Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park Rotary Accepting Applications For Scholarships
Applications can be submitted online, and must be completed by April 1.
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|
Flag Line Will Honor Young Manhattan Veteran After Death
James Bartz, 21, died Feb. 11. A flag line will be held as his funeral procession passes the American Legion post in New Lenox Feb. 24.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park Does Away With Vehicle Stickers For Residents
Tinley Park residents will no longer be required to purchase vehicle stickers.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Tunnel To Homewood Metra Station To Close During Renovation
The tunnel to the Homewood Metra station will be closed for 2 years beginning March 13.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Silver Cross Hospital CEO Named New Lenox Citizen Of The Year
Silver Cross Hospital President and CEO Ruth Colby was honored with the distinction on Feb. 15.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
'That Truck Saved His Life,' Says Mom Of Injured L-W West Senior
Brenden Wetzel of Manhattan was in a single-car crash Friday, Feb. 10. He suffered extensive injuries and remains in ICU.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Man Wanted For Arranging Sex With 'Girl' In Sting Operation
A nationwide arrest warrant has been issued for Connor Smith, 32, of Orland Park. He's accused of sending messages to an undercover agent.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
'Super Dad' Tinley Park Firefighter Delivers Own Daughter At Home
Jeff Kushner, 34, realized he and his wife wouldn't make it to the hospital in time for the arrival of their second daughter Jan. 19.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
'Immense Grief:' Family Reeling After Death Of 7-Year-Old Mokena Girl
Those around Chris and Vanessa Smurzynski, of Mokena, are doing what they can to support the family after the unimaginable loss.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
'Find A Way:' TBI Survivor Brings Boxing, Hope To Parkinson's Fighters
Maria Tovo, 51, is bringing her Rock Steady Boxing Vitality business to Manhattan—and she knows it can and will help so many.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
WWII Bride Turns 100 In Orland Park, Still 'Up For Anything'
Lea Luchini’s milestone birthday falls the day after Valentine’s Day 2023.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
District 146 Hiring Substitutes, Custodians, Food Service Staff
Community Consolidated District 146 is hiring to fill multiple roles.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Sandburg HS Charity Hoops Event Raises Nearly $3K For Orland Nonprofit
High school's basketball players teamed up in a free throw event to support local nonprofit CTF Illinois.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
7 Individuals, 2 Teams Honored With 'Those Who Excel' Awards: HFHS
Homewood-Flossmoor High School administration shared the names and accomplishments of those recognized by the Illinois State Board of Ed.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood Police Hiring Lateral, Entry Level Officers
The Homewood police department is hiring. Applications can be submitted online.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Boy Ran In Front Of Bus, No Citations Issued To Driver: Park Forest PD
The driver of a school bus that fatally struck a boy will not be issued any citations for moving violations, Park Forest Police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Village, Park District Bat Blame As Perceived Feud Continues
In apparent ongoing spat over mental health center land, the Village of Tinley Park and Park District point fingers at each other.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
ATF To Assist In Investigation Of Chicago Heights Warehouse Fire
Metal manufacturing company Morgan Li was struck by heavy fire Monday, Feb. 6.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
False Report Of Threat Leads To Hard Lockdown At Sandburg HS: PD
Carl Sandburg HS was on hard lockdown Friday, after a swatting incident falsely reported a school shooting threat, Orland police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Paczki Day 2023: Tinley Park Bakery Ready For 'Flurry' Of Orders
Creative Cakes in Tinley Park has been taking paczki orders since January, but the owner knows many will pop up last-minute and day-of.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
