Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Man, 39, Went Missing On Way To South Suburban Casino: Chicago Police
The man was last seen making his way to Wind Creek Chicago Southland on Sept. 2, Chicago police said.
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|
OAKtoberfest Returns To Flossmoor In October
The Village will offer a full day of celebrating nature, trees and community spirit on Saturday, Oct. 4.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood Competes For Title Of Top Farmers Market In Illinois
Voting takes place online, and ends Sept. 30.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Haunted Spots In Illinois: 11 Spooky Destinations To Visit In 2025
Looking to scare up some fun this Halloween? Check out these haunted Illinois locations.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
125 Seat Belt Citations In Labor Day Enforcement Push: Flossmoor PD
Flossmoor police on Thursday released the results of its increased traffic enforcement campaign over the holiday weekend.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Woman Held Captive For Week | No Injuries In Apartment Fire | West Nile In Will | Man's 30-Mile Mission
ALSO: Pastry chef's legacy | Stray dog fundraiser | Q of Hearts benefits Honor Flight | New indie bookshop | Gym floor honors coaches, alum
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Longtime New Lenox Woman, 'Brilliant' Pastry Chef Made Cakes For Hillary Clinton, Richard M. Daley: Obituary
Cynthia Sheehan's culinary passion was woven through her family and professional lives, a talent that thrilled many.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
No Injuries In Apartment Fire, Cause Under Investigation: Orland Fire
The fire happened in a multi-unit building in the 14400 block of Jefferson Avenue Thursday, officials said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park Lions Club To Donate Queen of Hearts Proceeds To Honor Flight Chicago
Forty percent of the proceeds from the Sept. 19 Queen of Hearts fundraiser will go to Honor Flight Chicago, the organization said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
16 Vendors Featured In Leather, Ink And Flame Market Coming To Flipside Brewing
Flipside Brewing hosts the themed bazaar with Streetz Artz Alliance on Sept. 14.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
'More Than Just A Coffee Shop': New Lenox's Indie 'Grounded Books' Blends 2 Women's Passions
Grounded Coffee Bar has expanded into the two units next door, to open indie bookshop Grounded Books.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
First Human Case Of West Nile Virus Found In Will County: Health Department
The person diagnosed is in their 80s and began having symptoms in August. Mosquitos in 11 batches in Will Co. have tested positive for WNV.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
'This Is My Purpose': Manteno Man's Mission Takes Him 30 Miles For Mental Health, Suicide Awareness
Jake Smith walked 30 miles in one day on Sept. 6, part of his ongoing effort to raise awareness of mental health and suicide.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
It's A Bug Story, Baby Just Say 'Yes': Homewood's 'Cicada Era' Campaign Wins National Award
Village of Homewood wins Silver Circle Award for "fun, culturally relevant campaign" that shared facts about cicadas.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan's St. Joseph Celebrates 100 Years With Student Fun, Mass, Dinner & Dancing
Kids were treated to fun Monday—even dunking Fr. Mike—as school and parish leaders look to honor how far St. Joe's has come.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Boy, 2, Shoots Self In Face | Man Still Missing | Woman Hit By Own Car | Drowning Victim ID'd
ALSO: Arrest in robbery attempt | Shooting victim ID'd | $100K lotto ticket sold in Lemont | Man, 21, dies in crash | Teachers to strike
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Mums, Apple Cider Donuts, Gourds: Fall Items Back At Tinley Farmers Market
The Tinley Park Farmers Market will spotlight autumn goods, decor, and other items Sept. 13 through Oct. 25.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Congressman Jonathan Jackson To Host In-Person Town Hall In Mokena
The meeting will be held at St. John's United Church of Christ in Mokena, on Saturday, Sept. 13.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Park Forest Art Fair Returns To Village Green Sept. 20–21
The art fair is held at the Park Forest Village Green, and features new and returning artists.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Beer, Cocktails, Local Artists To Shine In Crafted's Small Street Market, Craftoberfest
The bottle shop and taproom hosts the back-to-back events Sept. 12 and Sept. 13.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
