I was born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. I attained both my bachelor and master degrees in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During my time in local news, I have learned invaluable lessons in journalism, as I teared up while covering the funeral of a beloved couple and chased a renegade miniature pony through a subdivision. I have seen firsthand what responsible, inspiring hyper-local journalism can do for a community.
I started with Patch in 2010, as a Local Editor covering the south suburbs. In 2017, I moved into the national role of Deputy Managing Editor and now Director of Editorial Recruitment and Training, in which I handle the recruiting, hiring, and training of journalists on our team, in addition to other editorial projects. I'm thrilled to contribute in such a way to a news organization I've grown to love so deeply over the past 12 years.
Questions? Concerns? Comments? You have my full attention at lauren.traut@patch.com, or 708-323-6173.
PLUS: Teacher 'saved my life' | Shuttered school sold | Summer Fest ready to rock | Vital food pantry reopens | Firecrackers in dumpster
The meeting room is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for those without power after Monday night's massive storm.
Manhattan Fire Protection District has fielded 40 calls for service so far following Monday night's storms.
The crash happened early Tuesday morning at I-80 and Kedzie Avenue.
The district has planned a community open house and tours of the new building on July 30.
The event designed to build police-community partnerships is back on in Oak Forest, to be held Tuesday, August 6.
A Chihuahua beauty pageant is back at New Lenox's Food Fight: Taco Fest, on July 20.
Jocelyn Gilbertson's world was turned upside down when she was 13 years old. One teacher pulled her back to herself.
The open house will be held at the Tinley Convention Center on Wednesday, July 24.
A man who was considered missing and endangered Saturday has been found safe, Flossmoor Police said.
Two teens and an adult man were charged after stealing from Jewel-Osco and threatening a customer with a gun Saturday morning, police said.
Isla Dorsey, now 5, is holding a lemonade stand July 14 for Project Fire Buddies, who lifted her spirits during her cancer battle.
Jacob Bean shoved another man in the chest, causing him to fall and hit his head. The victim died from his injuries.
The Prayer Center of Orland Park submitted the highest of two bids for the school building and property, officials said.
Eighteen months after a fire that closed its facility, Together We Cope's food pantry will once again serve families.
New Lenox's popular Food Fight: Taco Fest returns July 20, with plenty of tacos and other fun lined up.
The tour will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 13, and will highlight sculptures in Flossmoor's
Soundgrowler Brewing has big plans to celebrate its anniversary Saturday, July 13.
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A house fire in Peotone Wednesday was contained to the kitchen of a two-story home, Manhattan Fire Protection District officials said.
