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: Q of H jackpot swells | Search for SSI Parade Queen | More migrant bus restrictions | Taco Bell back | Fleadh 2024 | School closings
D146 administrators have decided to close schools and implement an e-Learning plan ahead of Friday's storm.
The school will be closed Friday ahead of what's predicted to be a significant winter storm.
D145 and D142 administrators have decided to close schools and implement an e-Learning plan ahead of Friday's storm.
The space in Bluestone Commons on Joliet Highway in New Lenox already has a new name coming to take over.
The retail chain will offer the photos to the first 3,000 who sign up before Feb. 7.
The bus arrived at the Manhattan Metra station Wednesday and left promptly, Manhattan Police Chief Jeff Wold told Patch.
The fast food taco chain will be back in town, in the space formerly occupied by KFC, officials said.
The Village is working with D153 in collecting donations for several key, local nonprofits and organizations the month of January.
ALSO: Driver sought in Christmas hit-and-run | Unwelcome passenger | Fire at assisted living | Masks at Silver Cross | Queen of Hearts $204K
Walter Narsolis has again reinvented space at 162nd and Cicero Avenue, this time with a spotlight on karaoke.
Find out where helping hands, donations are needed for the Day of Service Jan. 15.
Oak Forest's 2024 Fleadh Irish festival will include another day of fun including a 5K, parade live music, and more, set for March 2.
Rev. William "Bill" J. Flaherty died Thursday, Jan. 4. He was pastor emeritus at the Flossmoor parish now known as St. Veronica.
Multiple people were seen shooting into the air just after midnight Jan. 1, Midlothian Police said.
The man, 39, blocked the snowplow driver in the street and demanded a ride to a gas station to buy cigarettes, New Lenox police said.
Some key tips to remember as Orland Park officials prepare for what could be blizzard conditions.
Find out where snowplows are in real time using the Village's snowplow tracker.
Applications must be in by Feb. 27.
The fire happened Sunday just before 8 a.m., officials said.
