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Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank, sworn in on January 15, 2025, pledged to combat human trafficking and enhance departmental transparency during his inaugural ceremony. With a commitment to staff well and implement training, Swank seeks to elevate the Sheriff's Department's effectiveness and community trust from the outset of his term.
A Joint Base Lewis-McChord doctor, Maj. Michael Stockin, was sentenced to over 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple counts of sexual abuse against military patients. This case involved 41 victims, with testimonies highlighting the trauma caused by Stockin's actions during medical examinations. The Army is now facing scrutiny over the oversight of Stockin's behavior and whether it had fully investigated his past assignments.
A coalition of over 17 organizations in the South Sound region is organizing a protest against the incoming Trump administration on Inauguration Day in Tacoma. The event aims to unite individuals opposed to Trump’s policies, focusing on issues like immigration, environmental protection, and workers' rights.
Kitsap Bank has launched its first full-service branch in Tacoma, enhancing its presence in Pierce County. The branch features Interactive Teller Services for extended banking hours and is part of the bank's commitment to serving the local community.
Kitsap Bank has opened its third branch in Pierce County, located in Tacoma, enhancing its commitment to the region. The new full-service branch features Interactive Teller Services, allowing customers to connect with tellers via video for more complex transactions.
A Joint Base Lewis-McChord doctor, Maj. Michael Stockin, was sentenced to over 13 years in prison for sexually abusing 41 military patients between 2019 and 2022. The court-martial revealed the traumatic experiences of the victims, leading to significant legal repercussions for Stockin, including losing his medical license and Army dismissal.
The Tacoma City Council is holding a public hearing on February 4, 2025, to discuss the potential extension of a moratorium on certain high-impact uses, including underground storage tanks and metal recycling facilities, within the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District. This moratorium, initially adopted in March 2023 and extended twice, aims to protect local groundwater resources while the City works on a code update projected for completion in 2025. Community members are encouraged to participate by submitting written comments before the hearing.
The upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Awards event, taking place on January 15, 2025, in Tacoma, Washington, will honor notable figures such as Victoria Woodards and Derek Kilmer. This event, organized by The Aspen Institute, aims to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King while fostering community engagement and recognition of local leaders.
City Manager Elizabeth Pauli has announced her intention to retire from her position effective July 1, 2025, expressing gratitude for her time serving the Tacoma community. In her statement, she emphasized the honor of working with dedicated colleagues and the importance of a smooth transition to new leadership. The Mayor and City Council will address the selection of an Interim City Manager in a future meeting.
The City of Tacoma has secured $10.6 million in grants for six critical infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety, improving ADA accessibility, and modernizing transportation systems. Funded by the Puget Sound Regional Council and Washington State Department of Transportation, these initiatives align with Tacoma's Vision Zero Action Plan to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2035. Mayor Victoria Woodards emphasized the importance of these investments in creating a safer and more accessible city for residents.