Orland Park, IL|News|
Voters Want Orland Government To Stay The Same, Election Shows
Orland Park voters Tuesday were asked if the Village should keep operating under the same structure as it has for decades.
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
New Lenox, IL|News|
Pender, DeGrave, Peltzer Top Race For New Lenox District 122 Board
Eight candidates vied for three spots on the New Lenox District 122 Board of Education on April 4.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
2 Homewood Trustees Keep Seats, 1 Wins Hers Back: Election '23 Results
Three incumbents hoped to hang on to their seats, while one was attempting a return to the Homewood Board of Trustees.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
One Tinley Park Sweeps For Trustees, Clerk Seats
Incumbent trustees Michael Mueller, William Brennan win another term. Ken Shaw will join them. Clerk Nancy O'Connor will keep her seat.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Fire Department To Host Citizens Fire Academy
Program is held Mondays August 21 to Sept. 25. Applications due by April 28.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Woman, Sandwich Shop Owner Lowballed Income On Taxes: US Atty.
A 64-year-old Orland Park woman who owned Smiley's Gyros and Beef in Plainfield underreported her business' income, authorities said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Beloved, Longtime Oak Forest Taxpayer Advocate Guy Gattone Dies At 84
Guy Gattone served as the City of Oak Forest's taxpayer advocate for 12 years. He was ready for another term, running uncontested April 4.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Former Trustee Seeks Return To Homewood Board: Election 2023
Three incumbents and a former trustee will vie for three seats on the Homewood Board of Trustees April 4.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
8 Contend For 3 Seats On New Lenox District 122 Board: Election 2023
New Lenox voters Tuesday will choose who will join the New Lenox District 122 Board of Education.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Voters To Decide Future Of Village Government: Election 2023
Orland Park residents on Tuesday will vote on a referendum that could change the structure and functions of Orland Park government.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
1 Incumbent, 5 Newcomers Vie For 3 Spots On D135 Board: Election 2023
Six candidates will contend for three spots on the Orland District 135 Board of Education on April 4.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
8 Battle For 2 Seats On Orland Fire District Board: Election 2023
Eight candidates will try for a spot on the Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees on April 4.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
5 Vie For 2 Seats On Tinley Park District Board: Election 2023
Parks Over Politics takes on newcomers Danny Flores and Jeff Mech at the polls April 4.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Incumbent Tinley Trustees, Clerk Battle To Keep Seats: Election 2023
Three current trustees—two on the same slate—will try to retain their positions. A Tinley Park planning commissioner hopes to join them.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Humane Society 'Extremely Over Capacity' With Dogs, Fosters Needed
South Suburban Humane Society is overfilled with dogs at its two locations, and staff asks for anyone interested in fostering to reach out.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
'Multiple' Cars Stolen From Same Block In 1 Weekend: Flossmoor PD
The cars were stolen from the same stretch of Vollmer Road, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
'Part Of Who I Am': New Lenox Woman's Passion A Sweet Treat For Many
Rocky Van Allen found herself struggling after the birth of her second child. Her passion saved her—and hits the spot with sweet tooths.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Deadline Approaching For Flossmoor Vehicle Stickers, Animal Tags
Don't forget to get your vehicle stickers and animal tags on time to avoid a late fee.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood Vehicle Stickers On Sale April 1
Don't forget to purchase yours and display it on your vehicle by May 31.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest Police To Test Audio System For Detecting Gunshots
The system will be able to detect gunshots, glass breakage and squealing tires, officials said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
