Manhattan, IL|News|
Motorcyclist Ejected, Critically Injured In Crash With Car In Monee Township: Sheriff
The crash happened Thursday night at Pauling Road and Ridgeland Avenue, the Will County Sheriff's office said.
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|
Orland Man, 58, Was Driving Semi In Crash That Killed Wilmington Man, Injured His Toddler Son: PD
The crash happened in Joliet late Wednesday night, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Woman, 30, Killed In Crash | Homeowner Wrestles Invader | Meth Lab Discovered | Dog Rescued From Fire
ALSO: 'Numerous leads' in shooting | Man found dead outside | Teachers ratify contract | Spirit Christmas stores! | Taste Of Fall is back!
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Shirtless Man Wrestles With Homeowner After Invasion, Flees Police In Bluestone Bay: NLPD
He was first spotted in a torn shirt, but took it off before running from cops. He then entered a stranger's home, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Food Trucks, Fire Pits, Family Fun At Manhattan's Taste Of Fall 2025
Manhattan's 3rd annual Taste of Fall is set for Saturday, Oct. 4.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
District 146 Educators Ratify New Contract, Call It A 'Strong Step' Forward
The teachers voted to approve the contract that was reached last month, following months of negotiations.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland PD Unveils 'Join The Fight' Cruiser In Support Of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The cruiser can be seen on the streets of Orland Park in October and the future.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
'Numerous' Leads In Crete Township Shooting That Killed Man, Critically Injured Pregnant Woman: Sheriff
A 23-year-old Indiana man was killed in the Sept. 2 shooting, and a 25-year-old pregnant woman was critically injured, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Dog Rescued From Basement Fire, No Injuries Reported: Oak Forest Fire
The fire happened late Tuesday afternoon in the 17000 block of Bonnie Trail.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
223 Citations, 8 Arrests: Orland PD Recaps Results Of Traffic Enforcement Efforts
The Orland Police Department on Wednesday detailed the results of ramped-up traffic enforcement efforts spanning Oct. 2024–Sept. 2025.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park Fire Department Hosts Open House At Station
Scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4, the event is held annually in recognition of Fire Prevention Week.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Spirit Christmas Opening 3 Illinois Stores For 2025 Holiday Season
Three Spirit Halloween stores in Illinois will turn into Spirit Christmas stores in 2025.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Motorcycle Hits, Kills Woman | Infant Dies Of Child Abuse | Dollar Store Stop Does Robber In | New DMV A Win
ALSO: Missing girl safe | 1,600 hit haunted trail | Oktoberfest in 'burbs | Diaper drive ongoing | Great Pumpkin Party | Cops' coat drive
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Family's Haunted Trail Draws Nearly 2,000 For Scares, Raises $6,000 For Local Charities
The Malpeli family's haunted trail was a packed show Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest Diaper Pantry Seeks Collection Sites For Diaper Drive, Donations Of Diapers & Wipes
New Life's Little Lambs' Closet is looking for businesses or offices willing to serve as a donation drop spot for its diaper drive.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Growing Fatal Listeria Outbreak Linked To IL Walmart, Trader Joe’s Products
Nineteen hospitalizations and four deaths have been linked to the nationwide outbreak that began mid-year.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
'A Win For Orland Park': Temporary DMV Opens Days After Old One Shuttered
Officials tout larger space with expanded hours and new services, including road exams, in the new facility at 182nd and Orland Parkway.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
'Truly On Another Level': Tinley Family's Halloween Haunt Set To Thrill, Support Beloved Charity
The Latek family of Tinley Park has a show in store at "The Psycho Path at Ridgefield Lane." Donations to Project Fire Buddies encouraged.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan's 'Scarecrows On Parade' Needs More Participants: Village
The Village provides the scarecrow frames for free, and you chip in the creativity.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Woman, 66, Fatally Struck By Motorcycle While Crossing Street: Police
The driver of the motorcycle, 50, was injured. The motorcycle slid across lanes of traffic and hit a sign before coming to a stop.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
