Steilacoom, WA Local News and More

New roundabout opens in Pierce Co. ‘Major construction' finishes soon on another

Transportation crews are closing the loop on two new roundabouts in Pierce County. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced Monday that it has finished building a roundabout in Spanaway and is nearing the end of construction on another near McKenna. The Spanaway roundabout , located on state Route 507 at 208th Street South, has been under construction since May. Department spokesperson Adrienne Hatmaker told The News Tribune in an email that crews removed the temporary traffic lights from the work zone and reopened the closed portion of the road on Sept. 24, but intermittent flagging continued through Oct. 28 as crews finished permanent striping, landscaping, and prep for permanent light pole installation. “If the weather cooperates next week, the contractor plans to finish some minor construction activities at the SR 507 roundabout,” Hatmaker said. Travelers may see a “few more days” of daytime flagging from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m, she added. Near McKenna, crews are wrapping up construction on the other roundabout at the SR 702 and Harts Lake Road intersection, which began in June, WSDOT said. The department said it expects “major construction” on SR 702 to finish this month, depending on the weather. The locations

Pierce County, WA · 1d

Tacoma News Tribune

Tacoma man killed his father during mental health crisis. Here's his sentence

A Tacoma-area man who fatally shot his father with a shotgun last year has been sentenced to 15 years and three months in prison. A psychologist found that the shooter was in the throes of a mental health crisis at the time. Michael Paul Courtney, 42, pleaded guilty Oct. 16 to second-degree murder with a firearm for the death of 63-year-old Paul Courtney in his Parkland home. After his arrest, Michael Courtney’s mother told law enforcement that her son had been acting strangely in the days leading up to the incident, saying odd things and talking to himself. According to court documents, the defendant’s parents were watching a Seattle Mariners game the evening of Oct. 10, 2025 when his mother heard him talking upstairs as if he was communicating to another person. Michael Courtney’s father walked upstairs to ask him who he was talking to. The defendant’s mother later reported that she heard her husband ask, “Who are you talking to?” and “Are you pointing a gun at me?” just before hearing the fatal gunshot. Pierce County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the home in the 400 block of 142nd Street Court South shortly after 8 p.m. Michael Courtney did

Tacoma News Tribune

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‘Deeply loved': Victim in Lakewood shooting ID'ed as 23-year-old man

A man from Belfair died over the weekend after a shooting in Lakewood. According to the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s public portal , the man was 23-year-old James Declements-Rhodes. The shooting happened at about 1:40 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6 outside a strip mall in the 8700 block of South Tacoma Way, The News Tribune previously reported. Police don’t believe Declements-Rhodes was an intentional target, according to Sgt. Charles Porche, spokesperson for the Lakewood Police Department. A “Chevy Tahoe-type vehicle” turned into the lot, and a passenger shot several rounds out of a gun at “no one in particular,” then sped off. When officers arrived, the vehicle had already left the scene, Porche said. Declements-Rhodes was in critical condition on Friday, Porche previously told The News Tribune. The ME portal says Declements-Rhodes died on Saturday, Nov. 7. “Detectives will continue working on the incident to develop leads to help identify the suspect in this shooting,” Porche wrote. “If there is anyone that has information to assist them in the investigation they are encouraged to call the Police Department.” The News Tribune has reached out to LPD to ask if there have been any updates in the investigation since Friday. ‘James

Lakewood, WA · 2d

The Olympian

Recent Olympia-area business closures, including a drive-in restaurant

Multiple longtime Olympia-area businesses have announced closures in recent weeks, including a Lacey bakery, a west Olympia drive-in and a farm supply store. Here are key takeaways: Miss Moffett’s Mystical Cupcakes in Lacey plans to close by the end of the year after nearly 14 years in business. Owner Rachel Young, who finished as runner-up on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” in 2013, cited declining sales, higher gas prices keeping customers away and rising food, labor and utility costs. Builders FirstSource has closed its west Olympia location at 1830 Black Lake Blvd. SW, consolidating operations into its Lakewood and Shelton facilities. The Coastal Farm & Ranch store at 5500 Martin Way E. in Lacey is winding down operations by Dec. 31 , according to store manager Rob Re. Everything is being sold, including fixtures, with current discounts up to 50% expected to grow as the final day nears. The Sonic Drive-In at 1303 Cooper Point Road SW in west Olympia permanently closed Oct. 15 , a company spokesperson confirmed. Sonic encouraged customers to visit its Lacey location at 7746 Martin Way E. The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by Olympian reporter Rolf Boone.

