Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Man, 30, Arrested In Hazel Crest Gas Station Shooting: Police
A Riverdale man has been charged in the Jan. 16 shooting outside a Citgo in Hazel Crest, police said Wednesday.
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|
Applications Open For Scholarship In Honor Of Late Tinley Commissioner
Applications for the Reta Brudd Scholarship program are due by March 1.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
No Injuries In 2 Apartment Fires In Same Weekend: Orland Fire
One fire happened Saturday, with another Sunday. All residents are safe, though displaced.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Man, 30, Arrested In Brutal 2020 Slaying Of Harvey Woman, 22
A 30-year-old Central Illinois man has been charged in the murder of Vanessa Ceja Ramirez, who went missing on a walk at Midlothian Meadows.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Girl Scouts' Volunteerism Benefits Cancer Center, Project Kennedy
Local Girl Scout troops partnered with Homewood's Cancer Support for their MLK Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 20.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor Veterans' Memorial Trivia Night Fundraiser Set For March 14
Organizers hope to raise $5,000 at the March 14 trivia event, to be held at Flossmoor Community House.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Judge Tosses Charges Against Retired Orland Police Sergeant
Retired Sgt. Ken Kovac faced charges centering around spoof Facebook accounts used to "poke fun" at the deputy chief.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Free Classical Music Concert To Benefit Flossmoor Nonprofit
Free Jan. 19 concert is intended to inspire donations to Flossmoor-based Center for Food Equity in Medicine.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
3 In Custody After Woman Attacked, Shot At Hazel Crest Gas Station
The incident happened Thursday around 3 p.m. at a Citgo gas station at 175th Street and Kedzie Avenue.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Volunteers Sought For Wreath Cleanup At Abraham Lincoln Cemetery
The wreaths were placed at veterans' grave sites in December, in Wreaths Across America.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Nonprofit To Treat 2 Special Needs Moms For Valentine's Day
Jeanine Kozlowski, of Advocates for Acceptance, is holding a Valentine's Day giveaway, with prizes to spoil two local special needs moms.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
$27 Million Federal Grant To Build New Lenox Rail Overpass: County
The project will replace an at-grade rail crossing on Gougar Road with an overpass. It's the largest transportation grant in county history.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Abducted Girl Found | Dog Rescue Needs Help | Online Sleuths Find Car
ALSO: Indie pet store to close | Jury duty scam ongoing | Biz to open, 'now fun starts' | Date steals man's wallet | Nonprofit honored
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox North & Maple Opening Set: 'Now The Fun Starts,' Owner Says
North & Maple Kitchen + Bar is set to open in the shuttered Bulldog Ale House. Owner and staff have been preparing with multiple test runs.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Dog Rescue Seeks Public's Support To Finish Its New Orland Park Home
Sarah Montgomery of Fido's Landing said the funds are needed to complete work on their leased space, so they can move in and help more dogs.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley's Indie Pet Store To Close, Owner Grateful To Have Lived Dream
Amanda Daly of The Barketplace in downtown Tinley has announced the shop's last day in business.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Sheriff Warns Of Ongoing Jury Duty Arrest Warrant Scam In Will County
The scammers use texts, phone calls, emails, and even snail mail to try to lure people into taking the bait.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood Rolls Out 2025 Events Calendar, Favorites Going Strong
The Village of Homewood has more than a dozen events planned for the community throughout 2025.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Fire Destroys Home | Arrestees Sue Sheriff | Charges In 2023 Robbery
ALSO: Chris Stapleton coming | Fire trustee killed in crash | Indictment in fiery crash | Gym for addicts in brother's memory | Deer freed
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Services Set For Beloved Manhattan Fire Trustee Killed In Crash
William "Bill" Osborne died in a single-vehicle crash Saturday, Jan. 11.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
