Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Former Suburban Cop, Chicago Heights Man Faces Child Porn Charges
The 37-year-old man viewed sexually explicit images and videos of children as young as 8, according to documents.
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|
Fireworks As Park District Cancels Theirs After Village Plans Own
The Tinley Park District has canceled its 40-year tradition of a July 4 event, after word that the Village of Tinley Park will hold its own.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
2 Men Evade Police In Search By K-9, Drone: Tinley PD
Police searched for two men seen peering into cars late Thursday night, calling in drones and a K-9 unit.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Driver Shoots At Carjackers | Snooze In Stolen Car | Stolen Checks
PLUS: Microbrewery opens in new home | McD's in Manhattan | Southside SummerFest date set | Eye doc gives back
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Man, 18, Found Asleep In Stolen Car With Illegal Guns: Park Forest PD
Park Forest police found the man in the parked, stolen car in downtown Park Forest Jan. 14, they said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
McDonald's In Manhattan 'A Positive Step Forward': Mayor
Trustees earlier this week signed off on a site plan for the new McDonald's location, set to begin construction in April 2023.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Hickory Creek Brewing Opens In New Location
The New Lenox microbrewery opens the door at its updated location on Schoolhouse Road on Thursday, Jan. 19.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest PD Accepting Applications For Citizens Police Academy
The 10-week academy begins Feb. 6 and is limited to 20 students.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Driver Suffers Minor Injuries After Crashing Into Pole: Tinley PD
The crash happened late Wednesday afternoon near 167th and Lakewood, police said. The road was closed for several hours.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
'Right Place, Right Time' As New Lenox Mayor Saves Woman's Life In NYC
New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann encountered a woman who had suffered cardiac arrest, and performed chest compressions until medics arrived.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Brats To Boil At Orland Grassland Brush Burn, Cleanup Event
The seasonal brush cleanup event will be held Saturday, Jan. 28. Volunteers are treated to brats, potatoes, and for their efforts.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
UChicago Medicine Adds Urgent Care Services To Homewood Location
The Homewood location of University of Chicago Medicine begins offering urgent care services effective Tuesday, Jan. 17.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
'She's My Hero': OFHS Senior Fights For Normalcy During Mom's Illness
Oak Forest High School senior Lea Davia has had to grow up very fast the last several months, and her community is now rallying around her.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
New Owner Of Former 'Taps' Pub Strikes Out On Own, Brings Fresh Eyes
Flannery's owner Robin Flannery is excited to put her name and stamp on an old Oak Forest favorite.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Boy, 14, Charged With Murder In 'Ambush' Shooting
A teen boy was formally charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the Dec. 30 shooting of a 25-year-old Indiana man.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest To Break Ground On Mixed-Use Development
The development will include 75 multi-family units, commercial first-floor space and 15 row homes. Work begins this month.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
No Bond In 'Heinous' Attack | Road Rage Threat To Shoot | Bones Found
PLUS: Siblings mourn mother's sudden death | Waffle-ly unique shop coming to Tinley | Irish celebrations scheduled | Metra upgrades
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park Irish Parade Set For March 5
Anyone interested in marching in the parade has until Feb. 17 to submit an application.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Countdown to Fleadh: 14th Annual Oak Forest Fleadh Set For March 4
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
Tinley Park|News|
Longtime Friends Bring Gourmet Waffle, Sweets Dream To Tinley Park
Three friends came up with a business concept that's waffle-y unique, they said, and they're excited to open in Tinley Park.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
