Sheriff's Department Accepting Applications For Academy

The Parkland academy begins Sept. 21.

Kids Can Watch A Tacoma Rainiers Game For Only 50 Cents

The promotion is the team's way to thank fans. It's the same price the team charged for its inaugural opening day in 1960.

Peace Out, News And Updates

Patch provides some stats from the summer session. It's tempered by a tragic loss. Tonight, the group is holding what's become a bittersweet celebration.

MYSTERY SOLVERS: Here Are The Weekly Answers

Here's what you've been waiting for - the answers for this week's Mystery Solvers! Not only do we have the answers, but we've got a special announcement about one of our Mystery Solvers players!

Clean Beach Group Hits Up Owen; Titlow Next Week

The group collected 25 pounds of trash Saturday.

Meet Paul Barnes, Overseer Of University Place Parks And Youth Sports Coach

He's worked with the city for 13 years.

FROM PATCHES NEARBY: Local Firefighter Shares His Journey To New York

Gig Harbor firefighter Josh Bissenas writes about his trek to New York to receive one of the World Trade Center artifacts and what the trip meant for him. West Pierce Fire & Rescue is expected to get its own in September.

Former Curtis, UW Star Isaiah Thomas Shares His Story With Youth At University Of Washington-Tacoma

The Sacramento Kings’ draft pick spoke to teens in a summer program about learning the hard way and his pride in his Tacoma roots.

University Place Attorney To Speak About "Fighting The Erosion Of Basic Constitutional Freedoms"

Steve O'Ban will speak Sept. 8.

Low Tide Will Affect Pierce County Ferry Service Labor Day Weekend

There will be load restrictions on large vehicles.

EXCLUSIVE: Quartet Of West Pierce Firefighters To Ride Their Harley-Davidsons To Ground Zero

The group plans to leave for New York on Sept. 2. They will join an estimated caravan of 5,000 motorcycle-riding firefighters who will converge on the most infamous site of the 9/11 attacks. "It was just something we had to do," one firefighter says.

GET OUT: Weekend Planner, Aug 26-28

Check our picks for the activities and hot spots to hit this weekend.

FROM PATCHES NEARBY: Shoppers Open Hearts, Wallets To Stuff A Fire Engine And Help Needy Children

West Pierce Fire & Rescue food drive for Caring For Kids sets up shop outside Lakewood Safeway - and the carts come rolling in.

FROM 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.

Families Unlimited Network Needs Volunteers For Its Back-To-School Fair

The organization needs people to help guide families through its supply line and make sure they have everything they need.

West Pierce Plans Sept. 11 Memorials In University Place, Lakewood

The celebrations will take place the exact time the North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed a decade ago.

House Hunt: Not Looking At A House By Its Cover

Patch brings you local open houses to view during the upcoming weekend.

Today Is The Last Day To Register For The Gross Out Olympics

The program - offered through Pierce County Parks and Recreation - takes place Friday at Sprinker Recreation center and is open to all kids. Today is the last day to register.

THE LIST: It's Not Too Late For Local Baseball at Cheney Stadium

Even though summer is winding down, it's not too late to catch some great local baseball with the Tacoma Rainiers at Cheney Stadium. Come with Patch behind the scenes at this ball park and see why this is a local sports gem.

MYSTERY SOLVERS: Find These Places In University Place

There are more hidden gems in University Place just waiting for you to take your best guess. Come one, come all, and play this week's Mystery Solvers!

FRUGAL FAMILY: Great Buys For Parents

University Place Patch scours the South Sound to help find deals that can save parents a buck or two.

FROM PATCHES NEARBY: Authorities Arrest Two Enumclaw Residents For Suspected Theft At Mount Rainier

The National Park Service placed "bait cars" to try and lure the alleged thieves after visitors reported an increase in thefts at Mount Rainier National Park.

CBS News Correspondent To Speak About Alzheimer's At University Place Presbyterian Church

Barry Petersen cared for his wife after she was diagnosed with the disease at 55. He will speak at the Pierce County Alzheimer's Conference, Sept. 21 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the UP church.

FROM PATCHES NEARBY: Lakewood's City Council Joins Forces With Neighbors To Discuss Flood Control District Reformation

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

MOMS TALK: How Do You Prepare An Anxious Child For The First Day Of School?

For some kids, the first day of school causes a great deal of anxiety. As a parent, how do you cope? Journey with Patch and discuss this important and timely question.

Chambers Creek Properties Will Get A New Trail Segment

The East Slope Trail segment - which will open in a month or so — will connect the Grandview Trail near the Environmental Services Building to lower Chambers Creek Road.

West Pierce Fire & Rescue Taking Donations for Needy Kids

A food drive benefitting Caring For Kids will culminate in a community event on Wednesday, where people can drop off food and toiletry items -- and tour a fire truck.

Get A Free iPhone App At Starbucks Starting Tuesday, Aug. 23

Shazam Encore will be the first iPhone app which will be given away, a company spokeswoman said. There are three main location in and around University Place. Starbucks is a partner with Patch.com

Pre-teens Can Learn How To Make Books At The University Place Library

The event is sponsored by the Friends of University Place Library group.

Pet Owners Can Avoid Late Fees In September

September is Pet License Amnesty Month in Pierce County. If your pet(s) aren't licensed or need a renewal, make sure you do it before Sept. 30.

Meet Susie Haney, One Of The People Behind University Place's Greenery

The parks and recreation employee - who has been with the city since 2005 - brought plenty of experience with her.

MYSTERY SOLVERS: Here Are The Weekly Answers

We really got around town this week, folks. Thanks for your best guesses. Well done! Any you didn't get? No fear, check the answers, here!

VIEWFINDER: Cirque Park `Goes To The Dogs' - But For A Good Cause

Saturday's "Pups in the Park" event in University Place drew top disc-catching dogs and their owners from eight states. It also attracted interested owners and their pooches.

FROM PATCHES NEARBY: Drunk Driver Injures State Trooper in Vehicle Collision

Both sustain minor injuries during early Saturday morning accident at the intersection of Highway 512 and South Tacoma Way in Lakewood.

Fair Housing Seeks Secret Shoppers

The group is looking for people to serve as testers who attempt to rent or purchase a home, which could help determine if they're are treated fairly.

City Celebrates Completion Of Grandview Safety Project

The improvements include sidewalks, pavement, streetlights, bike lanes and a pair of speed radar signs.

Art At The Greenspot

Check out this Q&A with one of the University Place tea house's featured artists, Roxann Murray.

The Lefty's Guy Gets Some Pants

Day Island artist Angie Capps turned the blank canvas that is the Lefty's Burger Shack sign into a masterpiece today.

E-MAIL TO THE EDITOR: Mayor Goes Over Drive-Through Regulations, Park Updates

As expected, drive-throughs will be allowed in certain areas south of the Town Center project.

Tacoma Food Co-op Will Open Its Doors Aug. 26

The group is marketing the future store — which will be located on Sixth Avenue — as "the city's only, one-stop shop for local, sustainable and fresh foods and household items."