New Lenox, IL|News|
'Don't Want To Believe This': Family Mourns Beloved New Lenox Boy, 13
Dante Julian Garza-Prieto died Tuesday, June 4 after suffering an asthma attack, his mother told Patch.
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
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Shot Fired Through Windshield In Carjacking Attempt: Flossmoor PD
The incident happened Friday afternoon between 3 and 3:15 p.m., on Sterling Avenue, police said. The car's owner was not injured.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Missing Airman Killed In WWII Welcomed Home After 80 Years: PHOTOS
2nd Lt. Robert L. E. Porter is home in Illinois after he was killed in action in WWII in February 1944.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Blue-Eyed Cicada Spotted In New Lenox Township, Best Pals Make Find
A group of sisters and their families were out for a walk Thursday evening on Gougar Rd and Rte 6 when they found "Bluey."
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
'Little Steps': Family's Plight Brings Lost Airman Home After 80 Years
2nd Lt. Robert L. E. Porter's plane was shot down over Germany in February 1944. His family never thought they'd be able to bring him home.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest Man, 27, Killed In Fall From Scaffolding At UChicago
David O'Donnell, 27, fell from the scaffolding at the hospital's cancer pavilion, reports said Thursday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest Man Shot In Chase With Car Burglary Suspects: PD
The incident happened Friday just before 2 a.m., police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
'Squatter' Guilty | 1 Dead In Shooting | Village Shames Flag Fiasco
PLUS: Rascal Flatts singer in Orland | Brewers collab for Trolley Beer | Police chief shifts roles | 5K in teen's memory | Juneteenth Fest
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Rascal Flatts' Gary LeVox Opens Orland Summer Concert Series June 8
It's country night at the new Centennial West stage, with Rascal Flatts' LeVox, and openers Jesse Haines and Hunter Hayes.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Will County First Responders Train Hands-On For Active Threat Calls
The Will County Emergency Management Agency hosted the training for police, fire, and dispatch agencies.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Cedar And Haven Road Closures Planned For Utility Work: Village
Plan ahead for detours the next 3-4 weeks at and around the Cedar, Haven intersection, officials said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park Brewers Put Heads Together In 'Trolley Beer' Collaboration
Brewers from four spots drew inspiration from the Tinley Park Ale Trail Trolley, an experience that runs Wednesday nights in town.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
5K In Memory Of Manhattan Teen Saturday, Registration Open
Manhattan resident Jackson Lewis was 15 and a freshman at Lincoln-Way West when he took his own life in June 2020.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park 'Squatter' Found Guilty, Finally
Michele Parker had quite the deal going, living in a lovely Tinley Park home rent- and mortgage-free for two years.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
H-F Juneteenth Festival 2024 Set To Celebrate Heritage, Community
The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 15 from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Homewood-Flossmoor High School.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Police Chief Shifts Into Vacant Village Administrator Role
Jeff Wold will fill the Village Administrator role vacated last month by Nick Palmer. Commander Ryan Gulli is the new police chief.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
1 Dead In I-80 Crash | Shots Fired | Flag Fiasco After Trump Verdict
PLUS: Hog Wild NL update | Father-son up on pot charges | Music in Plaza kicks off | Town-wide garage sales | Sibs make little free library
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Design Tweaks Delay New Lenox Hog Wild Opening, But It's Coming Soon
The New Lenox Hog Wild is still in progress on Cedar Road, and customers will love the finished product, the franchisee assures.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Man, 45, Killed In Crash With Semi On I-80: State Police
The crash happened Monday afternoon on I-80 East at Central Avenue, near Tinley Park and Country Club Hills.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
More Than 100 Homes On The Map For Manhattan's Villagewide Garage Sale
There are 109 homes ready for you to shop during the sale June 7–8.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
