Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: What this big Western State Hospital milestone means for Lakewood residents
Be sure to catch HUNKS The Show at Lakewood Elks Lodge 2388 (Lakewood, WA) 09/02/26 on the Lakewood Patch calendar
Good morning Lakewood! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- What this big Western State Hospital milestone means for Lakewood residents
- Judge's decision frees man after 17 years for Lakewood killing
- Why Western State Hospital staff walked out in Lakewood Monday
Also on today's calendar: Ratapalooza - Lakewood, WA 2026 and 2 more events.
Today's riddle: What is the 1 way to guarantee winning a small fortune at the casino? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Tuesday: Clouds breaking for some sun, with a high of 74 and low of 57 degrees.
- Wednesday: Afternoon rain, temps: high: 68, low: 50.
- Thursday: A brief shower or two, with a high of 65 and low of 49 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Western State Hospital Project Reaches Concrete Milestone (constructionowners.com) — Construction of the new forensic hospital at Western State Hospital in Lakewood has hit a major milestone, with crews finishing the final major structural concrete pour on the 467,000-square-foot facility. Work will now shift to interior slabs, crane removal, and building systems, marking visible progress on a key investment in Washington's behavioral health infrastructure located right in Lakewood. 
• Shooter in 2008 Pierce County murder released after 17 years (thenewstribune.com) — A man convicted in a 2008 Lakewood murder has been ordered released after 17 years in prison, following a resentencing that weighed his youth at the time of the crime and extensive rehabilitation work. A Pierce County judge concluded additional prison time would serve little purpose, while supporters and family members described his firefighting service and growth behind bars.
• WA state workers stage walkout to protest pay proposals from Ferguson (seattletimes.com) — State workers are staging midday walkouts across Washington, including at Western State Hospital in Lakewood, to protest what they say are inadequate pay offers from Gov. Bob Ferguson. Union members argue low raises and heavy caseloads hurt vulnerable residents, while the governor's office cites serious budget constraints and competing demands on state services.
📸 Around Lakewood
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Lakewood
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- HUNKS The Show at Lakewood Elks Lodge 2388 (Lakewood, WA) 09/02/26 →
Lakewood Elks Lodge #2388, 6313 75th St W, Lakewood
7:00 pm
Wednesday September 2
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- SHS New Student & Family Night
Saltar's Point Elementary SHS Theater
6:00 pm - SHS Class of 2027 Senior Family Night
Saltar's Point Elementary SHS Theater
6:00 pm - PIO Picture Day
Saltar's Point Elementary Auxiliary Gym
8:30 am - Ratapalooza - Lakewood, WA 2026 →
McGavick Conference Center | Clover Park Technical College, 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW Bld 23, Lakewood
10:00 am
Thursday September 3
Tuesday September 8
Friday September 11
Saturday September 12
📣 Lakewood Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Workforce Grants & Application Workshop
Tacoma Community College 6501 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA 98466
2:00 pm - Pioneer Back to School Open House
Saltar's Point Elementary Pioneer Middle School
4:00 pm - Stewart Open House
Stewart Middle School
4:00 pm - Wainwright Panther Night
Wainwright Middle Tacoma, WA 98466
4:30 pm - Geiger Meet & Greet
Geiger Montessori
4:30 pm - Larchmont Meet & Greet
Larchmont Elementary Tacoma, WA 98445
5:00 pm - SHS New Student & Family Night
Saltar's Point Elementary SHS Theater
6:00 pm
Tuesday September 1
Wednesday September 2
Thursday September 3
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- We found a dog roaming near Montesano/Elma Road.
Looks like he's been living rough for a while. We think he's a flat coat retriever. Intact, no chip. If you think he's yours please contact me (Nextdoor Oakbrook) - Good afternoon neighbors….
I'm in need of a mechanic to come look at my car, the coolant is leaking on my car is overheating… I believe it's a cracked hose, but I do not know… (Nextdoor Lake City)
- Professional Staff Northwest posted a job opening for Millwork Puller Warehouse in Lakewood. Apply here.
- PetSmart, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate Part Time in Lakewood. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lakewood here.
🗞 Nearby News
University Place
- Unique waterfront home in UP accessible only by railroad (thenewstribune.com)
- Sound Financial Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFBC) Sees Large Drop in Short Interest (marketbeat.com)
Ok Lakewood! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: By starting with a large fortune. (Thank you Kourtney Z. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
👉 Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.