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.
Local spots will be on site with wine and food for sampling. Casino games, live music. Free to get in; $25 lanyard buys 8 wine tastings.
The man's body was pulled from the Kankakee River on June 13. Authorities asked the public for help identifying him.
The sale is set for Friday, Sept. 12 and Saturday, Sept. 13, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sales held rain or shine.
Sept. 13 event in New Lenox is the first of several offered for recycling items like household hazardous waste, motor oil and scrap metal.
A classic car show, carnival and live music planned for Spirit of America weekend Sept. 19–21 at Orland Park Crossing.
The man was one of two people found shot inside a car Sept. 2 in Crete Township.
The crash happened early Tuesday on I-294 near Midlothian.
The teachers will gather ahead of the Sept. 8 Board of Education meeting at Kruse Education Center.
The bullet- and stab-protective vest was donated by nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s.
The incident happened Sept. 2 at Coventry Road and Pine Grove Court, police said.
The second location in Frankfort will support Orland Park nonprofit Bridge Teen Center with unique retail experience.
Illinois Tollway and City of Markham officials on Thursday celebrated the dedication of the Markham Plaza on I-294.
The man was seen on video buying latex gloves like those worn by the suspects, and in clothes matching the description, police say.
"Willie" joined the crew at New Lenox Fire Protection District in August, and the nonprofit that trained him couldn't be prouder.
The ramped up traffic enforcement campaign was funded by federal highway safety funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation.
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Another victim, who died from his injuries, has not yet been identified.
The Village of Tinley Park will host a Patriot Day ceremony Thursday, Sept. 11.
The race takes place Saturday, Sept. 6 on roads throughout Flossmoor neighborhoods.
The Will County Health Department has added 10 more Naloxone red boxes, saying making it more available has helped decrease overdose deaths.
