Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood Citizens Civics Academy Back For Spring Session
Applications for the six-week course are open now, until March 28.
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
Orland Park, IL|News|
'Young Man With An Old Soul': Community Mourns Fire Trustee's Son, 17
Angela Greenfield's son Matthew left a lasting impact on all who knew him. The teen entrepreneur and Sandburg HS junior died Jan. 25.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Chickens And Sheep Trapped, Killed In Manhattan Barn Fire: Chief
The barn fire happened early Friday morning, officials said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
2 Dead In Crash | 2 Shot At Cemetery | 2 Fatal Crashes Within Hours
ALSO: Car crashes into restaurant | Blood needed | Help for fire victims | Car stolen, man charged | BBQ spot opening | Brew & Vine tickets
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Procession Set For Former Tinley Fire Official, Road Closure Planned
Services for Doug Erwin, 52, of Manhattan, will be held Friday and Saturday. Congestion is expected along Oak Park Avenue.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Brats To Sizzle At Orland Grassland Brush Burn, Cleanup Event
The seasonal brush cleanup event will be held Saturday, Feb. 15. Volunteers are treated to brats, potatoes, and this time—chocolate.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
GiGi's Playhouse Chosen To Lead Oak Forest Fleadh Parade
The Tinley Park-based nonprofit is a local chapter of a national network of Down syndrome support and education centers.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Man Falls Asleep, Crashes Car Into New Lenox Breakfast Spot: NLPD
The crash happened Wednesday evening at Country Charm, police said. A Mokena man allegedly fell asleep behind the wheel.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
2 Fatal Crashes Within Hours On I-57: Illinois State Police
One crash happened late Wednesday night, the other early Thursday morning, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan's Arrowhead Smoke Works Opening Date Set
Mike Bacon is ready to open the door of his barbecue spot Arrowhead Smoke Works.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Village, Fire Leaders Pay Homage To Longtime Mayor, Dedicated Chief
John "Jack" Fitzgerald died Jan. 27 at 85 years old. He was a devoted public servant as both mayor and fire district chief.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Spotlight Arts Collective Casts Set To Shine In 'Shrek The Musical'
Shows are set for Feb. 21–23 at Lincoln-Way West High School's auditorium in New Lenox.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor Veterans' Memorial Org. Debuts New Book On Civic Center
The book is available for a $20, tax-deductible donation to benefit the construction of a veterans' memorial.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Brew & Vine 2025 Tickets On Sale Now
The event will again be held over two days, April 11–12, at the Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
New Oak Forest Police Chief Named Ahead Of Current Chief's Retirement
The City appointed its new Chief of Police during Tuesday night's City Council meeting.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood-Flossmoor Park District Receives 'Champions For Change' Award
The award is given to an agency that has exemplary practices of increasing access and fostering diversity and inclusion.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
34 Acres Charred | Charges In Coyote Killing | Son Honors Mom's Legacy
ALSO: Arrest in gas station robbery | Opening set for Pete's | Demo at Tinley property | Daycare worker arrested | Help for fire victims
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Opening Date Set For Pete's Fresh Market In Orland Park
The company has set its grand opening date for the 65,000-square-foot store opening in the former Art Van Furniture.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Village, Community Coalition To Host DEA Agent In Drug Abuse Talk
The drug education presentation is set for Thursday, Feb. 6. in New Lenox.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest Police Chief To Retire After 3 Decades Of Service: City
Oak Forest Police Chief Jason Reid's last day will be Feb. 24, officials said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
