Orland Park, IL|News|
The Great Pumpkin Party Returns To Orland's Centennial Park October 4
Popular fall event returns packed with Halloween-themed activities and fun. Registration open now.
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|
Flossmoor D161 Awarded Grant To Create Pollinator Garden
The grant program is funded by ComEd and administered by Openlands.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
2nd Man Charged In Attempted Robbery, Pistol-Whipping At New Lenox AT&T Store: NLPD
The Chicago man, 31, was arrested and charged Friday, Sept. 26. A first suspect was arrested just days after the Sept. 1 incident.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
New Temporary DMV Opening In Orland Park: Village
The Secretary of State's Drivers Facility will open Monday, Sept. 29, in space at CTF Illinois, at 18230 Orland Parkway.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Police To Collect Winter Coats For Those In Need
The NLPD's coat drive will accept donations Oct. 1–31.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Township Assessor To Host Tax Appeal Workshop
The workshop will be held Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor Recyclepalooza Returns Saturday, Sept. 27
The event is held in the parking lot of Parker Junior High.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Phone Scam Targets Families Of High School Students, Solicits Money For College Exam Prep: Sheriff
The Kankakee County Sheriff warned of the new scam, saying the callers use students' personal information to seem more legit.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Missing Girl Found In IL | 'We Need Your Help', Brewery Pleads | Grocer Chain Sold After 88 Years
ALSO: 20 yrs for 'hail of bullets' | What happened to Kelly Staples | Firefighter hurt | Cop charged in gun scheme | Drive-thru flu shots
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic Coming To New Lenox Commons
Flu shots, updated COVID and RSV vaccines will be available Saturday, Oct. 4.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest Officials, Developer Break Ground On Senior Housing Complex
Carefree Village Housing is estimated to be complete within 18 months, officials said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Walt's Food Center To Be Sold To Berkot's Super Foods, Company Tells Employees
The sale is expected to be complete by late-October or early-November. Walt's has been in operation for 88 years, the company said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Sneak Peek: Scenes From L-W D210's 'Guys And Dolls,' Tickets Still Available
Students from all Lincoln-Way D210 schools have collaborated in the "Guys and Dolls" shows set for Sept. 26–28 at Lincoln-Way East.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
'We Can't Do This Without You': Tinley's Banging Gavel Owners Issue Plea For Support Amid Slump
The brewery and restaurant in downtown Tinley Park faced an unusually slow summer, and they need the community to rally for them.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Chicago Cop Used Status To Buy Guns For Acquaintance Who Smuggled Them To Mexico: U.S. Attorney
The Chicago police officer used his status to buy the guns for another man who had handpicked them and paid the officer to buy them.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Firefighter Injured In House Fire, Homeowner Displaced: Orland Fire
The fire happened Tuesday afternoon in the 11500 block of 113th Avenue.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
1 Detained After Search For Man Who Fled Traffic Stop: Flossmoor Police
"There is no longer a police search in the Flossmoor Park neighborhood," according to the update. "A follow-up investigation continues."
Lauren Traut and Anna Schier, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Dolton Man, 27, Gets 20 Years For 'Letting Loose A Hail Of Bullets' In Parking Lot: US Atty
The man pleaded guilty to gun charges earlier this year. He was sentenced last week.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Car Rams Store In Smash-And-Grab | Slayings Still Unsolved 18 Yrs Later | Blood, Saliva Spat At Guard
ALSO: Driver in fatal crash was high| Fire closes business | Students rally for teacher | No injuries in semi fire | Haunted trail back
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Family's Haunted Trail Set For Weekend Scares
The trail running Sept. 27–28 is filled with scares. Donations to NAWS of Mokena, Sojourn Therapeutic Riding Center of Frankfort encouraged.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
