Up Close Look At West Pierce Fire & Rescue's Reflection Park

Some 300 people flooded the park's dedication Tuesday. Patch returned to the site today to provide an up-close look at the $250,000 park that firefighters, volunteers and supporters helped pay for.

Authorities Arrest Former Lakewood Police Office Skeeter Manos on Suspicion of Identity Theft, Forgery

Manos was convicted of embezzling money from the Lakewood Fallen Officers Fund and was sentenced to 33 years in prison.

IN PICTURES: West Pierce Fire & Rescue Reflection Park Dedication

Some 300 people attended the ceremony at the department that serves University Place and Lakewood. The centerpiece of the park is a piece of steel recovered at the World Trade Center in New York after September 11.

JBLM Soldier Accused of Forcing Seven Underage Girls To Send Nude Photos, Videos Charged

David M. Ford, 24, with 25 counts, including depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct and viewing depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

WHOA: Driver Escapes Tow Hitch That Smashed His Windshield On Interstate 5 Near Tacoma Dome

The hitch, according to the Washington State Patrol, was lying on the roadway and got kicked up by a vehicle traveling in front of the truck.

TALK TO ME, PARENTS: How Would You Describe The Events of September 11 For The First Time To Your Child?

Many parents and grandparents must talk to their children about the events that changed American life more than a decade ago. Are there any tips on how to approach it?

JBLM Soldier Who Crashed Into Gate Identified Was Part of 16th CAB

Spc. Ryan T. Abbott, 35, of Grand Rapids, MI, was assigned to the 46th Air Support Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, which is University Place's Community Connector to Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Still Time To Enter Patch's Puyallup Fair Contest

Remember to sign up for our newsletter for a chance to win a pair of tickets, or tell us why you want to go (in the comment section) for a chance to win a family prize pack!

Authorities Arrest JBLM Soldier On Child Pornography, Sexual Exploitation and Extortion Charges

David Michael Ford, 24, of Macon, Georgia and currently stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord was taken into custody this afternoon and booked into the Pierce County Jail

Fittingly, West Pierce Fire & Rescue To Dedicate 9/11 Reflection Park September 11

The ceremony will take place 6 p.m., Tuesday at the department's headquarters in University Place. The park's centerpiece is a piece of steel from the World Trade Center for which firefighters traveled to New York.

YOUR PONZI IS A WONDERLAND?: John Mayer Sued in $130M Mercer Island Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy trustees of former Mercer Island resident Frederick Darren Berg say Mayer was paid for a 2008 performance from money stolen from investors. They are attempting to recover more than $130 million that Berg never repaid.

POLL: Conventions Are Over, So Who Will You Vote For?

Both the Republicans and Democrats threw grand celebrations in which Mitt Romney and Barack Obama made their candidacy official. Now that the conventions are over, who do you think you'll vote for?

VIEWFINDER: Check Presentation Night For Peace Out Teen Philanthropists

The event took place Friday at Round Table Pizza in University Place. If you have pictures from the event, please upload them here.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Releases September 11 Remembrance Ceremonies

JBLM is hosting a number of ceremonies commemorating the attacks.

Cider Squeeze at Curran Apple Orchard

The event runs from noon to 4 p.m.

Curtis vs. Graham-Kapowsin: Post Your Updates and Photos Here

The Vikings will try to build on a Week 1 victory with another tough test at home.

Video Stills Depict Trio Who Robbed US Bank in Lakewood on Thursday

After robbing the bank and taking cash, witnesses told us they fled to a car parked behind the old QFC building. Officers found a blue Buick - which was reported stolen - abandoned with the doors open.

Lakewood Woman Wins Puyallup Fair Tickets From Patch

Avis Cartier, a military widow who runs an adult care home, says she plans to take some of her residents to the fair. You can still sign up for a Patch newsletter to win!

Army Still Hasn't Set Date, Location For JBLM Staff Sgt. Robert Bales' Court Martial

The Lake Tapps man faces multiple charges related to an early morning shooting in March in Afghanistan, including 16 counts of premeditated murder and six counts of attempted murder.

Neighbors Say They'd Take A Mine Over A Gas Station in University Place Debate

Almost 20 people attended a UP Planning Commission public hearing Wednesday night, most of whom voiced opposition to rumored development of a gas on a parcel at Bridgeport Way and 67th Avenue West.

Fircrest Pool Reopens For One Day Saturday

The pool - located at the Roy H. Murphy Community Center at 555 Contra Costa Ave. - will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

'Jane Doe,' Husband Turn Themselves In for Child Porn Production, Distribution

Michael and Michelle Freeman turned themselves in to police after a nationwide manhunt was issued for the unknown couple, suspected of distributing and producing child pornography.

Ohana Cafe Going in Former TostaCaffe, JavaTech Location

Workers were erecting a sign Wednesday afternoon at the location off 40th Street West, next to Rocky's Mini Mart.

University Place Taking Another Look At Drive-Throughs At Town Center

University Place patch also posed the question and, boy, did it get a conversation going.

Love, By The Numbers

In honor of Valentine's Day, the Census Bureau ran the numbers.

Whiz Kid: Agustin Hussain is His Name, Volunteering is His Game

This week's Whiz kid Agustin has given 300-plus hours of community service this past year alone. He has worked almost two years for the local University Place Branch library.

And Last But Not Least, UP's Brason Alexander

Patch's perennial parks and rec guru gives his final profile of the people behind the city's recreation department.

Patch Viewfinder: The Princess Promenade

The Princess Promenade is the public's first introduction to the Daffodil Royal Court.

Tyler Jamison (Part 2), Feb. 14

Curtis' quarterback and Diary writer announces where he will play college football next year, a choice he knew was right in his heart. Aside from football, the school gives him a chance to become closer with God.

Get Out: Wine, Book Signings And More

Check out our picks for the activities to hit and new bars/restaurants/shops to explore.

Moms Talk: Telling Expectant Parents The Truths About Parenthood

A local mom offers her honest advice to new and expecting parents. She also asks the community to chime in with its truths about parenthood.

Town Center's First Tenant, The New UP Library, Welcomes Large Crowds On Day One

University Place's Town Center Library finally opens its doors and packs the house. More than 4,500 people showed up for today's event.

Apples, Art, and Architecture In UP. Who Knew?

A local art aficionado gives Patch the rundown on a local sculpture that many of us might not have realized was produced by a pretty famous artist.

E-mail To The Editor: Mayor Gives Updates On Public Improvements To Town Center

Debbie Klosowski also recognizes the community's efforts to fund projects via the Pepsi Refresh Project, which Patch reported early this month.

The List: Five Places To Stroll, Picnic With Your Sweetie

These offerings allow you (guys) to provide something sweet and memorable to your Valentine.

Bites Nearby: The Melting Pot

Looking for a romantic evening and adventure in fondue?

Viewfinder: University Place Black Tie Ball & Auction

A portion of last Saturday's event benefitted the city's parks and recreation programs.

E-mail To The Editor: Fire Chiefs Thank Voters For Merger

An overwhelming amount of Lakewood voters approved of forming West Pierce Fire & Rescue in Tuesday's election.

Tyler Jamison (Part 1), Feb. 9

In this entry, the Vikings' quarterback tells us about his options for college, which could likely land him in California. From the start, Tyler's goal is to be a commissioned officer in the Army.

House Hunt: University Place and Gig Harbor

This weekend offers several open houses in University Place and Gig Harbor. Don't miss your chance to freely explore these houses.