Oak Forest, IL|News|
Boy, 16, Fatally Shot In Targeted Attack: South Holland Police
The shooting happened in the 16000 block of Drexel Avenue Saturday night, 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|
Flossmoor National Night Out, Touch-A-Truck Set For August 5
The event will feature the Flossmoor police, fire, and public works departments partnering for community engagement.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Downtown Mokena's The Dock On Front Street Now Open
Rick and Julie Trafton can't wait to unveil what's been in the works at 11116 S. Front St. It opened Monday, Aug. 4.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
No Injuries In Saturday Morning House Fire: Orland Fire
The fire happened around 6:30 a.m. in the 15600 block of 112th Court.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
D135 Board Distances Itself From Hiring Process As Controversy Over New Administrator Continues
The District 135 board responded to the community's calls for comment, says hiring is the responsibility of the superintendent, his staff.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Indiana Woman, 70, Killed In Crash With Semi: Will County Coroner
The crash happened Tuesday morning on Wilmington-Peotone Road near Elevator Road, in Peotone Township.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox PD Goes All In For National Night Out At The Commons
The NL Police Department will host its free event Tuesday, August 5, in partnership with National Night Out.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Men, Others Lied For COVID Relief Loans, Used Money To Buy Luxury Cars, Watches: US Attorney
The Tinley Park men and three others were indicted by a federal grand jury this week.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Man, Others Lied For COVID Relief Loans, Used Money To Buy Luxury Cars, Watches: US Attorney
The Orland Park man and four others were indicted by a federal grand jury this week.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
'Pride, Reflection And Vision': Manhattan Fire Protection District Breaks Ground On New Station 81
The groundbreaking ceremony on the 21,639 sq. ft. facility was held Thursday, July 31.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Driver Pulled From Tipped Semi | Uproar Over School's Hire | Man Rescued From Pond
ALSO: EP softball advances in World Series | Liquor store robbed, again | Wrapped patrol car honors service members | DMV poll results
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
National Night Out Returns To Orland Park August 5
The event is an effort to build police-community connections and neighborhood camaraderie.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
National Night Out Returns To Tinley's Freedom Park
TInley Park Police will host National Night Out Tuesday, August 5 at Freedom Park.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest PD's National Night Out Set For August 5
The event designed to build police-community partnerships is back at Oak Forest City Hall, to be held Tuesday, August 5.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Mokena JCPenney Store Sold, Fate Uncertain: Report
The local store is one of 5 in Illinois and 119 nationwide sold. It's unclear if they will remain open under new ownership.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park JCPenney Store Sold, Fate Uncertain: Report
The local store is one of 5 in Illinois and 119 nationwide sold. It's unclear if they will remain open under new ownership.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
'Very Humbled': Orland PD Officer Returning From Service Surprised With Wrapped Patrol Car
The department designed the car to honor Officer Jordan Legris for his service in the Illinois Army National Guard.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Controversy Over New Hire Prompts Demands For Orland District Officials To Resign, Reinstate Former Staffers
While a social media post by the new hire inflamed some parents, others blasted the removal of previous school leaders within District 135.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Driver Pulled From Semi Hauling Leaking Propane Tank: Manhattan Fire
The incident has closed another portion of Wilmington-Peotone Road Tuesday afternoon.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Poll Results: Readers React To Township's Vote To Close Orland DMV
Patch asked for readers' feedback via an informal online poll. Here are the results.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
