The Suburban Times » Lakewood

Letter: Lakewood Officers' Charity response to embezzlement

russell — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:56:49 +0000

John Unfred, Treasurer, Lakewood Officers' Charity

The Lakewood Officers’ Charity was shocked and outraged when we first learned about the allegations of theft of donated funds intended for the Charity. Federal prosecutors have charged Skeeter Manos with ten counts of wire fraud. Manos was the Treasurer of the Lakewood Police Independent Guild, but has never been a member of the Charity’s executive board. Since being notified, we have fully and completely cooperated with the investigation. We will refer all questions pertaining to the investigation to the U.S. Attorneys’ Office.
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Treasurer of Lakewood Police Independent Guild arrested for embezzling from Fallen Officers' Fund

russell — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:39:13 +0000

A Lakewood, Washington Police Officer who served as the Treasurer of the Lakewood Police Independent Guild was arrested today and charged with ten federal felonies related to the alleged embezzlement of more than $120,000 from a fund intended to benefit the families of four Lakewood Police Officers who were killed in the line of duty in November 2009. SKEETER TIMOTHY MANOS, 34, of Dupont, Washington, was arrested without incident at the Lakewood City Hall early this morning. He will make his initial appearance on the charges in U.S. District Court in Tacoma at 2:30 today.

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LASA and CISL receive Lions' funds

russell — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:58:08 +0000

With proceeds from the Lakewood First Lions Club's annual Oktoberfest celebration and fundraiser club president Diane Formoso (L) presents checks of $400.00 each to Janne Hutchins for the Living Access Support Alliance (LASA), and Dave O'Keeffe for Lakewood Communities in Schools.

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Soldiers and Airmen practice rapid deployment capabilities

russell — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:57:19 +0000

62^nd Medical Brigade Soldiers and 62^nd Airlift Wing Airmen will train side-by-side Thursday, Feb. 9, from 3-5 p.m., as part of a rapid deployment exercise, loading and unloading medical vehicles and equipment aboard C-17 aircraft at JBLM’s McChord Field.

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Two new hotels to be constructed in Lakewood

russell — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:39:43 +0000

Business and leisure travelers will soon have two new hotels to choose from when visiting Lakewood and neighboring Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). This month, prep work began on a site located on Pacific Highway that will soon be home to both a Courtyard by Marriott and a TownePlace Suites by Marriott. The two properties together will provide more than 200 new rooms in an area that has traditionally been underserved by the hospitality industry. (more...)

WRPA HotSpot Basketball Competition

russell — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:33:53 +0000

The 2011 -2012 Washington Recreation & Parks Association HotSpot basketball competition for girls and boys comes to Lakewood on Saturday, February 11th. This basketball skills contest is a qualifier for the state competition that will be held in March. The competition on the 11th will be held at Pierce College in the Health and Fitness Center beginning at noon. Registration is FREE, but is required for all participants. To be eligible for the competition you must be 7 to 14 years old based on the participant's age on March 31, 2012. The contest features five "HotSpots" on the court. Players score points by making baskets from each of the "HotSpots" and for making a layup from each side of the basket. Bonus points are also awarded for attempting a shot from all spots. The competitor must dribble when moving with the ball on the court. Come a little early and fill-out your registration form. This FREE event is a great way to test your basketball skills. For more information contact: Dennis Higashiyama at 253-983-7835.

Secretary of State candidate Kim Wyman to address Lakewood Republican Women

russell — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:18:31 +0000

The Lakewood Republican Women invite you to a district public relations workshop, lunch and presentation by Kim Wyman, candidate for Washington Secretary of State on February 17 at the Oakbrook Golf & Country Club. The workshop starts at 10 a.m..

Also speaking will be Patti Mannie, marketing consultant, and Patsy Excell WFRW treasurer, webmaster and NFRW vice-chair of web committee.

Cost $20. Lunch is chicken marsala (coffee & muffins during workshop).

Reservations to district director Llillian Murphy by February 13 at 253-678-9689.

Notice: Transportation Committee meetings scheduled

Ben Sclair — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:27:28 +0000

By Alice M. Bush, City Clerk

The Lakewood City Council Ad Hoc Committee on Transportation Funding will meet on Thursday, February 9, 16 and March 1 at 4:30 pm in Lakewood City Hall in the Executive Conference Room 3A (Third Floor), 6000 Main Street SW, Lakewood WA 98499. The purpose of the meeting to to discuss transportation funding.

Westside Story – Recycle at Recycle

Joe Boyle — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:59:41 +0000

Story & Photo – Joseph BoyleAt my age, any time I get to see something I have never seen before, I get excited. So there I was heading into the LRI Recycle Dump located at 10308 Sales Road South, Tacoma, Washington, 98499 with 1600 pounds of ice-storm branches and brush. What could be more boring that than that?
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Westside Story – City Solution for Dukes of Hazard

Joe Boyle — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:58:13 +0000

Story & Photo – Joseph Boyle

Do you remember my May 23, 2011 story and photos titled Westside Story – Dukes of Hazard?

