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
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|
Private Funding To Be Used For Cleanup Of Vacant Land: Park District
Officials say state, federal and private money, not a tax increase, will help with plans for the Tinley Mental Health Center Land.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
The Hunt Is On: Village, Businesses Partner For Easter Egg Hunt Fun
An Easter egg hunt will be held Saturday, April 8, and encourages people to visit Homewood businesses to find the eggs and win prizes.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
'Handyman' Steals From Elderly | DUI For Official | Racino Coming?
PLUS: Mom's suicide pushes son to chase dream | PTA president under investigation | Tickle tastebuds at Brew & Vine | Heads up for mowing
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
NL Township Supervisor 'Unable To Stand,' Arrested For DUI: Sheriff
New Lenox Township Supervisor Donald Wennlund was arrested and charged with DUI in Homer Glen on March 6.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Loyalty Day Parade Set For May 7
New Lenox's Loyalty Day parade will be held May 7 at 2 p.m.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
"Found My 'Why'": Mom's Suicide Pushes Orland Singer To Chase Dream
Zach Crean's mother was 46 years old when she took her own life. He'll spend the rest of his chasing down the dream she believed deeply in.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Village Lays Out Plan, Support Of Vision For Mental Health Center Land
Officials pitched the state a packet detailing an updated rendering, cleanup plans and support for the Village acquiring the land.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Dozens Of Beer, Wine, Food Vendors Lined Up For Tinley Brew & Vine
Tickets are still available but going fast for Tinley Park's Brew & Vine Fest, to be held Saturday, April 1.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Godsmack, Staind To Stop In Tinley Park On Co-Headlined Tour
Tinley Park's Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre will be one of 25 stops.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Thief Returns To Homewood Jewel For Second Attempt
A Chicago man who was previously caught stealing from Jewel in Homewood went back for more, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Teen Gifted New Boots By Firefighters Who Saved Him In Crash
Brenden Wetzel was devastated when first responders had to cut off his favorite cowboy boots. New Lenox firefighters did something about it.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor Advances In 'Strongest Town' Contest, Takes On NY Town
Flossmoor now competes against Saranac Lake, New York, for a chance to advance into the Final Four.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Lightning Strike Starts Fire In Orland Park Attic: Orland FPD
The lightning strike happened Sunday evening in the Silo Ridge subdivision, officials said Monday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park District Commissioner Candidate Jeff Mech: Election '23
Patch is providing candidate profiles for the April 4 election. Jeff Mech is running for Tinley Park District commissioner.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Fire District Trustee Candidate Tina Zekich: Election '23
Patch is providing candidate profiles for the April 4 election. Tina Zekich is running for trustee of the Orland Fire District.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Multi-Sport Complex, Fieldhouse Coming To New Lenox: Mayor
The complex is envisioned for 100 acres near Silver Cross Hospital. Planning will begin this year, with play hoped to begin in 2025.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Calling All Veterans: Woman Seeks Military To Attend Grandpa's Funeral
Rachel Slabenak is asking any current or former military who can make it Friday, March 24 to join her family.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Police, Fire To Duel In Chili Cook-Off, More Entries Sought
The Manhattan Chili Cook-off will be held Sunday, March 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gallagher's Pub. There's still time to enter.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
KidsWork Children's Museum Moving To New Lenox
The Frankfort museum will get a new, bigger building to be constructed at the entrance to the New Lenox Commons.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
