Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
South Holland Woman, 32, Stole $18K In Rent, Gets 2 Years In Prison
The woman also admitted to getting $41,000 in Paycheck Protection Program loans by lying about owning a business.
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|
Live Music, Food Trucks, Shopping Set For Debut 'Bites, Brews And Blues' In Orland Park
The first-ever Bites, Brews and Blues is coming to Orland Park Crossing on July 19, organized by the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Izaak Walton’s 'Seasons' Calendar Photo Contest Running For 7th Year
Entries can be submitted beginning August 15. All photos must be shot within Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
2 Killed In Crash | Missing Man Found Dead | Stolen Kitten Safe | Chop Shop Bust
ALSO: Torched car arson | 6 yrs in mail carrier attack | Woman fled fiery crash | Pizza place's rave review | Art bazaar | WNV in Will Co.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Know Before You Go: Fireworks To Fly Over McCarthy Park At Tinley July 4 Celebration
The 'works are back at McCarthy Park, with a full day of fun planned.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park Man's COVID Test Fraud Scheme Funneled $153M To Suburban Lab: Feds
The suburban man caused $233 million in fraudulent claims to be submitted, pocketing $60 million for himself, according to the indictment.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
L-W Business Women's Org Awards $42K In Scholarships To Local Women, Celebrates Recipients
The group celebrated the recipients at a dinner on June 17.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Antique Tractor, Steam Engine Show Rolls In To Manhattan Farm
The Will County Threshermen's Association annual show will be held July 17–20 at Spiess Farm.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Summer Art Bazaar Returns to Tinley Park’s Flipside Brewing, 16 Artists Lined Up
Sixteen local artists, new smash burger, and craft beer set for Sunday, July 6.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor Village Clerk Resigns, Village Seeks Applicants For Role
The deadline to apply is Monday, July 7.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Rick Springfield Brings Back The '80s For Thousands In New Lenox: Photos
Rick Springfield and the I Want My 80s tour took to the stage at New Lenox Commons Friday. Wang Chung, John Waite and Paul Young joined him.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
First Will Co. Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus: Officials
The mosquitoes were from a batch in Joliet, the Will County Health Department said Monday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Man Gets 6 Years For Robbery, Assault Of Mail Carrier In Harvey: U.S. Attorney
Malik Washington, 26, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal robbery charge.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Tax Bills Delayed, Due Date Pushed Back: Orland Township Assessor
Residents will receive their second installment tax bills later than usual, and the due dates will also be pushed, Assessor says.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
'A Big Win': Opening Date Set For Tinley Park's Harmony Square
The multi-use plaza will make its debut July 18. The BoDeans will play a free concert, and the weekend rolls on with the 2-day Block Party.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
2 Motorcyclists Killed In Glenwood Crash: Illinois State Police
The crash happened at IL-394 and Dyer Road just before 10 p.m., Illinois State Police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
First Pitch, Family Fun Set For New Lenox's Wintrust Crossroads Sports Complex Grand Opening
The community is invited to get a preview of the mega sports complex opening this weekend in New Lenox.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Woman, 31, Fled The Scene Of Fiery I-57 Rollover: Illinois State Police
The crash happened early Thursday on I-57 southbound near Kankakee. A Blue Island woman has been charged in connection.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Lineup Set For Orland Park's 2025 Centennial Park West Concert Series
Firefall, Ambrosia and Pablo Cruise will play July 12; Lynyrd Skynyrd on August 8; Trace Adkins on August 30.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood Fire Selected As First Recipient Of Community Safety Partnership Award
The department was recognized with the award on Friday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
