Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Chicago Heights Awarded $250K For School Zone Safety Improvements
Officials will use the money for a project to install clearly marked pedestrian walkways, warning signs, and enhanced signage.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
- Tinley Park, IL
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.
Posting Activity
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest July 4 Fireworks Are Back! Picnic, Live Music In Plans
Oak Forest Veterans Commission to hold picnic in Central Park. Fireworks will launch from Gaelic Park.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Wrongful Death Suit Coming In UChicago Fall That Killed Oak Forest Man
A Chicago lawfirm is representing the family of David O'Donnell, who died after falling 9 stories from scaffolding at a construction site.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
'All On His Own': Manhattan Man, 19, With Autism Authors Book
Nathan Trull has always been creative, and his focus and dedication brought his dream to fruition, his mother said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
2 Bids Made To Buy District 161's Shuttered Arbury Hills School
Two bids—one for $1.75 million and another for $1.9 million—were submitted to buy the school.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Fireworks & Food Trucks: Mokena's July 3 Independence Day Kickoff Set
The event will be held at Main Park on Wednesday, July 3. It will feature food trucks, live music, and fireworks.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Bremen Township Supervisor To Seek Reelection, Will Lead Bremen Slate
Oak Forest resident and Together We Cope Executive Director Kathryn Straniero announced Tuesday she will seek reelection.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Fire Closes Portion Of Ridge Road: Homewood PD
A fire has closed a portion of Ridge Road Tuesday evening, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
'In God's Hands': New Lenox Teen Injured In Dirtbike Crash Recovering
Lincoln-Way West student Elijah James suffered serious injuries in a crash Sunday evening at Nelson and Delaney roads. He remains in ICU.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Services Set For Oak Forest Man Killed In Fall From Scaffolding
David O'Donnell, 27, died last week while working on a cancer pavilion at UChicago. His family honors his memory in his obituary.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Wrestler Slain Protecting Daughter | 1 Dead In Crash | Shooting On I57
PLUS: Teen injured in dirtbike crash | Teachers escorted from school | Squatter must repay $20K | Beloved teen dies | WWII hero finally home
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood Debuts 'Rock The Block' Parties Downtown For Summer 2024
The block parties will be held in Martin Square on the last Wednesday of the month this summer.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Cars Broken Into At Mokena Park, Police Seek Information
Mokena police are seeking witnesses or information after two cars were broken into at Main Park Monday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Man, 49, Dies In Head-on Crash Near Will County Fairgrounds: Police
The crash happened on Wilmington-Peotone Road, east of Division Street on Saturday evening.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Glenwood Celebration Set To Commemorate Juneteenth Holiday
Dancing, games follow service at Underground Railroad site during the Village's free, family-friendly event.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park Squatter Gets 30 Days In Jail, Must Pay Back $20K: Judge
Michele Parker was sentenced to some jail time and probation, in addition to being ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Know Before You Go: Orland's SummerFest Set For Fun Weekend June 14–16
The Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce's hit event is back for a second year, Friday, June 14 through Sunday, June 16.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Reconstruction Of 175th Street Begins, Will Continue Until Fall '25
Work has started to rebuild 175th Street, with traffic changes expected to 75th Street, Ridgeland Avenue and Oak Forest Avenue.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
$19.48 Campaign: FVM Marks Women Veterans Recognition Day
The Flossmoor Veterans' Memorial is rallying for 100 donations of $19.48 to celebrate Women Veterans Recognition Day June 12.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Teen Injured When Dirtbike Hits Car At Nelson And Delaney: NLPD
The crash happened Sunday around 5:30 p.m.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