Olympia, WA · 7h

familydestinationsguide.com

This No-Frills Neighborhood Diner Serves The Best All-Day Breakfast In Washington

Some places don’t need a fancy sign or a velvet rope to tell you they’re worth your time, and the Martin Way Diner in Olympia, Washington is exactly that kind of place. The parking lot is always busy, the coffee is always hot, and nobody’s going to judge you for ordering breakfast at two in the afternoon.

Olympia, WA · 2d

familyvacationsus.com

This Washington Waterfront Tavern Serves Fresh Seafood On A Deck Overlooking A Marina Full Of Boats

A harbor seal made a cameo while diners waited for a table here, and nobody even had to buy a ticket. That’s the kind of lunch line I can get behind. This long-running tavern sits right on the water in Washington, with a deck that looks over a marina packed with boats. The menu leans hard into seafood, with halibut and cod fish and chips, clam chowder, and salmon tacos.

Gig Harbor, WA · 2d

Yahoo!

Tacoma woman accused of using counterfeit $100 bills arrested in Sequim

Clallam County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested a 28-year-old Tacoma woman for allegedly using counterfeit $100 bills to pay for goods in Sequim and Port Angeles. According to law enforcement, the woman used the bills at Big 5 Sporting Goods and the Olympic Game Farm, a roadside zoo. Deputies were first...

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First For Autos

Diesel Truck Blasts Corvette With Thick Black Smoke During Road-Rage Incident in Viral Video

A resurfaced viral video clip featuring a merging dispute in Tacoma, Washington, has renewed scrutiny over the practice of modifying diesel trucks to blast thick black exhaust at other motorists. According to The Auto Wire, the widely shared footage shows a pickup appearing to aim its exhaust at a C4-generation Chevrolet Corvette, enveloping the sports […]

Tacoma, WA · 12h

The Olympian

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Major downtown Olympia road to close for three years during construction, WA says

The updated plans for restoring the Deschutes Estuary in downtown Olympia from its current status as a stagnant lake have gotten the attention of residents due to one specific change: The entire portion of Deschutes Parkway around Capitol Lake will need to be closed for up to three years to get the work done. Olympia resident Bill Elliott said on Nextdoor on Oct. 30 that he learned about the planned road closure at a public open house for the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Oct. 28 at the Olympia Center. He said the event was only attended by about 20 people. “An up to 3-year closure of Deschutes Parkway Southwest between Lakeridge Drive and 5th Avenue is now being proposed for the Deschutes Estuary Restoration project,” he said. “The up to 3-year street closure is to allow for construction of the new roundabout at the intersection of Deschutes Parkway SW, Olympic Street, and the new bridge approach. That seems like a very generous street closure duration for the described work.” According to previous reporting, the project is one of the biggest urban restoration projects in the country. By the time construction starts, the cost of restoring the Deschutes Estuary

Olympia, WA · 2d

everafterinthewoods.com

This Washington Italian Spot Puts Rotisserie Chicken in the Lasagna and Sends You Home With Leftovers

Rotisserie chicken goes into the lasagna at one Washington Italian spot, and I think that alone deserves a little applause. The prawns show up spicy with Calabrian chili. The zucchini gets cut lengthwise and fried in tempura batter. That menu reads like a family recipe box that kept growing. Mushroom...

Puyallup, WA · 2d

fox13seattle.com

Pierce County homeowner holds intruder at gunpoint

Pierce County deputies say a homeowner held an intruder at gunpoint, waiting for authorities to arrive after a home invasion in Parkland, and it was all caught on camera.

Pierce County, WA · 2d

whatnow.com

Beloved Sixth Avenue Doughnut Shop Is Closing This November

A vibrant, family-friendly pastry shop and bakery, Tacoma’s Legendary Doughnuts store is closing. After 14 years of service, the doughnut shop will shut down this weekend. The bakery team cited continued economic challenges and rising rent as the main reasons for the closure. Legendary Doughnuts’ Tacoma Outlet to Close...

southsoundmag.com

NBrothers Bakeshop is Showcasing Traditional Filipino Sweets in Lakewood

At NBrothers Bakeshop in Lakewood Towne Center, Filipino tradition is baked into every bite. Since opening more than a year ago, the counter-service shop has become a place where folks can find familiar treats from home, and newcomers can discover them, too. Owned and operated by pastry chef Mari Austria and her husband, Norman, the bakery is named for the Austrias’ four sons, all of whom have names beginning with the letter N.

