Manhattan, IL|News|
Rabid Bat Found In Monee, County Reminds Of Rabies Risk
The Will County Health Department is reminding residents to be vigilant of potential rabies exposure.
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
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Dolton Man, 26, Found Fatally Shot In Park Forest: Police
The man was found shot Thursday morning, Park Forest police said Thursday evening.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Mokena's First-Ever Front Street Fest Set To Rock Downtown
The three-day fest with live music and food kicks off the evening of Friday, May 16, continuing through the evening of Sunday, May 18.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Chamber's Bag Crawl Back On Oak Park Avenue
The Tinley Bag Crawl invites cornhole fans to play at stops in downtown Tinley for a chance at cash and prizes on Sunday, May 18.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Gunned Down At Gas Station | Baby Hurt In DUI | Beloved Butcher Closes
ALSO: Charges in shooting | Scams target elderly | Town's farmers market back | The Patio coming to New Lenox | Pet Market | Tractor cruise
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Police Ramp Up Seat Belt Patrols For Memorial Day Stretch
The enforcement push runs May 16–27, as part of the national Click It or Ticket campaign.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Registration Open Now For Oak Forest Citywide Garage Sale
Sign up in advance to be added to the master list of homes participating in the June 6–7 event.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
2025 Vintage Tractor Drive Ready To Roll In Will County
The Vintage Tractor Drive is set for Saturday, June 7. The event offers a scenic 40-mile drive through Will County countryside.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Mokena Teen Named Marist HS Class Of 2025 Salutatorian
Nathen Toth capped an impressive high school career with being named among the top 2 in his class. He's on to MIT next.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Jr. High Scholastic Bowl Team Finishes As State Runner-up
The team's only post-season loss came in the State finals.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Teen Marks Family's 3rd Generation Of Female Valedictorians
Celia Lindokken is graduating from Marist High School with the hard-earned honor, the school said. She follows in her matriarchs' footsteps.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Pet Market Returns To Tinley Park Brewery, 40 Vendors Lined Up
The Pet Market artisan event is back in Tinley Park Saturday, May 17. Forty vendors are lined up.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Barbecue, Burger Spot 'The Patio' Is Coming To New Lenox: Mayor
The chain is building an 8,000-9,000 sq. ft. restaurant in New Lenox, Mayor Tim Baldermann confirmed Tuesday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Farmers Market Returns With More Than 2 Dozen Vendors
The New Lenox Farmers Market kicks off Thursday, May 15.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Staple Randy's Meat Market And Deli Will Close, Owners Confirm
The Orland Park business reopened in 2014 after closing in 2011.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Motorcyclist Killed | Child Sex Abuse Sting | 50 Years For Kidnappings
ALSO: Driver in fiery crash cited | Man found with underage girl | 3 extricated after crash | Family honors son's memory | New owner for bar
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Child Sex Abuse Charges For Lansing Man Found With Underage Girl: PD
The man, 27, faces several felony counts of child sex abuse and molestation, police in an Indiana town said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Village Board Brings Back Former Village Manager
Amid pleas to table the vote, Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge and trustees on Monday voted to re-seat George Koczwara as Village Manager.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Cop On A Rooftop Back In New Lenox
Cops will be atop the Rte. 30 Dunkin location on May 16 to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Cop On A Rooftop Back At Tinley Park Dunkin Locations
Cops will be atop Dunkin locations in Tinley Park May 16 to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
