New Lenox, IL|News|
'Shop & Donate Day' At New Lenox Bakery To Benefit Family Of Late Manhattan Boy
Sugar Shack Cookie Co. will donate a portion of proceeds from Saturday, Oct. 25 to the Hunnicutt family of 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
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland D135 HR Head Remains On Paid Leave, Resignation Date In June
Suzanne Owens's official last day is June 30, but she's on administrative leave until then, her agreement details.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Hundreds Turn Out 'Manhattan Strong' In Memory Of 2 Beloved Boys
Roughly 400 people filled the parking lot at Manhattan Junior High Thursday night, in honor of Danny Bayles and Chance Hunnicutt.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
'It Took 3 Minutes': New Lenox Mom Warns Others After Son's Car Stolen From Street In Bluestone Bay
The theft happened late Tuesday night, the woman said. Her son's car was then involved in a high-speed chase in Chicago Heights.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Family's Halloween Haunt To Run Another Night In Hopes Of Raising Record Funds For Charity
The Latek family of Tinley Park' "The Psycho Path at Ridgefield Lane" runs again Oct. 25. Donations to Project Fire Buddies encouraged.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Town Mourns 2 Boys | ICE Didn't Take Missing Teen | 1 Year After Fire, Legacy Business To Close
ALSO: Child porn arrest | I-355 shooting | Car hits deer, hit 4 times | Grocer to change owner | Teen's perfect score | Blue Ribbon status
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Rebuilding 'Unfortunately Not Feasible', New Lenox's Tri-Star Cabinets To Close, Owner Says
Tri-Star Cabinet and Top Co. owner Joe Wilda Jr. said that it will close permanently a year after a fire destroyed the facilities.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Child Porn Charges For New Lenox Man, 22: New Lenox PD
The man was arrested Wednesday, Oct. 22, after a months-long investigation.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Car Hits Deer, Then Hit By 4 Other Cars On I-80: State Police
The chain reaction crash was triggered around 5:30 a.m.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
'Be There Now AND Be There Later': Ways To Help 2 Manhattan Families After Deaths Of Young Boys
The Manhattan community is rallying in support of two families grieving the loss of two boys.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Mokena Teen, Providence HS Senior Lands Perfect Score On ACT
Michael Jensen attained a perfect 36 on the ACT college entrance exam.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Country Singer Ashley Walls Coming To Tinley Park's Harmony Square
The show is set for Saturday, Oct. 25 in downtown Tinley Park.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Vigil Planned In Remembrance Of Two Manhattan Jr. High Students Lost Days Apart
Manhattan D114 will hold a vigil Thursday, Oct. 23 at Manhattan Jr. High, in memory of Danny Bayles and Chance Hunnicutt.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Walt's Food Center Transition To Berkot's Super Foods Set, Timeline Laid Out
The Homewood store will be the first to reopen as a Berkot's, in a timeline laid out for customers.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
'Pain Beyond Words': Community Rallies Support For Family Of Boy Killed In Downtown Manhattan
A GoFundMe has been started for the family of Chance Hunnicutt, 13, who was fatally struck by a semi in downtown Manhattan Monday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Boy, 13, Killed By Semi | HS Senior Missing | Measles At Hospital | Accused Walmart Shooter Detained
ALSO: 1 killed in crash ID'd | Town mourns 2 boys | New therapy dog for PD | Drug take-back day | Educator of Year | Sex offender maps
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
'Our Children Deserve Safe Streets': Manhattan Mayor Addresses Community's Concerns After Boy's Death
Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen said Village officials have been working to address safety and traffic concerns in town.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Reels After Deaths Of 2 Young Boys, Town Rallies To Uplift Families
Manhattan residents, businesses and local officials are grieving the deaths of two young boys, and showing strength in unity.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park Police Department Adopts New Therapy Dog
"Holly" was trained through the Cook County Sheriff's Tails of Redemption program.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Will County Hosts One-Day Textile Collection Event: Shoes, Clothes, Bedding & More Accepted
The event is set for Friday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