The story provided a description of the aftermath of one more reckless driver racing down Gravelly Lake Drive SW. As she sped southbound down on Gravelly Lake Drive SW, which is a 30 M.P.H. zone, she straightened out Gravelly as it bends right towards Nyanza Road SW. She hit the curb, became airborne, sliced the lawn, smashed through the solid brick fence, tore out some trees and landed on a welcome mat to the front door of a residential condominium. The car smashed through the front door and drove inside the home right up to the upstairs staircase.
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Lakewood Historical Society Receives Recognition for Fund Raising Event

russell — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:53:47 +0000

Becky Huber, President of the Lakewood Historical Society proudly accepted the Event award from the Heritage League of Pierce County at their Annual Meeting held at the Washington State History Museum on Sat, February 4th. It was in recognition of the very successful fund raising event the Society held on July 31st, 2011 at Villa Madera. Over 200 people attended the event that raised over $10,000.

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Harrison Prep and Southgate receive state award for student achievements

russell — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:47:46 +0000

Harrison Preparatory School and Southgate Elementary School received 2011 Washington Achievement Awards from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the State Board of Education (SBE).

Harrison Prep is recognized for closing achievement gaps and Southgate is recognized for elementary overall excellence; improvement and closing achievement gaps. Schools are selected based on their statewide assessment data for the three previous years.

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Traffic up at The Suburban Times website

Ben Sclair — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:38:26 +0000

Thank you.

Twenty-six percent more visitors (9,419 v. 7,467) visited www.thesubtimes.com in January 2012 compared with January 2011. Those 26% more visitors viewed 42% more pages (24,533 v. 17,270) once at the site. Comparing complete year (2011 to 2010), the numbers are also quite impressive. 44% more visitors (106.144 v. 73,396) viewed 33% more pages (244,434 v. 183,709). Check out our site statistics for your yourself. If you'd like to reach this growing audience with an consistent (and affordable) advertising, check out our rates or call Stephen Neufeld (253-318-7013) for more information.

Harrison Prep and Lakes musicians earn All-State honors

russell — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:53:45 +0000

Harrison Prep All-State singers from left: Beth Broadhead, Michelle Wall and Zak Buller (Kevon Williams not pictured) with their teacher Nicholas Gorne.

Four singers from Clover Park School District's Harrison Preparatory School and a cellist from Lakes High School have been selected for the Washington Music Educators Association’s All-State honors. Harrison Prep 12^th-grader Beth Broadhead and 11^th-grader Zak Buller will perform in the All-State Mixed Choir; Harrison Prep eighth-grader Michelle Wall will perform in the Junior All-State Mixed Choir and sixth-grader Kevon Williams will perform in the All-State Youth Honor Chorus.

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Letter to the Editor: Why Voters Should Support the Upcoming School Levy

russell — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:52:24 +0000

I am writing as a community member who has been a student in the Clover Park School District in the recent past. I graduated from Lakes High School in 2007, and prior to that attended Hudtloff Middle School, and Idlewild Elementary School. There are many good reasons to pass the upcoming educational programs and operations levy. Eighty percent of levy spending goes to support the classrooms, by maintaining smaller class sizes, purchasing current textbooks, and providing academic and career guidance. The levy also provides support for safety and security, like campus resources officers and fire alarms. Voting yes for the levy is voting yes for the safety of students, and voting yes for supporting all children being able to learn. As a past student I know from personal experience how important it is to learn from current materials, and the importance of small class sizes, and by voting yes you can help to continue to the good work that is already being done in our schools. Please consider this when you vote on the upcoming levy measure. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Alexandra Vlaming

Lakewood United Agenda

russell — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:43:33 +0000

By Robin Rego, President, Lakewood United

The Lakewood United group meets at 7 AM every Thursday at Burs Restaurant, which is located at 6151 Steilacoom Boulevard SW in Lakewood. The events for the next four weeks are as follows:

February 9, 2012 – “State of the City” – Doug Richardson, Mayor, City of Lakewood (Robin Rego - MC)

February 16, 2012 – Habitat for Humanity in Tillicum – Sue Potter, Director of Development (Evelyn Kelly - MC)

February 23, 2012 - Washington State Budget, Economy and Relationship to Federal Budget – Gary Chandler, Vice President Government Affairs, Association of Washington Business (AWB) (Ernie Heller - MC)

March 1, 2012 – CSRT Update - Lt. Stephen L. Mauer, Community Safety & Resource Team (CSRT), City of Lakewood Police Department (Steve Smith - MC)

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Lakewood Community Collaboration is Feb. 8 at City Hall

russell — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:41:05 +0000

By Kim Dodds, Human Services Coordinator, City of Lakewood

I'm excited to present you with the agenda for this Wednesday's Collaboration meeting:

Ria Johnson, Program Assistant for the Tacoma Urban League will be making a presentation on the programs currently offered by the Tacoma Urban League that include an after-school program sponsored by Comcast entitled Digital Connectors, as well as an after-school program for middle-school boys entitled MIP (Male Involvement Program) in the Tacoma area. She will be offering a status update as well as oversight of other important efforts of the League.

