Orland Park, IL|News|
Sheriff Warns Of 'Court Fee' Phone Scam
The sheriff's department will never demand payment of a court fee over the phone, Sheriff Dart reminds.
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 Veterans' Memorial Hosts Second Annual Trivia Night
Trivia night set for March 10. Advance registration for teams or individuals is required; seating is limited to 10 tables of six.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood Transitions To Online Permitting And Contractor Registration
The Village of Homewood will offer online application for contractors, moving away from in-person only applications.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Teen's Death Unsolved | Corrupt Land Grab? | Check Washing Probe
ALSO: Kindness in dog's final moments | Delays in vital nonprofit's reopening after fire | Father of 3 battling brain cancer | Cheer finals
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Fatal Shooting Of 17-Year-Old Happened At Oak Forest Condo: Police
Tyonie Ashford was found shot outside a condo building in Oak Forest the afternoon of Jan. 28. The shooting happened at a condo building.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest HS Senior Dedicated On Field, In Classroom: Star Student
OFHS senior Matthew maintains a high GPA while also involved in several extracurriculars, and while supporting classmates in their passions.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Family's 'Superman', Father of 3 In Battle With Brain Cancer
Homer Glen man and Manhattan native had a tingling sensation, leading to discovery of a brain tumor. He'll now face off against cancer.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park Gets New Sweet Spot With Great American Cookies
The franchise opened its Orland Park location Tuesday, Jan. 31.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
As NL Family's Dog Lay Dying, Stranger's Kindness Changed Everything
A family lost its beloved companion Wednesday morning, and the owner will never forget the moments before and after his death.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Man Found Dead In Oak Forest Forest Preserve Took His Own Life: ME
The man's body was found Sunday afternoon in Carlson Springs Woods in Oak Forest.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Coalition, Will Co. Health To Hold Narcan Training
The training will be held Feb. 13. in coordination with the Will County Health Department.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
CD One Price Dry Cleaner Opens Storefront In Homewood
The store opened at 18046 S. Halsted St. in Homewood. It's the owner's fifth location.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Obstacles Delay Reopening Of Tinley Park's Together We Cope After Fire
The vital Tinley Park social services agency will not reopen yet, and continues to experience financial hardship after a building fire.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Missing Markham Father, 59, Found Safe In Indiana
Froylan Vargas-Bahena, 59, was last seen at a bus stop in Markham on Jan. 25.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Couples' 'Little Fest' Grows Into Manhattan's Beloved Irish Bash
Manhattan's 28th annual Irish Fest is set for Saturday, March 4, in downtown Manhattan.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
'Eat, Drink, Be Lucky' At Homewood's New St. Patrick's Day Event
Limited tickets available for the debut of the March 18 event that features deals for eating, drinking, and shopping in downtown Homewood.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor To Highlight STEM Professionals For Black History Month
Nominations are being accepted online through February 1.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Teen Fatally Shot In Oak Forest ID'ed: Medical Examiner
A 17-year-old boy fatally shot in Oak Forest Saturday afternoon has been identified.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Fire Leaves Tinley Park Home Uninhabitable: Fire Chief
The fire happened the morning of Monday, Jan. 30 in the 6500 block of 171st Street.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Man's Body Found At Forest Preserve In Oak Forest: Forest Preserve PD
The body was found Sunday afternoon in Carlson Springs Woods in Oak Forest.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
