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
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
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
Manhattan, IL|News|
Boy Fatally Struck By Semi In Downtown Manhattan: Manhattan PD
The incident happened Monday evening, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Prescription Drug Take Back Day Set For Oct. 25 At Orland Park PD
Residents are encouraged to clean out medicine cabinets to keep dangerous drugs from falling into the wrong hands.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest Community Tree Planting Rescheduled For Oct. 25, Volunteers Still Sought
Trees will be planted along Kilbourn Avenue in recognition of the City's renewal of its Tree City USA status.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Parker Junior High Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month
Schoolwide assembly filled with music, dance, art and student-led presentations.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood's Farmers Market Ranks 2nd In State: Village
The VIllage announced the market finished 2nd in the 2025 America’s Farmers Market Celebration for Illinois markets.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor PD Ramps Up Patrols For Impaired Driving, Seatbelt Use For Halloween
Police have stepped up traffic safety enforcement efforts for the Halloween stretch.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Aurora Woman, 35, ID’d As Passenger Killed In Crash At Rte. 50, County Line Rd.: Coroner
The crash happened Friday just after 7:30 p.m., officials said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
2 Shot At Walmart, 1 In Custody | Embattled School Admin Resigns | 'Suspicious' Man At HS Game
ALSO: Teachers secure contract | No injuries in fire | Rash of car break-ins | Greek Food Fair | No Kings protests | Trick or treat hours
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park Police Warn Of Numerous Car Break-Ins, Attempts
Tinley Park police reminded residents to lock their car doors after a string of car break-ins this week.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland District 135 HR Director Resigns, Board Votes Unanimously In Favor Of Move
Board of Education members voted on Tuesday to approve a resignation agreement and release for Suzanne Owens.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
No Injuries In Orland House Fire: Officials
All occupants were outside the home in the 10800 block of Deer Path Drive during the fire Tuesday, officials said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Work To Begin Soon On $550K Water Main, Sewer Project Along Rte. 52: Village
Construction is expected to begin later this month and continue through the fall, officials said Wednesday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
More Sick Days, 6 Percent Annual Salary Bump: D146 Board Approves New Contract For Teachers
The D146 Board of Education on Tuesday voted unanimously to lock in a refreshed contract for teachers, following months of negotiations.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood Man, 57, Arrested After 'Acting Suspiciously,' Fleeing Cops At Frankfort HS: Sheriff
The incident happened Tuesday evening at Lincoln-Way East, the Will County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
'No Kings' Protest Planned In Homewood This Weekend
"No Kings" protests will be held throughout the Ilinois Saturday in opposition to the Trump administration.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Driver Shot After Fight | $175K Payout In Cop's Lawsuit | Boy Lied About Being Set On Fire
Also: Missing woman safe | Shirtless intruder charged | Gun charges for man shot by PD | No injuries in Panduit fire | Trick or treat hours
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
'We're Still Here,' Pizza Remains The Same As Little Joe's New Owner Invites Fans To Rediscover Local Fave
Joe Christiano bought Little Joe's Tinley in Jan. 2024. After a remodel and menu revamp, he hopes people will try it—and he kept the pizza!
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Attempted Murder Charge After Woman, 33, Shot Driver During Fight On Bishop Ford: State Police
The incident happened on I-94 near 159th Street early Sunday, state police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