Lakewood, WA · 1d

Tacoma News Tribune

Where do you get the best pancakes around Tacoma? Let us know in our poll

When you’ve had a long week, a stack of pancakes can be the best way to start the weekend. You can make them at home, of course, but lots of restaurants in Tacoma can do the work for you. We want to hear from you, readers. In our poll down below, tell us who makes the best pancakes in and around Tacoma, whether it’s a classic diner, a breakfast chain or an upscale brunch spot. In your response, you can also tell us what makes the pancakes so great.

Tacoma, WA · 6h

Tacoma News Tribune

Lanes closures snarl traffic on southbound I-5 in Tacoma

Update: Traffic has been cleared, WSDOT posted at 1:41 p.m. Original post: Traffic is backed up on southbound Interstate 5 in Tacoma because of police activity. The Washington State Department of Transportation first posted about the delays on X at 1:06 p.m., saying the two right lanes at milepost 131, near South 38th Street, were blocked. At 1:11 p.m., they sent an update, saying three right lanes are blocked. The News Tribune has reached out to the Tacoma Police Department and Pierce County Sheriff’s Office to learn more. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Tacoma News Tribune

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Popular downtown Tacoma eatery to offer $5 margs, nachos to celebrate 20 years

This year marks two decades of The Matador in downtown Tacoma, and the restaurant is offering a few deals to celebrate. The restaurant and bar, with locations throughout Western Washington, Oregon, Idaho and South Carolina, offers an extensive tequila selection and a variety of Mexican fare. The twice-daily happy hour, from 4 to 6 p.m. and then 10 p.m. to close, is already a good deal, with soup, salad, quesadillas and street tacos available for just $6 or $7. Though on Nov. 17, when the restaurant will celebrate its 20th birthday, all happy hour menu items drop down to $5. Plus, house margaritas will go for the same price all day on Nov. 17, not just during happy hour. The happy hour menu includes the restaurant’s Grande Nachos, a heaping plate of chips covered in cheddar and monterey jack cheeses, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole and cilantro-lime sour cream. Tacos come with fillings like baja fish, steak, shrimp, carnitas and chorizo. You’ll also find crispy brussels sprouts, bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños, habanero shrimp, chicken tortilla soup and caramel apple churros on the happy hour menu. The restaurant is also using its 20th anniversary celebration to highlight new improvements, like an

Tacoma, WA · 14h

KIRO 7 Seattle

VIDEO: Deputies arrest suspect who tried to steal semi-truck from Puyallup farm

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man who they say tried to make off with a big rig.

Puyallup, WA · 2d

The Olympian

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Man accused of groping woman inside downtown coffee shop, Olympia police say

A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation after he allegedly groped a female customer at a downtown coffee shop in Olympia. About 11 a.m. Monday, police responded to the coffee shop in the 600 block of Fourth Avenue East, which is across from Olympia City Hall and the police station. The man was outside the business when the 46-year-old customer entered it. Witnesses said he appeared to be watching her when he came into the store, Lt. Paul Lower said Tuesday. He then allegedly walked behind her, moved closer, began to ask odd questions and then groped the woman’s buttocks, Lower said. Coffee shop staff called 911. Meanwhile, the man went outside and allegedly began to bang on the windows. That’s where police found him and took him into custody, Lower said. Staff at a coffee shop in the 500 block of Capitol Way South also reported that the man exposed himself there at 7 a.m. Monday, Lower said.

Olympia, WA · 1d

hoodline.com

Tacoma Man Sues Over 1990s Abuse at Jessie Dyslin Boys Ranch, Says State Knew

A man who spent part of his teenage years at Jessie Dyslin Boys Ranch in Tacoma says two male guards repeatedly forced him to engage in sex and otherwise neglected him during the 1990s. Thirty years later, he has filed a lawsuit in Pierce County Superior Court alleging the state knew about misconduct at the facility and let it continue operating anyway.

Tacoma News Tribune