New Lenox, IL|News|
80 Scarecrows Invade New Lenox Village Commons
The Scarecrow Stroll is up for all to see, but get there before Nov. 2.
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|
'A Great Ride': Former OP Police Chief Honored By Station Dedication
Former Orland Park Police Chief, Secret Service agent Tim McCarthy fought tears as he thanked the Village for naming the station after him.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Suds And Screams Back At Haunted Car Wash In Orland Park
Tunnel of Terror returns to Tommy's Express Car Wash in Orland Park Oct. 27–29.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
'It Came Out Of The Sky': Driver Hit By Cement Feels Lucky To Be Alive
A woman whose car was hit by a piece of cement while she was driving in Orland Park says she is grateful that the outcome wasn't worse.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Shots Fired At Car In Traffic: Flossmoor Police
The incident happened late Monday afternoon, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Moving Car Hit By Cement Chunk; Orland Police Investigating
The incident happened on Southwest Highway near Wolf Road, overnight Saturday into Sunday, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Fight Crime By Giving Orland PD Security Camera Access: New Program
Business and homeowners in Orland Park can allow police access to their surveillance footage, in a new initiative.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Skeptical Beaver, Spider At Work Among Izaak Walton Calendar Winners
Winning images to be featured in the 2024 Izaak Walton Preserve Calendar have been announced.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
10 Injured In Crash With Small Bus, FedEx Truck: Manhattan Fire
The crash happened late Thursday afternoon at Manhattan and Ridge roads, Manhattan Fire officials said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Carjacker Mugs 2 | $600K Fraud, 6 Years Prison | Jewel Burglar Nabbed
PLUS: Get eerie, weird at Dark Arts Market | D159 parents want enriched programs | School bd. member resigns | Boo Bash time!
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Downtown Tinley's Boo Bash Back For Spooky, Sweet Fun Oct. 29
This year's event will open with a sensory-friendly time with reduced noise levels and a quiet zone.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
6 Years In Prison For Co. Owner, Biller In $600K Medicaid Fraud Case
Two Olympia Fields women will each serve six years in prison for their roles in a Medicaid scam that cost the state hundreds of thousands.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Dark Arts Market To Feature The Eerie And Weird At Tinley Brewery
The market will be held Saturday, Oct. 21 at Soundgrowler Brewing.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Moves Ahead With Master Plan For Downtown Redevelopment
Manhattan officials on Tuesday approved a master plan, though specifics have yet to come into focus.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
NL D122 Board Member Resigns; District Accepting Applications For Spot
NL D122 Board of Education member Kris O'Connor resigned at the board's meeting last week.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Olympia Fields Man Charged In New Lenox Jewelry Store Burglary: NLPD
The man was arrested and charged three days after the Oct. 14 break-in at Cornerstone Jewelry in New Lenox.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Peotone Liquor & Tobacco Store Robbed At Gunpoint: Police
The robbery happened Monday night just before 9 p.m., police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Fatal Shots At Gas Station | Search For Missing Boy | Beloved CEO Dies
PLUS: More layoffs at local Ford plant | Jewelry store break-in, again | 5-finger discount for ex-top cop | Calendar for 'hoppy' holidays!
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
'We're Still Here, Still In Need': Tinley Food Pantry Seeks Support
Tinley Park Food Pantry took in extra families in a pinch, now they're hoping people won't forget they're still there in the long run.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
NL Jewelry Store Owners 'Fed Up,' Shaken After Another Break-In
Cornerstone Jewelry was robbed in March, and now again in October. The owners are frustrated, and fighting to protect their business.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
