Tinley Park|News|
Life In Prison For Bank Robber Who Shot, Killed Tinley Park Man
An Indiana man who shot a Tinley Park man serving as security guard during a bank robbery was sentenced Friday to 2 consecutive life terms.
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
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Couple Beat, Strangled Man Found Dead In Bremen Township: Sheriff
Police say the couple lured the man to their car, where they beat and strangled him before leaving his body on the side of Central Avenue.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Winning $1 Million Lotto Ticket Sold In Oak Forest
The ticket matched all six winning numbers in the Lotto Million 1 drawing Thursday, April 13.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Good Samaritan Swam To Rescue Driver From Sinking Car: Oak Forest PD
A 56-year-old Oak Forest man has been charged with DUI and reckless driving after driving into Twin Lakes at Midlothian Reservoir.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Vehicle Plunges Into Water, Driver Rescued: Oak Forest PD
A bystander and police helped the driver out of the water after a vehicle went into Twin Lakes at Midlothian Reservoir on Thursday night.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Arrest Years After Toddler’s Death | Hoax Threat | Burglars Nabbed
PLUS: Bullets fly at phone store | What a catch of a carp! | Thrills, spills, unity at Roller Derby | Beloved bowler dies | Wine for a cause
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Mother Charged 6 Years After Toddler Found Dead In Markham Fire
Melody Townsend was found in California and brought back to Illinois Tuesday. It took two years to identify her daughter's remains.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
'Coffee With A Cop' Series Set For Tinley Park Residents
Tinley Park residents are invited to meet with police officers over coffee once a month.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Cinco De Mayo Celebration Set For Downtown Homewood
Get in on the Cinco de Mayo fun, with specials and discounts at Homewood businesses.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Mayor Nudges Residents For 'Move With The Mayor' Challenge
Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen is asking Manhattan residents to up their physical activity as part of a national challenge.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
The Wine Thief Tasting Gala To Support Tinley Park GiGi's Playhouse
The wine tasting gala set for May 21 at CD&ME will benefit the local chapter for Down syndome support and education services.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Piece Of Cake: Orland Police Tackle, Arrest Felon With Illegal Gun
Devyn Hood, of Chicago, had come out of Dave and Buster's with a cake and dropped it off in his trunk, when police confronted him.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Extra Hands Invited To Help With Earth Day Cleanup Of Orland Grassland
The event will be held Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. til noon.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
'Bowling Was His Life': Beloved Face Of Orland Bowl Dies At 83
Edward "Eddie" Kwiatkowski was a cherished member of the Orland Bowl family and well-known face of the sport in the south suburbs.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Woman's Dream Comes True With Spot On Guy Fieri's TV Show
Genien Sheikah competed on Fieri's "Guy's Grocery Games," a mad dash to shop for and prepare a dish and win over judges' taste buds.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Meet Rescue Horse 'Toasted Marshmallow': Spotlight On HHH Ranch
Rescue animals in need of another chance find a home at HHH Ranch in Manhattan. Staff and Patch will highlight them. Here's Toast's story.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Pedestrian Struck By Car, Road Closed For Investigation: Tinley PD
A portion of 175th Street was closed both directions Wednesday afternoon as police investigated.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
'Ladders & Lagers' Fundraiser Set To Support Illinois First Responders
The April 19 fundraiser will benefit nonprofit 100 Club of Illinois, which supports active duty first responders and families of the fallen.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Triple Play 2023: Patience—The Lineup Is Coming Soon, Mayor Says
Patience, fans. Mayor Tim Baldermann said he's still working on setting the lineup for the three-concert series in New Lenox.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Sisters With Rare Condition Treated To Taylor Swift Tickets
Mollie and Madelyn Ronaldson do not live a typical teen life, but for a night they'll join hordes of others who do, thanks to some friends.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
