Clinton Hitches Ride with McChord Team to Libya

A seven-person aircrew, six Reservists and one active duty pilot at Joint Base Lewis-McChord had the task of giving U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton her second ride ever on a C-17 earlier this week.

Lakewood Named One of Nation's 100 Best Communities for Fifth Consecutive Year

The competition recognizes community's efforts to reduce high school dropout rates across the country.

Lakewood Residents Could be Asked to Pay More Taxes for Roads

Elected officials along with the Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee are scheduled to meet in November to consider a public-wide vote that would establish a new tax benefit district to better maintain roads and pay for capital road projects.

City of Lakewood Completes $18 Million Sewer Project in Tillicum, Woodbrook

Sewer upgrades are a significant milestone for two neighborhoods city officials want to economically develop.

POLL: What Do You Think About the Occupy Wall Street Protests?

There were demonstrations around the state Saturday. Were you there?

Museum Celebrates 5 Years of Local History

Much has happened since the Lakewood Historical Society opened its museum doors.

Update: Toxic Algae Down, Waughop Lake Reopens To Public

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department officials confirm levels of toxic algae have significantly decreased.

POLL: Should the City Have Issued a Right-of-Way Permit to Relocate the Camp Murray Gate?

Do you think the city of Lakewood should have issued the Washington Military Department a right-of-way permit to relocate the Camp Murray Gate? Answer our poll.

Last Day To Register For November Election Is Monday

The November election includes voting for both Sumner and Bonney Lake city council, the Sumner school district, state initiatives and the East Pierce Fire and Rescue fire commissioner positions.

Top 10 Headlines of the Week

Here's a list of the most popular stories you may have missed.

State's Minimum Wage Increasing to $9.04 Next Year

The 37-cent increase reflects a 4.258-percent increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI­W) since August 2010.

Lakewood Man Named Freedom Bridge

The city of Lakewood Monday received approval by the City Council to file a $5.7 million federal grant application this week to allow interim construction improvements for smoother traffic flow at Freedom Bridge.

Letter to the Editor: Does Mayor Douglas Richardson Support the Camp Murray Gate Relocation?

The Tillicum neighborhood could become a major thoroughfare if the City Council allows Camp Murray to relocate its gate, placing more traffic on the area's residential streets.

Photo Gallery: Celebrating, Reuniting the U.S. Army's 14th Cavalry Regiment

Soldiers from the 1-14 Cavalry Regiment meet with veterans of the 1-14 on Friday, showing them advancements in weapons, vehicles, equipment and overall lifestyle changes at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Patches Nearby: Greeting Cards Bring U.S. Troops Closer To Home

This volunteer effort gives handmade cards to troops overseas so they can send them to family and friends.

2 JBLM Soldiers to Receive Award for Rescue at Rainier National Park

They helped save a civilian whose car was trapped in the Nisqually River. The Army will recognize them Wednesday at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

JBLM Photo Gallery: Field Artillery Unit Prepares for Deployment to Afghanistan

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment participated in the traditional casing of the colors ceremony Wednesday morning at Soldier's Field House.

Can You Guess These Locations in Lakewood?

The player with the most points between this week and last week will win.

586-Year-Old Historic Tree at Library Survives Lightning Strike, Forest Fire

The massive Douglas fir that sits outside the entrance was put on display 20 years after the public library district was voted into existence.

Local Hero Honored at City Council Meeting

PFC Jose Delgado was speechless after being recognized by Lakewood Police and Fire officials including Mayor Richardson for his heroic actions on July 24.

You Can't Run From The Toll - Narrows Bridge Infractions To Resume

Tacoma Narrows Bridge drivers who didn’t pay will receive infractions.

Governor Christine Gregoire Involved In Non-Injury Collision On Interstate 5

Neither the Governor nor the other driver were injured in the collision.

Hire America's Heroes Helps Military Members Transition to new Jobs

The organization, which was co-founded by a Sammamish resident, also provides job assistance to veterans and dependents of those in the U.S. military.

Local Settlements Once Bowed to a British Queen

Pioneer life during that time will be celebrated at the DuPont Historical Society’s annual Hudson Bay Day. This free event is set for 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday and will walk visitors through life as it was more than 150 years ago.

Meet Waylin Lee McCurley, Candidate For West Pierce Fire & Rescue Commission

McCurley will run against University Place's Daniel Rankin for Position No. 3.

Sept. 19 Lakewood City Council Meeting Cancelled

With no action items currently on the agenda, city officials will meet next Monday for their biweekly study session.

Patch Poll: Sound Transit To Hold Open House On South Line Of Sounder Service

It's scheduled from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday at the Tacoma Dome Station.

History is Alive in Lakewood on Saturday

The Fort Steilacoom Museum event at the Western State Hospital property will show life as it was in a free event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Can You Guess These Locations in Lakewood?

The player with the most points between this week and last week wins the competition.

Fort Steilacoom Plays Key Role in Lakewood's Future and Past

Historical event takes visitors through the fort's museum on the Western State property footprint on Sept. 17 to experience life during the Civil War era.

Lakewood Mayor Mobilized as a Result of 9-11 Terrorist Attacks

Douglas Richardson was part of the Army Reserve's massive deployment after 9/11.

Can You Guess These Locations in Lakewood?

Register with Patch and submit your answers in the comment box.

Update: Lakewood Police Will Begin Using In-Car Video

The Department will landed a grant that will provide squad-car video in nine vehicles at Monday's City Council meeting. Police officials also say in-car video can cause administrative issues, citing an increase in Public Disclosure Requests.

Don't Fall Victim to a Scam or Identity Theft

You're simply safe not carrying your Social Security card and not providing your personal information over the Internet or by email.

McChord Air Force Base History Started Pre-World War II

Global reach of local aircraft started with a humble beginning

Can You Guess These Locations in Lakewood?

The player with the most points will earn a special prize.

Top 10 Headlines of the Week

Catch what you may have missed as Patch compiles the top news stories from this past week.

Patches Nearby: Pierce County Appeals $2.2 Million Jury Award In Pit Bull Lawsuit

The county filed a notice of appeal Wednesday, announcing its intent to challenge a Pierce County jury's decision to hold the county response for $928,500 of the total damages awarded to the injured plaintiff over the 2007 attack in her home.

Can You Guess These Locations in Lakewood?

The player with the most points between this week and next week will earn a special prize.

Lakewood's City Council Joins Forces to Discuss Flood Control Zoning District Reformation

Steilacoom and Dupont government bodies weigh in on how Pierce County residents should be taxed if a new district is constructed by winter 2012.