New Lenox, IL|News|
Horses Die In Burning Barn | Carnival Called Off | Fake Cash Caper
PLUS: Cops sue for $5M in overtime | $8K lost in Amazon scam | Bat with Rabies | Another crash at dangerous intersection | Beer trolley!
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|
Tinley Park To Offer Free Trolley To Beer And Wine Spots
The trolley will run set hours Wednesdays beginning June 7, with a set route.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
2 Women Using Counterfeit Money Hit New Lenox Businesses: Police
Police nabbed the two Indiana women following an attempt at an auto store May 15.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor Summer Schedule Packed With Fun For All
Special events are set throughout the summer, where residents can "do more in Flossmoor."
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Lauded For Its Finances; PD Back Up To Full Staff
Manhattan officials were recognized for their financial practices, and the police department is back to fully staffed.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
8 Horses Believed Dead In Beecher Barn Fire
The fire happened early Wednesday morning. Firefighters were still on scene as of early afternoon.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
OFHS Teen Makes All Feel Welcome, Stands By Friends: Star Student
Emma is a dedicated soccer player, AP student, band member, and "an amazing person." She also loves metal music!
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Beloved Couple, Foundation To Lead Overhaul Of Orland's Schussler Park
Michael Schofield III and Kendall Coyne Schofield will help with the planning and redesign of Orland Park's Schussler Park.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood Names New Finance Director
The Village's new finance director will be sworn in at the June 13 board meeting.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan District 114 Seeks To Fill Board Seat After Member's Death
After the death of a longtime board member Dan DeCaprio earlier this month, the district is seeking applicants to fill his seat.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Arson Suspected In Oak Forest House Fire: Officials
The fire was in the 5100 block of Bellaire Drive in Oak Forest Tuesday afternoon.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Driver Charged With DUI After Another Crash At US 52 And Baker: ISP
An Elwood man and New Lenox man were involved in the crash at US 52 and Baker Road late Saturday into Sunday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Mayor 'Deeply Saddened' By Teen Mob; 'Tighter Controls' To Come
Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz said attendees at town events should expect stricter security protocol after a flash mob at a carnival.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
For $1, Tinley Park District Could Soon Own Mental Health Center Land
Legislation presented Friday could seal the fate of the 280 acres at the center of a tug of war between the Village and Park District.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Artisan Markets At Tinley Park Breweries Set For Memorial Day Weekend
The "Pet Market" and "Flurry of Makers Market" events will be held at Soundgrowler and Hailstorm breweries May 27 and 28.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Hundreds Of Teens Mob Tinley Carnival, Police Cancel Event
More than 400 teenagers gathered in a flash mob Saturday night, creating mass panic at the carnival.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
5 Names To Be Added To Veterans' Wall In Memorial Day Ceremony
The Village of Orland Park will commemorate Memorial Day with an outdoor ceremony at the Village's Place of Peace.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Cop On A Rooftop Fundraiser Friday At Homewood Dunkin'
Homewood police will participate May 19 in the annual fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park HS Class Of 1973 To Celebrate 50-Year Reunion
Tinley Park HS alumni are invited to gather in downtown Tinley Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20 for two informal reunion events.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Mom Waves Gun At Park | Carjackers Threaten To Kill | Suspects Escape
PLUS: Child spots another with gun | Men topple baby in car seat in attempted theft | Thief goes back for more | 50 years, teacher retires
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
