Tinley Park|News|
Woman Shot Over Social Media | 1 Killed In Crash | Fake Bomb Threat
PLUS: Teens caught on camera trying to steal car | New roof, good news for family in cancer fight | AG wants theft-prone cars recalled
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|
Man Shoots Woman Over Instagram Birthday Wish From Ex: Police
A Dolton man was charged Wednesday after a violent scene unfolded following the man's discovery of a message on social media.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
'Little Place That Felt Like Home': New Lenox's Songbird Café Closes
The local breakfast and lunch staple shuttered its spot in New Lenox on April 15.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Driver Rolls SUV, Hits School Bus: Manhattan PD
The crash happened in Manhattan at Smith and Nelson roads Thursday morning.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park Family In Cancer Battle Gets New Roof, Good News
Thanks to a nonprofit, a Tinley family was given a sorely needed new roof, as their son, 6, fights cancer and the family catches its breath.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Fake Bomb Threat Called In To Homewood-Flossmoor HS: Officials
A bomb threat called in to the school early Wednesday was determined to be unfounded, the Village said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Violins From Holocaust To Be Featured In Illinois Philharmonic Finale
Partnership with Violins of Hope hosted by JCC Chicago gives historic violins another chance to sing, with the IPO.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Teens Caught On Security Camera Trying To Steal Car: Tinley PD
The homeowner was at work early Wednesday when he witnessed the boys, 14 and 15, smash his car window via security camera.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor Strikes A Chord With Guitarist, Inspires Him To Open Up Shop
Kyle Asche, who's lived in Flossmoor for nearly 10 years, so loves the town he decided to embark on a local business venture there.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Village Of Manhattan Hiring For Seasonal Laborers
The Public Works Department has openings for seasonal work.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
2 Central MS Students Applauded For Using Tech To Conquer Challenges
Kayleigh McCormick, of Tinley Park, and Lily Brown, of Oak Forest, both use assistive technology adeptly, District 146 says.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest's Fierke Education Center To Celebrate 50th Anniversary
The District 146 school teaches students kindergarten through fifth grade. District and school staff will celebrate the week of May 1.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
1 Killed In Multi-Vehicle Crash Tuesday: Homewood PD
The crash happened Tuesday afternoon in the 17800 block of Halsted Street.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Student Hugging Staff Set Off Emergency Alarm: District 135
Center School in Orland Park was on lockdown Tuesday afternoon after the emergency notification system was triggered.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Smash & Grab Crew Hits 2 Orland Park Businesses Overnight: PD
The burglaries happened in the early morning hours Tuesday, police said. Police believe the same crew hit businesses in several other towns.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park First Grader Is Mom's Hero, She Says: Star Student
"RayRay" is on the autism spectrum, and continues to overcome odds and amaze medical professionals with his progress, mom says.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Autism 'Nothing Less Than A Superpower' For OF Teen: Star Student
Oak Forest's Jason, a senior at Mount Carmel, has flourished in high school, with dedication to several sports, SADD, and Campus Ministry.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Ascend Dispensary Outlet Store Now Open In Tinley Park
The dispensary outlet store opened at 162nd and Harlem April 17. The company prides itself on "flower at a fraction" of usual prices.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Burglars Hit 2 Flossmoor Businesses On Same Block Days Apart: Police
Both businesses were broken into the week of April 10–14, Flossmoor police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Lincoln-Way West Pulls Out All The Stops In 'Addams Family Musical'
The cast is ready to deliver a show like none other, with performances set for April 21-23.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
