Orland Park, IL|News|
Village Wants Restraining Order Against Ex-Mayor Pekau To Be Permanent
The lawsuit was filed after the village says Pekau published confidential information, violated privacy laws.
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
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
'Indeed A Superhero': Rookie Park Forest Cop Shot In Line Of Duty 9 Years Ago Dies At 34
A cop whose remarkable recovery after being shot multiple times in 2016 inspired thousands died Wednesday, the department said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
'Just A Fun Ride': Oak Forest HS Reflects On Football Team's Remarkable Season
"Kudos to our kids," the coach said of the Bengals' loss to the Celtics. "They fought as hard as they could until the end."
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Mokena Man, 39, In Barricade Call Charged With Domestic Battery, Inoperable Rifle Found At Scene: Sheriff
The incident unfolded in the early morning hours Wednesday, the Will County Sheriff's Office said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Contractor Charged With Home Repair Fraud, Theft By Deception
Aaron McMann, of Chi-Line Construction, is named in a criminal complaint filed Dec. 2 in Will County court.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
3rd Annual Southwest Job Fair Set To Connect Job Seekers, Employers
The Southwest Job Fair will be held Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 at the Tinley Park Convention Center. Save the date.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Woman And Children Flee, Man Surrenders After Barricade Situation At Mokena Home: Sheriff
The barricade situation unfolded as sheriff's deputies responded to a domestic call at 187th and Marjorie Parkway.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Settles Lawsuit With Unjustly Fired Cop For $550K, Sergeant Reinstated
The suit alleged that the sergeant was fired in February 2024 in retaliation after he filed a complaint against police leadership.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Nighttime Yuletide Bazaar To Feature 3 Dozen Artists At Tinley Park Brewery
The bazaar comes to Soundgrowler Brewing Saturday, Dec. 6, featuring artists, makers, bakers, sculptors, designers, and specialty vendors.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Search For Man Missing After Crash | Man Hit, Dragged By Van | Missing Woman Found Dead | 1st Cold Death
ALSO: Emergency alert system hacked | Blighted property back on market | Images in teen's shooting death released | Holiday fun
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Missing Woman, 65, Found Dead At Rail Yard: Police
The woman had been missing nearly three weeks, Country Club Hills Police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Set To Sparkle In Christmas In The Commons 2025
Christmas in the Commons kicks off Saturday, Dec. 6 and is scheduled for every Saturday and Sunday leading up to Christmas.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Tickets Remain For L-W Business Women's Org's Christmas Auction To Fund Scholarships
The fundraiser will be held Wednesday, Dec. 3 at the New Lenox VFW.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Downtown Tinley Park, Harmony Square Set To Sparkle In Holiday Happenings 2025
Tinley Park's Holiday Happenings are set to begin Saturday, Dec. 6 with events planned through Sunday, Dec. 7.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Zero Crash Calls During Snowstorm, Manhattan Police Chief Says
A massive winter storm walloped the Chicagoland area Saturday, Nov. 29, causing chaos and crashes on streets—not in Manhattan.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
IL Residents Without REAL ID To Face New Fee
If you've been holding out on getting a REAL ID, it might cost you soon. Starting in February, the TSA will charge those without one a fee.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Longtime Leader Of Oak Forest EMA Remembered For Service, Dedication To Crisis Management: City
Bob Small was appointed head of the Emergency Services and Disaster Agency shortly after its formation in the 1970s, the City said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland's Emergency Alert System Hacked, Personal Info Could Be Leaked: Village
The Village warned residents of the security breach Monday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Masked Man, 26, Stole Dozens Of Boxes Of Medication From 2 New Lenox Pharmacies: NLPD
Two men were implicated in theft; one was taken into custody. The other fled the scene, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Where Are Plows, Where Are They Heading Next? Track Orland Park Snowplows
Find out where snowplows are in real time using the Village's snowplow tracker.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
