Tinley Park|News|
Holiday Specials Set For Tinley Park's 'Jolly Trolley'
The free trolley visiting Tinley Park spots rolls Dec. 11 and 18. Participating spots have specials set for holiday revelers.
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|
Free Microchipping For Will County Pets In 'Home For The Holidays'
Will County Animal Protection Services is offering microchipping services for Will County pets, free of charge for the month of December.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
35 Years For Sex Crimes | Expressway Homicides Solved | Ballot Drama
ALSO: Sisters' hot cocoa stand | Support for fire victims | Patch Tour O' Lights | Holiday bazaar in Tinley | Local Culver's in top 5
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Beers, Burgers And A Holiday Bazaar Back At Tinley's Flipside Brewing
The artisan market will feature a dozen artists and vendors at the brewery on Sunday, Dec. 15.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood Sisters' Hot Cocoa Stand A Sweet Tradition In Its 21st Year
Sisters Mara and Kayla Winfrey have grown up, but have not outgrown a sweet idea of a hot chocolate stand to benefit charity.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Township Supervisor And Slate File For April 2025 Election
Supervisor Paul O'Grady and his Orland Township Together slate filed Monday, Dec. 9.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Jim Dodge Will Remain On Orland Ballot After Objection Withdrawn
Dodge will remain in place to challenge incumbent Mayor Keith Pekau on April 1, 2025.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan's Warrior Wyatt, 5, To Lead Christmas Parade, Light Tree
Wyatt Blevins was diagnosed with leukemia before he was 2. He just turned 5, and he's now one year treatment-free. Time to celebrate.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Township Assessor's Office Open For Property Tax Appeals
Orland Township is open for appeals to the Cook County Board of Review until Dec. 17.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest Culver's Named Among Top 5 In Country, Competing For $50K
Culver's Crew Challenge competition recognizes the best of nationwide chain’s 1,000 locations.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Family's Loss, Grief Inspire Nonprofit For Others Like Them
A fundraiser for "Siblings Among The Clouds" is set for Sunday, Dec. 8 and Monday, Dec. 9 at Grounded Coffee Bar in New Lenox.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park Christmas-Themed Shop To Host Holiday Pop-Up
Chicago Cubs singer John Vincent will perform at the event, which will spotlight the work of local artists and creators.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Fire Kills 15 Cats | Cemetery Deer Lives On | Horses As Bell Ringers
PLUS: Mission Meals helps 170 | Yuletide Bazaar | Xbox stolen in sale gone awry | Coffee shop to open | 130 citations | Tax refund apps
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Nearly 130 Citations Issued In Thanksgiving Push: Orland PD
Orland Park police ramped up traffic safety patrols from Nov. 22–Dec. 2.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan's Peaceful Grounds Coffee Company Set To Open
The mother-daughter, stepfather and brother team behind Peaceful Grounds Coffee will celebrate its soft opening on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Nighttime Yuletide Bazaar Artisan Market Coming To Tinley Brewery
The market is set for 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Soundgrowler Brewing.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Horses To Star As Salvation Army 'Bell Ringers' At New Lenox Walmart
Horses will be outside the New Lenox Walmart Saturday, Dec. 7.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Mokena 'Mission Meals' Fills More Than 170 Plates Of Those In Need
The Dec. 3 dinner was catered by EggCetera Café, and is an effort to combat food insecurity in Will County.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Know Before You Go: Manhattan Set To Shine In Christmas On State
Manhattan holiday festivities start with Round Barn Farm's Winter Fest Dec. 6, also with a Parade of Lights, tree lighting, and more.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox 2024 Tax Rebate Application Out, Deadline Approaches
The property tax rebate program will refund 50 percent of the Village-specific portion of taxes paid. Deadline to apply is Dec. 16.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
