New Lenox, IL|News|
Arrestee's Family Loses $1,700 In Will County Jail Scam
Two men called the arrestee's family and asked for more than $2,000 to "keep him out of general population" at the Will County Jail.
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
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park Man, 80, Suffered Medical Emergency Prior To Crash: Police
The crash happened Sunday evening in the 20700 block of LaGrange Road. The Orland man died following the crash.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
1 Dead, 1 In Critical Condition After Being Found Shot In Car: Will County Sheriff
Two people were found with gunshot wounds inside a car in Crete Township Tuesday night.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Crash Kills Man, 80 | Pistol-Whipped In Robbery Attempt | Charges In Shooting | Till's Legacy Lives On
ALSO: Man in crisis found safe | Teachers to strike | Walmart worker's secret price switches | OL fall music fest | Teen center up for award
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
'The Community Saved Gaston's': Orland Bistro Owner Grateful For Support That Kept Doors Open
When Yaser Elkayyal needed them, the customers showed up. The support helped save his beloved business of 22 years.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Walmart Employee, 65, Secretly Marked Down Prices, Bought Stuff For Cheaper: NLPD
A Mokena man and Walmart employee is alleged to have price-switched items for several months before being taken into custody.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park Teen Center In Running For 'True Inspiration' Award, Thousands In Grant Money
Voting runs through Sept. 30. The award from Chick-Fil-A could mean a big funding boost for The Bridge Teen Center.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Employee Pistol-Whipped In Attempted Armed Robbery At AT&T Store: NLPD
The attempted armed robbery took place Monday evening, according to police reports.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Markham Man, 30, Charged In Chicago Heights Shooting That Killed 1, Injured 4
The shooting happened Aug. 30 in the 400 block of West 14th Street.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Restaurant Week 2025: 26 Spots Participating
Check out the offerings and deals from businesses participating in New Lenox Restaurant Week 2025.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Date Set For Orland Park Lions Club Annual Pancake Breakfast
The pancake breakfast has welcomed more than 300 attendees in its first two years, and is a major fundraiser for the organization.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park Man, 80, Killed In Frankfort Crash: Coroner
The crash happened Sunday, Aug. 31 on LaGrange Road, the Will County Coroner's Office said Tuesday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Man In Mental Health Crisis Found Safe: Tinley Police
The man called 911 and reported that he was in mental distress. Police from several agencies were searching for him in a forest preserve.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Accused Killer Gets New Trial | Neighbors Rally For Family After Fire | Kayak Thief Nabbed
ALSO: Emergency at mall | Thousands of lbs. in pet food donated | Emmett Till remembered | Teachers to strike? | White pelicans in Will Co.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Mental Health Crisis Prompts Large Police, Fire Presence At Orland Mall
A man was taken from the scene in an ambulance, police told Patch.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Art, Culinary Creations, Fall Vibes In Store At Flurry Artisan Market
The Aug. 31 event at Hailstorm Brewery offers a sip-and-shop adventure featuring local artists and makers.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Thousands Of Pounds Of Pet Food Donated To Mokena's NAWS
Plainfield-based TR Miller Heating, Cooling and Plumbing ran a food drive, donating 10 pounds of food for every $89 A/C tune-up.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood's Fall Fest Heats Up With Chili, Artisan Goods, Live Music And Family Fun
The town favorite returns Saturday, Oct. 11 to Martin Avenue and Kroner Road.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor School District 161 Celebrates Staff Service Milestones
The district celebrated staff achieving tenure and service of 10, 20, and 25 years.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Comics, Games & Cosplay Market Back At Tinley Brewery For Pop Culture Celebration
The market is set for Saturday, Aug. 30 at Soundgrowler Brewing in Tinley Park.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
