Mokena, IL|News|
Open Air Market At Mokena Church To Feature 40 Makers, Vendors
The outdoor market is set for Saturday, June 7 at Marley Community Church in Mokena.
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
Tinley Park|News|
Arrests In Man's Murder | 1 Dead After Shootout | Motorcyclist Killed
ALSO: Arrests in robbery | Man, 23, dies in crash | Burglars take tip jar | 300 teens flood street | Ale Trail Trolley back | ACT perfection
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Momence Meat Packing Plant Shuttered Abruptly, 300 Out Of Jobs
A Wisconsin-based meat producer has closed its Momence meat packing plant, effective immediately as of Monday, June 2.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
IL Woman Gets 2 Years, Must Pay Back $350,000 In Rental Fraud Case
The woman filed paperwork claiming family members were landlords of properties to which they actually had no connection.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
300 Teens Flood Flossmoor Hills Party, Police Warn Of More
The gathering May 31 grew to 300 teens, Chief Carl Estelle said, in a public bulletin advising how best to handle similar incidents.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
250 Homes Participating In Oak Forest Citywide Garage Sale
The bargain-hunting adventure will take place on June 6–7, and offers local residents the opportunity to seek out neighborhood treasures.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley's Ale Trail Trolley Rolls Again For Summer Season
The popular trolley ride returns for the summer Wednesday, June 4, and runs weekly.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest Murder Linked To Drugs: Prosecutors
Drugs were found in a secret room in the home, and two men are now charged in the 54-year-old's death.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Man Loses $20K After Caller Claims To Be His Child In Distress: NLPD
The incident took place May 27.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
2nd Man Charged In Oak Forest Homicide: Police
A second Chicago man has been charged in connection with the murder of an Elburn man found dead inside an Oak Forest home May 23.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
120 Seat Belt Citations Issued In Flossmoor PD's Memorial Day Push
The Flossmoor Police Department last week released the results of its Memorial Day "Click It Or Ticket" campaign.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Fire District Awarded $32K Grant For Additional Safety Gear
A $32,000 grant from Earthrise Energy will fund the purchase of gear designed to reduce cancer risks to firefighters.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Man, 23, Killed In Early Morning Crash: Coroner
A Romeoville man died following a crash at 159th and Harlem Avenue early Saturday, the Will County Coroner’s Office said Sunday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
2 Lincoln-Way West Juniors Ace ACT College Entrance Exam
Manhattan's Ethan Ferrucci and New Lenox's Ben Doggett are among 10 Lincoln-Way District 210 students with perfect scores this April.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
3 Charged In Christmas Day Armed Robbery At Oak Forest 7-Eleven: PD
The men allegedly conducted similar armed robberies in neighboring communities, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Reward In Baby's Murder | Man Found Slain | Fire Destroys Home
ALSO: 2 charged after trooper hit | Gaelic Park needs a queen | Pope to speak to Sox fans | Mental health fair | Man tries to scam McD's
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Community Rallies For Beloved Farm Family After House Fire
A beloved member of the team at Forest View Farms, and his family, lost everything in a house fire Wednesday evening in Tinley Park.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood-Flossmoor Pride Fest Set To Celebrate Diversity, Inclusion
The third annual Pride Fest is set for Friday, June 20.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Mokena Teen, Lincoln-Way Junior Nails Perfect Score On ACT
Hailey Coennen excels in math—and even got every math question on the exam correct.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
'Time To Come Home': Mokena's 'Dock' In Final Push Before Opening
Progress continues on The Dock On Front Street. Owner Rick Trafton says they're getting closer, and he can't wait.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