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Letter to the Editor

russell — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:31:18 +0000

In response to David Anderson's letter I must say I couldn't agree more. Every thing he said is one of the big reasons this country is in such trouble now. I will not vote for anyone who has supported that bill for Marriage for Gays.

Joan Campion, Lakewood

Jumpin Joe Sabovcik, local skaters featured in new ice show

russell — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:13:47 +0000

The Lakewood Winter Club, in cooperation with Pierce County Parks and Recreation, is delighted to present the 2012 ice show, "Reflections on Ice - Celebration, the Next Generation."

This professionally choreographed figure skating show will be held Feb. 10-12 at Sprinker Recreation Center's Ice Arena, which just reopened after a $6.5 million renovation. Five public performances are scheduled, including a special Friday afternoon matinee catered to senior citizens and the Pierce County Boys and Girls Clubs. Balcony and on-ice seating will accommodate up to 1,000 spectators per performance. Each show lasts approximately two hours.

This annual event showcases a featured guest performer as well as local talent. This year's featured performer is Olympic Bronze Medalist and European Champion Jozef "Jumpin Joe" Sabovcik, who once landed a quad toe loop at the European Championships.

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Lakes athletes sign letters of intent

russell — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 21:58:19 +0000

Six Lakes High School athletes signed letters of intent Feb. 1 to participate in college athletics. Congratulations to (from left): Anitaka Knight (volleyball, Tacoma Community College); Mane Manaea (football, University of Idaho); Cedric Dozier (football, University of California); Zach Banner (football, University of Southern California); LeVonte Littleton and Charles Hall (football, Central Washington University).

Library Board to discuss libraries weathering recent storm and other issues

russell — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:07:01 +0000

At its February meeting the Pierce County Library System’s Board of Trustees will talk about a topic that has been paramount for the region—the recent storm. Specifically they will hear how the Library System served customers during the recent snow and ice storm. In addition the Board will get an update about borrowing statistics from people who live outside the Library’s service area, as well as discuss other issues. The Board of Trustees will meet at the Library’s Processing and Administrative Center, 3005 112^th St. E., in Tacoma, on Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 3:30 to 6 p.m.

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Scenes from the Lakewood Chamber chili cook off

russell — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:00:28 +0000

Here are some photos from the Lakewood Chamber chili cook off held Feb. 2 at the McGavick Center. Details about the event are here.

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Breakfast with Senator Mike Carrell on Feb. 7

russell — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:43:44 +0000

Join the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce to hear what our lawmakers are up to with the current deficit in this short session. Lots of tricks and gimmicks were introduced in December to balance a troubling budget. Are they getting any closer to reaching any consensus? The meeting is Feb. 7 from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Broadway Joe's at the Great American Casino.

Bring questions about any legislation you are interested in as well. If the Senator cannot answer that morning, his staff will do the research and get back with you.

Complimentary Breakfast is generously being offered by the Casino if you RSVP no later than Monday, Feb. 6 at noon to the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce by calling 582-9400.

Lakewood City Council Agenda for Feb. 6

russell — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:35:18 +0000

Meeting starts at 7:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers 6000 Main Street SW Lakewood, WA 98499

Call to Order

Roll Call

Flag Salute

City Manager Report

Proclamations and Presentations

Youth Council Report.

Clover Park School District Board Report.

Businesses Showcase. – Mr. Justin Coffey, President, Tactical Tailor; Mr. Joe Nealon, President, Pacific Western Lumber, and Mr. and Mrs. Perry Preston, Owners, Stina’s Cellars

Tacoma Smelter Plume Update. – Ms. Elizabeth Weldin, Technical Assistance Coordinator, Washington State Department of Ecology

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City of Lakewood upcoming meeting schedule

russell — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:29:42 +0000

Lakewood City Hall is at 6000 Main Street SW, Lakewood, WA 98499. Phone: (253) 589-2489

