Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Set To Sparkle In Christmas On State Weekend
A weekend of holiday festivities starts with Round Barn Farm's Winter Fest, also with a Parade of Lights, tree lighting, and more Dec. 1–3.
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|
Oak Forest, Area Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving 2023: A List
Several restaurants and fast-food spots are open for the holiday for residents who don't feel like making a Thanksgiving feast at home.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park, Area Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving 2023: A List
Several restaurants and fast-food spots are open for the holiday for residents who don't feel like making a Thanksgiving feast at home.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park, Area Restaurants Open For Thanksgiving 2023: The List
Several restaurants and fast-food spots are open for the holiday for residents who don't feel like making a Thanksgiving feast at home.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Ready To Sparkle For Christmas In the Commons
Christmas in the Commons kicks off Saturday, Dec. 2, and is scheduled for every Saturday and Sunday leading up to Christmas.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Native, TikTok Star To Give Away Turkeys Again
A longtime Tinley resident will give back to people from his community or the surrounding area, with a pre-Thanksgiving turkey giveaway.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland, Tinley, Township Leaders To Collaborate In Public Safety Forum
The forum to be held Dec. 12 will discuss crime rates and trends in the region, and measures put in place to keep shoppers safe.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Man Was Driving 90 MPH Seconds Before Crash That Killed 1: Orland PD
The crash happened Saturday, Oct. 28 at 151st and Harlem Avenue.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Midlothian Man Takes Plea Deal In Shooting That Paralyzed Teen
The man, now 19, could serve 3 to 16 years in prison.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest's Jolly Jamboree Set To Kick Off Holiday Season
Oak Forest residents are invited to enjoy the city's holiday activities, Saturday, Dec. 2.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Thankful For Big Family, 'So Much Laughter': An Orland Man's Gratitude
Ahead of Thanksgiving later this month, Patch is encouraging readers in Illinois to share what they are grateful for this year.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
'A Godsend': 2 Women Forge Unforgettable Bond In Breast Cancer Battles
A New Lenox woman and Homer Glen woman share a school where they teach, and similar battles. They're "breasties," they say.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Gun 'Threats' At Schools | Suspects In Slaying Jailed | Banana Mystery
PLUS: Sox announcer leaving | Metra police save man's life | Woman, 38, fatally struck by car | Brewpub opening set | Bulldogs to Super Bowl
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Chamber Taps New CEO, Former Lead At Stellwagen, Humphrey House
Sarah Stasukewicz was appointed to the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce role last week.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
BananaGate: Manhattan Man, Others Befuddled By Bananas On Train Tracks
For over a year, bananas have been appearing on train tracks in Elwood. It's a delightful mystery that's piqued the interest of many.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
James Hart Student Made Threat Of Violence At School: Principal
Officials said the threat was made Wednesday; the school learned of it Thursday. The student was intercepted at school Thursday morning.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
'Finally A Reality': Banging Gavel Brews Sets Grand Opening Date
The long-awaited grand opening of Tinley Park's newest brewpub is finally set.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
One More Step Before Eastern Avenue Reopening: Manhattan Mayor
The north/south road is newly rebuilt, freshly paved, and just waiting for rubber to hit it.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Park District Hiring Fall, Winter Youth Sports Staff
The park district is looking for instructors across several sports.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Deadline Friday For New Lenox Tax Rebate Application Out To Residents
The property tax rebate program will refund 100 percent of the Village-specific portion of taxes paid. Deadline to apply is Dec. 15.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
