New Lenox, IL|News|
Hickory Creek Brewing Celebrates Grand Re-opening
The New Lenox microbrewery re-opened in its new home late last month. They're celebrating this weekend.
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
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Delay In Deputy Probe | Who's A Good K9 Cop? | Town's Walmart To Close
PLUS: Paralyzed cop to lead parade | Hometown star on 3rd Super Bowl trip | IL village manager eyes Wisconsin spot | Get pierogi orders in!
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood Police Warn Of Mail Theft, Check Washing
Homewood police are warning residents to be aware of an increase in mail fraud and check washing from the Homewood post office and dropbox.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park Village Manager A Finalist For Wisconsin Spot
Orland Park's Village Manager George Koczwara is one of four finalists for a city manager role in Wisconsin, a radio station there reports.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest 'Church Ladies' Ready For Your Pierogi Orders For Easter
The self-proclaimed "church ladies" await your orders. Pre-order is required. Deadline is March 17.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan's K-9 Cop Scores First, 'Major' Drug Bust
K-9 officer Apollo helped Illinois State Police seize more than 500 pounds of cannabis, police said in a release.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Running O' The Green 8K Race Date Changed
The race has been pushed back a week, the park district said in a release.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood Walmart To Close Permanently
Homewood's Walmart location will close by mid-March, the chain told village officials Wednesday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest PD Giving Out Steering Wheel Locks to Hyundai Owners
The police department will distribute steering wheel locks that have been donated by Hyundai.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley PD Giving Out Steering Wheel Locks To Kia Owners
The police department will distribute steering wheel locks that have been donated by Kia.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Arrest Made In Gunfire Exchange During Attempted Carjacking: Midlo PD
Midlothian police Tuesday said they've arrested a 19-year-old Markham man in connection with an October 2022 incident.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Crisis Center For South Suburbia Annual Gala To Be A 'Royal Ball'
The event will be held Saturday, Feb. 25 at The Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park. Individual tickets are $125. Sponsorships available.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Teen Still Missing: Will County Sheriff
Lana Roemer, 16, was reported missing from her Manhattan home on Sunday. Police said Tuesday she ran away.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
2 Kids, 2 Stories, Few Answers: D153 Parents Call For Transparency
D153 leaders met Monday, listening as parents pleaded for better communication following an incident at Churchill School last month.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
9 New Events In Store For Homewood Residents In 2023: Village
The Village of Homewood has released its special event calendar for the 2023, with the debut of nine new events.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
First Responders Announce Slate For Orland Fire District Board
Two have announced their candidacies for the Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees in the April 4, 2023 election.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
OFHS Bengals Leave It All On Floor, Come Home Cheer State Champs
The Oak Forest High School Bengals Varsity cheer squad grabbed the state champion hardware Saturday, Feb. 4.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Senator Secures $250K To Help Beloved Tinley Social Services Agency
Sen. Mike Hastings has landed funds to help a struggling Together We Cope recover from losses endured in a November fire.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest Rotary Club To Lead 14th Annual Fleadh Parade
Oak Forest's 2023 Fleadh Irish festival will include another day of fun such as a 5K, parade, live music, and more, set for March 4.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Her Son Injured At D153 School, Mom Says 'We Have To Do A Better Job'
Jessica Lopez's son was stabbed with a pencil, requiring medical care, at Churchill School in Homewood. She wants answers.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
