New Lenox, IL|News|
Turning Point USA Affiliate Club OK'd At Lincoln-Way West Despite Claims Of 'Stalled' Process
School and Lincoln-Way District 210 officials say the process was fair and the same as any other club.
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
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Ross Employee Targeted In Bitcoin Scam, Feared For Others' Jobs: New Lenox PD
An employee at Ross Dress For Less was told if they didn't comply with a caller's demands, other workers' jobs were in jeopardy.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
'Distressed Individual' Made Bomb Threat To Silver Cross Hospital, Deemed Not Credible: NLPD
New Lenox police have given the all-clear Monday evening after a bomb threat was made to Silver Cross Hospital.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Man Builds Massive Snowman To Beat Boredom During Storm
Kyle Zdych was bored, and turned to a cherished childhood snowy day (or night) activity.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Mokena DUI Driver Was 2 Times Over Limit When He Hit Several Trees, Trapped Passenger In Car: Court Docs
A New Lenox man told police he lost control of his car near Schoolhouse and Francis roads Thursday. His passenger had to be extricated.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor Police Ramp Up Patrols For Impaired Driving, Seat Belt Enforcement For Holiday Stretch
The traffic safety enforcement campaigns run Dec. 12 through Jan. 5.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Highly Contagious Norovirus Spreading Rapidly In IL: What To Know
Nicknamed "winter vomiting disease," it has sparked warnings from health experts ahead of the holidays.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Ravisloe Country Club To Celebrate 125th Anniversary: Staff Seeks Past Members, Caddies, Memories
Ravisloe Country will mark 125 years in 2026.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
'Up To The Challenge': Oak Forest Culver's Owner Proud To Be In Top 5 Again
The Bremen D228 grad is excited for his team, selected among the top 5 of 1,000 Culver's locations in the country, and vying for $100K.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Man Tried To Flush Newborn After Mom Gave Birth In Toilet: Will County Sheriff
A baby girl found buried in a Wilmington yard Friday was placed inside a beer box, the sheriff's office said. Two people have been charged.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
'Built On Big Dreams': Friends Bring Indoor Golf, Sports Simulators To New Lenox At 'Country Club Social'
The family-friendly Country Club Social is set to open soon. It features multi-sport simulators, ping pong, and darts.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Baby Was Buried Inside Beer Box In Shallow Grave In Wilmington, Man And Woman In Custody: Sheriff
A makeshift headstone marked the spot where the infant's remains were located, according to police.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Keating Announces Campaign For U.S. Congress In Illinois’ 2nd District
Patrick Keating publicly announced on Thursday that he will among 10 vying for the Democratic nomination in the March 2026 primary.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park Police Warn Of 'Major Uptick' In Check Washing Incidents
Tinley Park police issued a warning to residents last week.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
60 Citations Issued In Flossmoor PD's Thanksgiving Traffic Safety Enforcement Push
The Click It or Ticket and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaigns were part of a statewide effort and were funded by a federal grant.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
'He Was The Epitome Of What We Look For' In Officers: Park Forest Mourns Rookie Cop Shot On Duty
Tim Jones was shot multiple times in 2016, leaving him paralyzed. He died Dec. 3 at 34 years old.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
130 Citations Issued In Orland PD's Thanksgiving Traffic Enforcement Push
The Click It or Ticket and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaigns were part of a statewide effort and were funded by a federal grant.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Ho Ho Holiday Trolley Bar Crawl Returns To Orland Park For Festive Fun
The Dec. 13 bar crawl hits six local establishments, celebrating the holidays and promoting local businesses.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Woman Hit, Killed By Bus | 'Superhero' Cop Dies | $550K Payout For Fired Cop | Search For Man Ongoing
ALSO: Barricade arrest | Contractor charged with fraud | 'Just a fun ride' for football team, fans | Honor Flight memories | Yuletide bazaar
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
H-F Organization Collecting Dollar Tree Meal Kits, Food Items For Families In Need
Action for a Better Tomorrow is partnering with Homewood and Flossmoor schools on the collection effort running now through Dec. 16.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
