Manhattan, IL|News|
Know Before You Go: 30th Manhattan Irish Fest Set To Paint Town Green
Manhattan's beloved Irish Fest returns for its 30th year Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2 in downtown Manhattan.
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|
Know Before You Go: Oak Forest Fleadh 2024 Ready To Paint Town Green
Oak Forest's 2024 Fleadh Irish festival will include another day of fun such as a 5K, parade, live music, and more, set for March 2.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
1 Shot In Break-up | Man Found Dead At Gas Station | Mail Theft Bust
PLUS: Battery charge for NL biz owner| Mental Health Center land finally gets new owner | Charges in Christmas carjacking | Dock's new home
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
2 Tinley Natives Look To Make Their Mark With Banging Gavel Fare
Chris Gagner and Tim LaFreniere grew up in Tinley—and would love nothing more than to put it on the map with the food they make.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Crete Woman, 47, Shoots Boyfriend During Break-up: Will Co. Sheriff
The incident happened just after midnight Feb. 27, the sheriff's department said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
'Great Day': Leaders Mark Transfer Of Tinley Mental Health Center Land
The 280 acres at 183rd and Harlem now are officially owned by the Tinley Park-Park District, for the price of $1.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Gourmet Popcorn Shop To Close, Owners Grateful With No Regrets
Tracy Smith of Popus Gourmet Popcorn is disappointed her little shop couldn't survive in downtown Tinley. But she's grateful, too.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Brew & Vine Expands To 2 Days At New Venue, Tickets On Sale Now
Tinley Brew & Vine will now be held over two days in April, and has been relocated from its usual home at the Tinley Convention Center.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Frankfort, IL|News|
Frankfort Library Trustee Resigns, Board Seeks To Fill Vacancy
Trustee Katherine Veach resigned Monday, Feb. 19.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Chicago Heights Man Dead In Apparent Suicide At New Lenox Gas Station
The 25-year-old man was found deceased in a car parked at a Circle K gas station in New Lenox Sunday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Man Dead In Apparent Suicide At New Lenox Gas Station ID'd: Coroner
Police were on the scene of the apparent suicide outside a Circle K gas station Sunday afternoon.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Police Investigating Apparent Suicide Outside New Lenox Gas Station
Police are on the scene at a Circle K gas station at US 30 and Nelson Road Sunday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homer Glen-Lockport, IL|News|
Shooting Leads To Battery, Gun Charges For Homer Glen Man, 28: Sheriff
The shooting happened Thursday, Feb. 22 in the 12000 block of Longmeadow Lane. One man suffered a gunshot wound to the back.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Joey's Red Hots Set To Open In Orland Hills
The hot dog, burger, pizza and more spot opens Monday, Feb. 26.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Karate Studio Owner Charged With Felony Aggravated Battery
Anthony D'Angelo of Tranquil Cloud Temple in New Lenox is accused of shoving an older woman to the floor Feb. 11, according to reports.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Fire Training In Search And Rescue At Metra Station Tuesday
The training will take place at and in the area of the Oak Park Avenue Metra station on Feb. 27.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan D114 Names Interim Superintendent After Abrupt Departures
The Manhattan District 114 Board of Education on Thursday appointed an interim superintendent to the seat vacated by Russell Ragon.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
'Ecstatic' Dock At Inwood Owner Comes Full Circle, Will Open In Mokena
Rick Trafton grew up in Mokena, and he's excited to bring his homegrown business back to its downtown.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor Seeks Artists For Garden Art Fundraiser
The artists' work will be sold in an online auction, with proceeds benefitting public sculptures in the town.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Child Porn Arrest | Crash Kills 1 | Lawsuit In CEO Death | End Of Era
PLUS: South suburban fish fry list | Accused killer wants plea deal | Fireworks back after 4+ years | Q of H at $270K, rolls again
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
