Oak Forest, IL|News|
Original Hog Wild In Midlothian To Close After Losing Lease: Owner
Bryan Pikorz said the owner of the building wants to do something different with the space, and will not renew their lease.
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
Manhattan, IL|News|
Lottery Scratch-off Kiosk Stolen From Peotone Travel Center: Police
The theft happened Saturday, Jan. 4 just before 4:30 a.m., police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Expanded Vendor Opportunities Offered At Cook County Forest Preserves
Permit applications open to allow local vendors to enhance visitors’ experiences. Food trucks, fitness classes, and more welcome.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Dead Child's Parents Freed | 'You're Next' Knife Threat | Ballot Drama
ALSO: 'Book Bar' opening in Mokena | Gun bust | NYE battery at KFC | 'Mama is dead,' son tells 911 | Portillo's opens | Prom dresses needed
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Mokena's New 'Book Bar' A Toast To Owners’ Talents, Passions
Melissa Lathus and Tea Casey are thrilled to bring their mix of bookstore, coffee shop and bar all in one space to Mokena.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park Portillo's Pick Up Ribbon Cutting, Grand Opening Set
The location is at 20 Orland Square Dr. The pick-up only spot is the third of its kind in Illinois.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Woman Threw Food At, Shoved KFC Worker In NYE Battery: New Lenox PD
The incident happened around 5:15 p.m. on Dec. 31, police said. The woman was angry her order was missing something.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Community Blood Drive Set For Jan. 30
The blood drive will be held at Village Hall Thursday, Jan. 30 from 2 to 7 p.m.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Challengers Win Appeal, Judge Orders Names Kept On Ballot
A Cook County Judge on Friday reversed a call by a Tinley Park Electoral Board that removed challengers' names from the ballot.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
'You're Next,' Manhattan Man Threatened Victim With Knife: NLPD
The incident happened Jan. 4 on Andrea Drive.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Where Are Snowplows Near Me? Track Orland Park Plows
Find out where snowplows are in real time using the Village's snowplow tracker.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
'Mama Is Dead On The Ground': Slain Woman's Son, 9, Called 911
The 9-year-old son of Sabrina McCain was in his room when his mother was fatally shot at close range, prosecutors said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Jack In the Box To Open In Shuttered New Lenox Arby's: Mayor
Mayor Tim Baldermann on Friday confirmed that Jack in the Box will open in the former Arby's.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Arrest In Women's Slayings | Trooper's Sendoff | New Year's Babes
ALSO: Run/walk in memory of trooper | Fugitive on the lam | Countdown to Fleadh | Re-gift for a cause | PD hiring | Debate team dominates
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Family Of Slain Park Forest Women Raising Funds For Funerals
Tianna McCain is asking for the public's help to fund the funerals of her mother and sister.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Minooka Couple Welcome Silver Cross Hospital's 1st Baby Of 2025
Hazel Josephine was born at 1:52 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1. to Lindsay and Kyle Vonderheide.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
L-W Business Women's Org Auction A Hit, Raises $51K
The event had 230 attendees and generated $51,000 toward scholarships for young women in New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, and Manhattan.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Final Procession Route Set For Fallen Trooper Clay Carns
The funeral for Carns is Friday, Jan. 3 at Parkview Christian Church. The public is asked to line the procession route to his resting place.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor PD Hiring Entry-Level Officers
The deadline to apply is noon on Monday, March 10.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan's Most-Read Stories Of 2024: See What Made Headlines
Find out which stories captivated Manhattan Patch readers in 2024.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
