Orland Park, IL|News|
Furniture, Mattress Superstore Steinhafels Now Open In Orland Park
The 100,000-sq. ft. store opens in the combined space of a former Bed, Bath, and Beyond and Steinmart.
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
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
6 Homewood-Flossmoor Nonprofits To Support This Holiday Season
Giving Tuesday, which in 2024 falls on Dec. 3, is a day dedicated to supporting nonprofit and community groups.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
5 New Lenox Nonprofits To Support This Holiday Season
Giving Tuesday, which in 2024 falls on Dec. 3, is a day dedicated to supporting nonprofit and community groups.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
5 Manhattan Nonprofits To Support This Holiday Season
Giving Tuesday, which in 2024 falls on Dec. 3, is a day dedicated to supporting nonprofit and community groups.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
5 Mokena Nonprofits To Support This Holiday Season
Giving Tuesday, which in 2024 falls on Dec. 3, is a day dedicated to supporting nonprofit and community groups.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
5 Oak Forest Nonprofits To Support This Holiday Season
Giving Tuesday, which in 2024 falls on Dec. 3, is a day dedicated to supporting nonprofit and community groups.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
5 Tinley Park Nonprofits To Support This Holiday Season
Giving Tuesday, which in 2024 falls on Dec. 3, is a day dedicated to supporting nonprofit and community groups.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
5 Orland Park Nonprofits To Support This Holiday Season
Giving Tuesday, which in 2024 falls on Dec. 3, is a day dedicated to supporting nonprofit and community groups.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Deployed 300 Days, Tinley Dad Surprises Kids With Holiday Homecoming
Chris Lockhart has been deployed for nearly a year, so his face was likely the last his children expected to see inside Bannes Elementary.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Joliet, Bolingbrook Men Caught With Stolen Car, Drugs: New Lenox PD
The men were found with the car outside Ross and TJ Maxx on Tuesday evening, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Trustee Will Challenge Manhattan Mayor, 7 To Vie For 3 Trustee Seats
Manhattan's Mayor wants another go, and the Board of Trustees will inevitably be shuffled a bit in the April 1, 2025 election.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
1 Killed In Crash ID'd | Raid Turns Up Drugs, Guns | $1.3M Jackpot Win
PLUS: Mayor blasts comptroller | PPP fraud | Beloved shop for sale | Pop-up bakery | Lions' tree lot back | Family featured on Hallmark+!
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan's Peaceful Grounds Coffee Nears Opening, Owners Hiring Now
A potential soft opening is set for early-December, and they still have staff spots to fill.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland To Welcome Holiday Season With Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting
The festivities take place Sunday, Dec. 1, and include a Christmas parade, tree lighting, and more.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Blue Island Man, 32, Among Three Killed When Car Hit Freight Train
The crash happened at 153rd and Park Avenue in Harvey Wednesday. The car reportedly went around the lowered gates, officials said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
'Ready, Set, Glow!' Show Starring Tinley Light Fight Winner Set To Air
Save the date! The Hirsch family of Tinley Park will make their debut on Hallmark+ in December.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park Mayor Blasts Comptroller Over Withheld Funds
Pekau and trustees approved a resolution blasting Mendoza, alleging unfair treatment after the Village missed filing deadlines.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
'It's Time': Facing Early Parkinson's, Owner To Sell Treasured NL Shop
Kathleen Haag, owner of Ugly Ducklings By Kathleen in New Lenox, said that she will turn her focus to family after her diagnosis in 2022.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
3 Dead After Driver Went Around Gates, Struck Freight Train: Official
The crash happened at 153rd and Park Avenue in Harvey, according to reports.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
'Light Up Manhattan' Contest Looks For The Best In Lights Displays
The contest this year includes decorations on both homes and businesses, the Village said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
