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.
Dave Portnoy's review on Pizza di Farfalla is out. The score thrills those behind it. "Makes it all worth it," the owner's wife said.
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The new owners took over in March after the previous owner's retirement. They also own a location in Lemont, with a third in progress.
The shooting happened on I-57 southbound near Monee Wednesday afternoon, state police said. No one was injured.
Dates to help are in July–September, with varying options of physical exertion. Age restrictions for some activities. Space is limited.
Nicholas Klepac, 26 was last spoken to on June 21. He was reported missing on June 25, police said. He was found Friday.
Ares Roper, 42, died suddenly last weekend. The Tinley Park athletics community is rallying around his family.
The traffic safety campaign runs from June 20–July 7.
The third show in New Lenox's summer series, Rick Springfield and the I Want My 80s Tour take the stage in New Lenox Friday, June 27.
Sentencing for Kevin Johnson, found guilty in March in the 2020 shooting death of New Lenox's Charlie Baird, has been pushed twice.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around New Lenox.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Mokena.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Oak Forest.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Tinley Park.
Your guide to fireworks, parades and other July 4 celebrations in and around Orland Park.
The "Coffee with the Commissioner" event is set for Wednesday, June 25 at Krispy Kreme in Homewood.
ALSO: Child porn arrest | Fugitive found, extradited | Woman hands over $39K | "No War" rally | Ice cream spot reopens | Free CBD dog treats
SunKissed Greenz in Mokena will hand out one free CBD dog treat per dog per customer on June 27 and 28.
Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports and One Bite pizza reviews stopped at Pizza di Farfalla in New Lenox last week. It's been a game changer.
A caller told a local woman to put $39,000 in cash in an envelope and hand it to a courier. She did. The scammer was caught and arrested.
