Oak Forest, IL|News|
Driver In I-57 Rollover Crash Sunday Cited For DUI: State Police
The 24-year-old Chicago man suffered serious injuries in the crash, Illinois State Police said.
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
Oak Forest, IL|News|
New Oak Forest Café A Culture-Inspired, Bright Addition To Cicero Ave.
Café de Miro is owned by Turkey natives Botan, Apo, and Fatos Alagoz. The Oak Forest café is one of several of the family's ventures.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Missing Crete Man, 18, Found Dead: Will County Sheriff
Samuel N. Green was found deceased Sunday afternoon, the Will County Sheriff's Office said Monday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Shop Owner Throws Galentine's Event To Thank Supporters
The Holly House will host a free Galentine's event Feb. 8, in appreciation of the community's support following the owner's medical event.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Tickets On Sale Now For New Lenox Lions Club Garden Party Fashion Show
The fashion show fundraiser is set for Sunday, March 30 at VFW Post 9545.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Spencer Trail Kindergarten Information Night Set
The event is for parents only, on Feb. 26 at the school.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Applications Open For Manhattan's Banner Program To Honor Veterans
The application period is Feb. 15 through April 15.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Bloom High School Celebrates Culture At Black History Jamboree
The Feb. 1 event created a vibrant space for attendees to reflect, connect, and celebrate Black history.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
2nd Arrest Made In Peotone Gas Station Burglary: Police
A second suspect in the Jan. 4 incident at the Peotone Travel Center was arrested Thursday, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Man, 18, Missing In Unincorporated Crete: Will County Sheriff
Samuel Green was last seen the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 5. Searches for him have been unsuccessful.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Crestwood Man Arrested After Stealing Cheerleading Coach's Bag: OFPD
The theft happened Jan. 19 at Oak Forest High School, police said. An arrest was made on Feb. 5.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
2nd Arrest Made In New Lenox Gas Station Robbery: Police
A second suspect in the Jan. 10 robbery and burglary at the Food N’ Fuel in New Lenox was arrested Thursday, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
2nd Man Dies After Crash | Cop's Firing Unjust | $27K Lost In Scam
PLUS: Child sex assault | Fugitive's extradition update | New Queen of Hearts coming | Gala tickets available | Scholarship in teen's memory
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Deadline Nears For Scholarship In Memory Of Manhattan Teen
Jackson Lewis was 15 when he took his own life in June 2020. His parents and a close friend continue to honor his memory.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Groundbreaking Set For Watermain Extension, Water Treatment Plant
Manhattan officials are ready to begin a watermain extension and rehab of Well No. 7 into a state-of-the-art water treatment facility.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Local Police, Will County Sheriff Lead Citizens Police Academy 2025
Frankfort, New Lenox, Mokena, and Manhattan police are teaming up with the Will County Sheriff's Department in the 10-session course.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Queen Of Hearts Coming To Local Bar, Will Benefit Together We Cope
Marcotte's Bar and Grill in Oak Forest will host the popular game, with tickets on sale beginning Feb. 20.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Slates Firmed Up For Manhattan Election, Campaigns Get Rolling
Mayor Mike Adrieansen and sitting trustee Dave Beemsterboer will face off in April. The board will see new faces, whichever slate wins.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Orland Township To Help Residents Claim Property Tax Savings
The program assists residents in claiming property tax savings available from previous years, the Township said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tickets Still Available For Crisis Center's Gala Fundraiser
The "Sweet Home Chicago" event is set for Feb. 22 at The Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
