Experts To Share Tips On Landing Federal Contracts At JBLM

Thursday's three-hour seminar, sponsored by the City of Lakewood, is designed to help local vendors understand the federal-contracting process and benefit from billions of dollars of planned improvements at the military installation.

Pierce Transit Board Makes Cuts Official

Users of Route 220 through Tacoma, Fircrest and Lakewood saw service eliminated.

Lakewood's Violent Crimes Drop

The dip is part of an overall lessening in crime rate, Police Chief Farrar tells the City Council. But drug-and auto-related have risen compared to last year.

Lakewood Prepares to Host Fundamentals of Local Government on Thursday

Fort Steilacoom Park receives award, senior center celebrated annual open house and more.

State Attorney General McKenna Announces 2012 Bid for Governor

McKenna, who announced his intentions at his alma mater Sammamish High School, was first elected to public office in 1995.

Lakewood City Council Highlights: Dedication of the Merchant Marine Flag, 911 Project and 100k for Park

Large crowd gathers at city hall to recognize individuals in the armed forces who dedicated their lives protecting the U.S. Youth Council receives plaques for their outreach efforts at local events.

Elections Update: Paul Bocchi Files for City Council

Clover Park School Board District President Walt Kellcy Jr. will vacate his seat along with City Council members Walter Neary and Claudia Thomas.

Social Security Helps Lakewood Residents in Their Time of Need

More than 1,450 people In Lakewood receive an average survivor benefit of $980 a month according to Patch's Social Security specialist.

County Districting Committee Seeks Input From Lakewood Residents Tonight

The Pierce County Districting Committee is seeking public opinion on proposed changes to County Council district boundaries, and the districting master says citizen participation is "democracy in action." District 6 meeting tonight at Lakewood City Hall.

Board of Health Curbs E-Smoking In Pierce County

Health Department says it compromised between the need to protect the public from unknown dangers of smokeless cigarettes and possible benefits of helping smokers kick the habit.

Pierce County Planning $305 Million Expansion To Wastewater Treatment Plant

Patch editor and local neighbor Brent Champaco discusses the University Place Waste Water Treatment growth as the facility serves Lakewood and eight other cities.

Lakewood City Council Puts Emergency System on Center Stage

City administration believes current Pierce County emergency communication department is outdated and will go to the voters for approval of a more efficient and consolidated emergency management system called South Sound 911.

State Seeks Fewer Exemptions for Student Vaccines

Clover Park School District officials say they have been ahead of the game by requiring families to seek medical counseling regarding immunization exemptions in schools.

Census: Washington State Gets Older as Children in Households Shrinks

Minority groups in Lakewood experience varying levels of growth but Hispanic or Latino populations nearly double in population size.

Social Security Resources Available Online

Apply for retirement, disability, Medicare and more through the Internet.

Is Puffing E-Cigarettes in Adult-Only Places a Happy Medium?

Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health will consider adopting a regulation that bans "vaping" most public places but allows e-cigarettes in bars catering to 21-and-over customers.

Pierce County Testing New Bacteria Treatment At Chambers Creek Properties

The process, DEMON, could make the county one of the few in the country to use it.

Lakewood City Council Amends Business Signage Code

Free portable advertisements are approved in move lauded by Chamber of Commerce.

Cause of Pierce Transit CNG Explosion Still Under Investigation

The Feb. 28 explosion and fire destroyed three of the Lakewood facility's Compressed Natural Gas fueling bays, forcing two others off-line. Transit and fire officials say arson or other foul-play were not involved.

Lakewood Chamber of Commerce: City's Sign Code Too Strict

Permit process and cost unfair to small businesses, says Chamber president. City Council considering revision to ordinance at tonight's meeting.

Pierce Transit Board Focuses On Efficiency, Delays Service Cuts

The Lakewood-based public transportation agency will implement 20 percent in service cuts this June. The balance — another 15 percent — will come after a closer look at route efficiency and more public comment.

Thomas Stepping Down From Lakewood City Council

State's first African-American female mayor, who emphasized social services, transportation during five terms, says, "I felt I could make more of a difference by making lives better."

Layoffs Loom for Nearly 200 Pierce Transit Workers

Budget shortfalls mean about 200 jobs will be eliminated by Oct. 2. Union head doesn't blame agency but warns of stress on employees and riders alike.

Soldiers, Retirees Relieved But Wary After Bin Laden’s Death

At Lakewood’s Coffee Strong shop, the news dominated talk among its mostly military customers.

Bin Laden Dead; What Does It Mean To Us?

Osama Bin Laden's death marks a milestone in the U.S. war against terror. Locally, with our ties to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Patch asks what does it mean for our region.

Governor Calls Special Session

Lawmakers are struggling with a $5 billion budget deficit, and it's not clear yet how cuts will affect Lakewood.

Train Options In Lakewood Area Were On Track Early

The whistle blew locally before it did in Seattle.

Lakewood Man Charged With Child Pornography

Police arrest Fredric Cornell after investigators say they found sexually explicit images of children on his computer.

Lakewood Merchant Admits To Cheating More Than 92k in Sales Tax

Although the owner of Smoke & Beer & More convenient store on Bridgeport Way agrees to pay back money, the state charged him with filing false or fraudulent tax returns this past week.

Rough Summer Expected for Gas Prices and Public Transit

A perfect storm is brewing within Pierce Transit as opposing forces converge to negatively affect the agency's ability to serve riders.

Exclusive: Lakewood City Councilwoman Claudia Thomas Will Not File For Reelection

Two positions on city council will be open in 2012 election as Paul Bocchi announces his candidacy for Walter Neary's seat.

City Council to Discuss a Few Nagging Problems in Tonight's Study Session

They may not be heavy hitters but they are important from a quality of life standpoint.

Olympia No Longer Spinning Wheels on Bike Legislation

Four bills supporting safety and transportation issues headed to floor votes.

Father-Daughter Dance a Success and City Staff Attend Public Disclosure Request Conference

Class action lawsuit regarding camera fine amount dismissed by Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Flags to be Lowered for Cpl. Brandon Hocking, Nephew of Lakewood's Svea Pitts

City of Lakewood Employee of the Quarter relative was killed in Iraq on March 21 when his unit was attacked by a roadside bomb.

Lakewood City Council Adopts Sewer Ordinance

City officials look to economically develop Tillicum and Woodbrook with new sewer extension.

Weekend-Long I-5 Lane Closures Coming to Lakewood

Officials say avoid Interstate 5 during parts of April or experience extremely long backups.

State Budget Cuts: Slow Job Growth Tied to Increased Deficit

Lakewood city official Jeff Brewster said this isn't the first time and they aren't surprised about the revenue forecast.

Lakewood Council Approves Sewer Deal With 6 Percent Increase

Sewer charges will rise a few dollars under franchise, more decisions to come.

City Celebrates 15 years of Incorporation, Construction Improvement Update and more

Lakes and Clover Park High School boys basketball teams share championship glory.