to have received threatening emails from Paula Broadwell, the woman with whom Gen. David Petraeus had an extramarital affair, according to the AP

PICTURE OF THE DAY: I Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Robert Brown Honored At Auburn Veterans Day Parade

Brown met with World War II, Korean, Vietnam, Iraqi and Enduring Freedom Vets.

Forensic Biologist Says Four Victims' Blood Matches Blood Found on Robert Bales' Clothes

Blood samples from two unidentified males and two unidentified females matched samples from Bales' items, including pants, underwear, gloves and boots

O'Ban, Green, Carrell Leading In 28th District Races

The Pierce County Auditor's Office released initial results Tuesday night.

ELECTION: Denny Heck Leading in 10th Congressional Seat

The Democrat is leading Republican Dick Muri by almost 10 percentage points.

Army Releases More Information JBLM Pfc. Brandon L. Buttry

The 19-year-old from Shenandoah, IA, died Nov. 5 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. This was his first deployment.

BALES TRIAL: "I Thought I Was Doing The Right Thing"

The two soldiers who apprehended the JBLM staff sergeant the night he allegedly conducted a nighttime massacre across two Afghan villages testified on the first day of his military court hearing.

JBLM Soldier Dies in Afghanistan, According to Report

The Army Times reports that 19-year-old Pfc. Brandon Buttry, of Shenandoah, IA was killed in an incident involving multiple casualties.

Where Can I Drop Off My Ballot in Lakewood?

Pierce County has a number of voter drop boxes, open until 8 p.m. tonight and tomorrow, Election Day.

BALES TRIAL: First Day of Army Staff Sergeant's Hearing Contains Chilling Testimony

The Lake Tapps man and Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier is accused of going on a nighttime killing spree March 11 in Afghanistan.

Military Hearing For Suspected Afghanistan Shooter Staff Sgt. Robert Bales Starts Today At JBLM

The Lake Tapps man faces numerous charges in a March killing spree in Afghanistan, including 16 specifications of premeditated murder.

CITY MANAGER'S INFOBULLETS: Kenworth, H-Mart and Championship Volleyball

Here's the weekly report from Lakewood City Manager Andrew Neiditz.

Spend Election Day 2012 With Lakewood Patch

We'll have live coverage throughout the day and results Tuesday night for Washington state. Join us for the conversation.

CITY MANAGER'S INFOBULLETS: Active Shooter Training, Healthy Start and Lake Waughop

Here's the weekly report from Lakewood City Manager Andrew Neiditz.

Food Waste Workshop Scheduled in Lakewood

Learn about how to manage and reduce food waste by attending an upcoming workshop at Lakewood City Hall. It is hosted by Pierce County.

QUESTION: What Is The Most Dangerous Intersection In Lakewood?

Tell us in the comments below, Patch users, where you think the most dangerous intersection is for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.