MEETING SCHEDULE

February 6, 2012 – February 10, 2012

Date	Time	Meeting	Location
February 6	4:30 P.M.	Arts Commission	Lakewood City Hall 3rd Floor, Executive Conference Room 3A
	6:00 P.M.	Youth Council	Lakewood City Hall 3rd Floor, Executive Conference Room 3A
	7:00 P.M.	City Council	Lakewood City Hall Council Chambers
February 7	No Meetings Scheduled
February 8	9:30 A.M.	Lakewood Community Collaboration	Lakewood City Hall Council Chambers
	5:30 P.M.	Community Development Block Grant Citizen’s Advisory Board	Lakewood City Hall 3rd Floor, Executive Conference Room 3A
February 9	9:00 A.M. By Appointment Only	City Talk with the Mayor (or another Councilmember) Please call (253) 589-2489 for an appointment.	Lakewood City Hall Mayor’s Office, 3rd Floor
	4:30 P.M.	Ad Hoc Committee on Transportation Funding	Lakewood City Hall 3rd Floor, Executive Conference Room 3A
	7:00 P.M.	Lake City Neighborhood Association	Lake City Fire Station 8517 Washington Blvd. SW
February 10	7:30 A.M.	Coffee with the Mayor	St. Clare Hospital Resource Center 4908 112th Street SW

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Save the date: Lakewood Community Collaboration is Feb. 8

russell — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:55:19 +0000

By Kim Dodds, Human Services Coordinator, City of Lakewood

Do you believe that humans are still victims of trafficking in the United States?

Are you asking: What is human trafficking?

This is just one of the presentations you will enjoy on February 8th when you attend the Collaboration. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. at Lakewood City Hall.

Stay tuned for more details throughout the week! Invite others to come!

2nd Stryker Brigade troops host G.I. Jane Day Friday

russell — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:02:20 +0000

The Soldiers of Company B, 1^st Battalion, 17^th Infantry Regiment, 2^nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team will host a G.I. Jane Day, Friday, Feb. 3 to give Soldiers’ spouses, as well as other family members, a fun, yet challenging look into some of the ways their Soldiers train. Leaders from Company B, 1-17 Infantry, hope the G.I. Jane day will strengthen the bond between Soldiers and their families while helping them better understand what it means to be a Soldier.

Schedule of Events:

11 a.m. “Battle-Rattle” Dash
12 noon M4 carbine rifle and the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon firing
1:30 p.m. Stryker rides and static display

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Lakewood's January permit activity

Ben Sclair — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:35:28 +0000

Permits for $418,526.60 worth of construction were issued during January 2012 by the City of Lakewood. The breakdown of issued permits by category is as follows:

16 building permits for construction valued at $378,326.60
1 demolition permit valued at $2,500
1 mobile home permit permits valued at $3,500
34 mechanical permits
13 plumbing permits
5 sign permits valued at $34,200

CP Rotary brings Snow White production to Southgate

russell — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:00:05 +0000

The cast of Snow White prior to a performance at the Lakewood Playhouse.

Southgate Elementary School students brought the magic of the classic children’s story, Snow White to life for their classmates, teachers and families, thanks to contributions by the Lakewood Playhouse and the Clover Park Rotary.

Beginning last fall, staff from the Playhouse tutored Southgate students in acting exercises. Once the basics were mastered, more than 175 students auditioned for 25 parts. Students performed two productions of Snow White at Southgate Jan. 27 and two additional community productions Jan. 28 at the Lakewood Playhouse.

“This opportunity gives our students confidence and widens their horizons,” said Becky Condra, reading interventionist. “Our students worked extremely hard to memorize their lines and ‘become’ their characters. I was absolutely amazed at how well they performed.”

The collaboration was born from an idea by Rotarian Ernie Heller, and started last school year with a production of Peter Pan. The Clover Park Rotary contributed funds to pay theatre staff and to purchase costumes and props.

Fourth-graders put cooking skills to the test

russell — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:51:15 +0000

Carole Jacobs, judge and board member, and Lynn Wilson, judge and administrator for business services and capital projects, sample tasty delights at the Kids Can Cook event.

Eighteen fourth-graders took over the district kitchen Jan. 25 for the fifth annual Kids Can Cook Competition, sponsored by Sodexo.

Students from Beachwood, Clarkmoor, Dower, Evergreen, Greenwood, Hillside, Idlewild, Lake Louise, Park Lodge and Tillicum Elementary Schools prepared unique recipes with the guidance of a student nutrition employee. The student chefs were responsible for their finished food products, including plate and table presentation.

A panel of judges tasted each recipe and had the difficult task of selecting just five winners in the following categories:

Health-Conscious Foods: Kylee Kennedy, Greenwood, Banana Oatmeal Smoothie
Kid-Friendly Preparation: Hope Heugel, Hillside, No-Bake Trail Mix Cookies
Fun Foods: Kamyla McCormick, Evergreen, Fruity Croissant
Best Table Presentation: Ryan Wynder, Evergreen, Ryan's Mystery
Judge's Choice: Elijah Barragan, Evergreen, Pizza (Meat or Veggie)