Oak Forest, IL|News|
Spring Cleanup Week Returns In Oak Forest
Residents can dispose of household items such as mattresses, furniture and carpet, as well as washers, dryers, and refrigerators.
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
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood Police Step Up Patrols For Distracted Driving
Homewood police will increase patrols with an eye out for distracted driving for the month of April.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Gunfire Hits Tinley Park Home Tuesday: Tinley Park PD
The call of shots fired was reported at 3:45 a.m. in the 16400 block of Cobblestone Court, Tinley Park police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
'They Found A Way': Oak Forest Girl Gifted Taylor Swift Tickets
Lily Brown has a rare condition that limits her in many ways. Seeing the "Bejeweled" singer won't be one of them, thanks to some friends.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Ticket Special Locked In For Tinley Park Night With Chicago White Sox
Tinley residents are eligible for a special price for an evening at Guaranteed Rate Field in June. White Sox will take on Boston Red Sox.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
'Simply The Best Guy': Services Set For Oak Forest Taxpayer Advocate
A loving tribute to longtime taxpayer advocate Guy Gattone tells of his roots, a hearty work ethic, and a personality like none other.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Driver In 2-Car Crash Charged With DUI: New Lenox PD
The crash happened just before 10 p.m. April 7, at Rte 30 near Schoolhouse Road.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Bullets Fly, 1 Dead In 'Chaotic Scene' At Park Forest House Party: PD
Park Forest Police were called to the scene of a house party early Friday morning, where several were found shot.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Prosecutors Want Life In Prison For Bank Robber Who Killed Tinley Man
Sentencing is nearing for an Indiana man who shot a Tinley Park man serving as security guard during a bank robbery.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
PGA Tour Superstore Set To Open In Orland Park
The opening is set for Saturday, April 8. The store opens in the space previously occupied by Dania Furniture.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
'It Hurts A Bit': Ousted Tinley Park Trustee Reflects On Loss
Trustee Diane Galante on April 4 lost her bid for another term as Tinley Park trustee.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Gunned Down In Parking Lot | Firefighters Mourn | False Shooter Alarms
PLUS: New roof for mom, daughter in cancer fight | Village 'blindsided' by museum move | The eaglet has landed! | Fire in tent for Iftar
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Mom-Daughter Duo In Cancer Fight Get A Helping Hand, New Roof
Danielle and Isla Dorsey didn't need another obstacle to face, so when they needed a new roof, people stepped up in a big way.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Community Garden Ready To Grow For Residents
In its second year, the garden has 12 plots available to residents on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Prescription Drug Take Back Day Set For April 22 In Orland Park
Residents are encouraged to clean out medicine cabinets to keep dangerous drugs from falling into the wrong hands.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Active Shooter Alarms At Orland Schools Accidentally Set Off: PD
Emergency notification systems at Meadow Ridge, Century Jr High were activated accidentally Wednesday afternoon, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood Fire Acquires Additional Life-Saving Chest Compression Device
The automated chest compression device can be used in situations of cardiac arrest.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Rubino, O'Boyle Lead Pack In Park District Race, Will Keep Seats
Bernie O'Boyle and Ashley Rubino are the projected winners of 2 spots on the Tinley Park-Park District Board of Commissioners.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Zekich, Greenfield Secure Spots On Fire District Board Of Trustees
Eight candidates were trying for just two spots on the Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees April 4.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Peckham-Dodge, Thanos, Kastengren Secure Seats On Orland D135 Board
Six candidates faced off April 4 for three spots on the Orland Park District 135 Board of Education.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
