Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park Woman, 54, Embezzled $615K From Former Employer: U.S. Attorney
The woman directed the money into her personal bank account, and used it for rent, utility bills, clothes, furniture and more.
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|
Meth Lab Sickens 8 | 21 Years For Crash That Killed Siblings | Team Makes History: 'Go Get Another Win'
PLUS: Teen's perfect score | Alderman dies | Pierogi sale | K9 cop's body armor | Turkey Trot signup | Free microchipping | Signing Day
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest 'Church Ladies' Ready With Your Pierogi For Thanksgiving, Christmas Dinners
No pre-orders! It's first come, first served on sale dates in November.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Parade Of Lights, Tree Lighting To Kick Off Holiday Season In Mokena
The parade steps off at 5 p.m. Saturday. Don't miss food trucks before and after, and visit local businesses for other holiday fun.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox PD K9 Officer Receives Donated Body Armor
The bullet- and stab-protective vest was donated by nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
H-F Park District Receives Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency Award
The recognition "affirms our commitment to upholding the highest standards" in its operations, the park district said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Fire District Appoints New Head Of Emergency Dispatch Center
Des Breese assumes the role. The center fielded 51,000 fire and EMS incidents, and more than 125,844 calls in 2024.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
History Made: Oak Forest HS Football Advances To Semifinals For First Time Since 2008
The team's 12-1 season brings them to a semifinal showdown with Providence Catholic High School on Saturday, Nov. 22.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Village Of Homewood Launches 'Unwrap Homewood' Holiday Shopping Campaign
The campaign encourages residents to explore Homewood’s variety of boutiques, specialty shops and services for holiday shopping.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Heather Hill Elementary Raises $650 Through 2nd Annual Think Pink Day And Penny War
The schoolwide effort supported The Cancer Support Center of Homewood and Project Kennedy.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Hires Joliet's PR Director As Next Village Administrator
Rosemaria DiBenedetto has been named Manhattan's Village Administrator. She'll leave her role with the City of Joliet, the mayor said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland To Welcome Holiday Season With Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting
The Winter WondORLAND festivities take place Sunday, Nov. 30, and include a Christmas parade, tree lighting, and more.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Free Microchipping For Pets In Will County's 'Home For The Holidays'
Will County Animal Protection Services is offering free microchipping with proof of residency Nov. 17 through Dec. 31.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Girl Groped At Gas Station | Car Slams Into House | Woman Still Missing | Chest-Bumped Over Pizza
ALSO: Who has $200K ticket? | $235K lost | Arrest after loud party | Fall arts & crafts show | Restaurant closing | Fire district toy drive
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor PD Ramps Up Patrols For Seat Belt Use, Impaired Driving For Thanksgiving Stretch
The "Click It Or Ticket" and "Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over" campaign runs Nov. 21 through Dec. 2.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Lions Club Christmas Tree Lot Officially Open For Season
The organization's sale is its largest fundraiser, featuring trees, wreaths and wood crafts, and opens for the season Wednesday, Nov. 26.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park PD Hiring More Officers, Applications Open Soon
Applications open Dec. 6. Due by Jan. 19, 2026.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood Fire Department To Install Smoke Detectors For Seniors For Free
The Be Alarmed! program will distribute up to two, free 10-year concealed battery smoke alarms to Homewood residents who are 60 and older.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor Veterans’ Memorial Aims To Raise $5K On Giving Tuesday, Debuts Historic Insulators For Sale
Giving Tuesday is Dec. 2. The org will sell 50 telegraph pole insulators, etched with the FVM logo and packaged in a keepsake box.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Man Loses $235K In Crypto Investment Fraud: Police
"Brittney" convinced the victim to invest in a website; he did, then was locked out. He got back in and found it emptied, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
