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.
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Slate Parents For District 145 Change won several spots on the Arbor District 145 Board of Education. Two incumbents will also stay.
James Hortsman was elected the next mayor of Oak Forest on April 1. He's grateful to voters and ready to get started.
Opening date is not confirmed yet, but the owner is hiring 100 staff members in preparation.
Aji Sushi has been in the works for several months, with some unanticipated delays. With final inspections passed, they're ready to open.
Jim Dodge and his Orland Park For All slate swept their respective races. Now they're readying for the work ahead.
Several Orland Fire Protection trustee seats were up for contention in the April 1 consolidated election.
Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen faced challenger Dave Beemsterboer in the April 1 consolidated election.
Incumbent Mayor Frank Fleischer sought to retain his seat against challenger and sitting trustee George Metanias.
With longtime Mayor Hank Kuspa out, three sought to take his seat. James Hortsman appears to have gotten the win.
With all precincts reporting, it appears Michael Glotz has secured another term as Tinley Park mayor.
"I am deeply grateful for your trust and overwhelming support," Jim Dodge of Orland Park For All said Tuesday night.
The blood drive is set for Saturday, April 26.
The family of Orland Park man and fallen trooper Clay Carns has issued a note of gratitude to the community and supporters.
Natalie Docherty has debuted her first book, and is already at work on the next.
Rumors of department consolidation have fueled a fiery race for Orland Fire Protection District board seats.
Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen faces challenger Dave Beemsterboer in the April 1 consolidated election.
Incumbent Mayor Frank Fleischer seeks to retain his seat against challenger and sitting trustee George Metanias.
Donald Guisinger, James Hortsman, and Ken Keeler all want a chance to be the first new mayor of Oak Forest in nearly 20 years.
Incumbent Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz fights to keep his seat in the April 1 consolidated election.
