Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Teens Robbed, Kidnapped, Attacked Victim Before Shooting: Flossmoor PD
Flossmoor police have wrapped an investigation into a February 2022 incident that ended in a minor being shot.
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
Tinley Park|News|
Dog Park Confrontation Leads To Assault Charge For Tinley Park Man
A 63-year-old Tinley Park man was arguing with another dog owner when the incident happened, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
More Than 100 Homes On The Map For Manhattan's Villagewide Garage Sale
There are 119 homes ready for you to shop during the sale June 9–10.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
$30K Stolen In Jewelry Store Break-In, New Lenox PD Exploring Leads
Police believe two suspects used a pry bar to get into Zembar Jewelers May 30, ultimately making off with $30K in goods.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
City Of Oak Forest Mourns Retired Longtime Oak Forest Firefighter
Thomas "Tom" Bettenhausen was an Oak Forest firefighter/paramedic for 30 years prior to his retirement in 2008.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Andrew 'T-Bolt For Life,' Tinley Native, 44, Lived Bold, 'Loud' Life
Known for his wit, sarcasm and love of metal music, Mike Watson gave everyone so many reasons to remember him fondly, friends say.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Charges Pending For Woman With Knife Perched Above Gym Locker Room: PD
Midlothian PD said it took several hours to talk the woman down, as she refused to drop the knife. Non-lethal force was used to arrest her.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Future Unclear, Rebuilding OF Bowl 'Would Make Me Feel Whole': Owner
Oak Forest Bowl owner Keith Tadevich continues to navigate a tragedy he never saw coming, and shares where he's at in the process.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Crash With Rolled Over Semis Snarls Traffic On I-80 Westbound: ISP
Drivers are asked to find other routes, Illinois State police advise.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Aw, Schucks: Vinny's Clam Bar To Open In Former 'Tin Fish' Space
The Italian-American neighborhood restaurant will focus on seafood and pasta—and plenty of puns and fun.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Bomb Threat Made Against Homewood Jewel-Osco: Police
The threat was called in just after 6:30 am. Wednesday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
'Not Going To Deter Us': Tinley's New Fest A Go As Others Nixed
As others cancel events out of precaution, Tinley Park's debut RibFest is still set for July 1–4 at the 80th Avenue Metra station.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Sandburg High School '23 Grad Tallies 12 Years Of Perfect Attendance
Evan Vossos has accomplished 12 years of perfect attendance, beginning in Orland District 135 and completing at Carl Sandburg HS.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Ticket Special Locked In For H-F Night At Chicago White Sox Game
Homewood and Flossmoor residents are eligible for a special price for an evening at Guaranteed Rate Field on Sunday, July 30.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Village 'Relieved' At State's Action On Tinley Mental Health Land
The Illinois House of Representatives Thursday approved a bill that would give the land to the park district. Now it heads to the Governor.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Starry Nights 2023 Kickoff Concert To Celebrate Pride Month
The first concert in the Starry Night series will be held Friday, June 9.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Pretty In Pink, Orland Park Rainbow Cone Now Officially Open
The newest standalone Rainbow Cone location has opened in Orland Park, and wow, it's a stunner.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Taste Of Orland Park Headlines Village's Summer 2023 Event Schedule
The Village of Orland Park has rolled out its full schedule of summer events for 2023.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Teen Crash Victim 'A Miracle,' Walks At Graduation
Brenden Wetzel was critically injured in a crash in February 2023. Things are looking up—way up—for the Manhattan teen.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Bill Giving Mental Health Center Land To Park District Passes House
The state House of Representatives Thursday approved legislation that would turn over the vacant 280 acres to the Tinley Park District.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
