Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Small Business Saturday, Tree Lighting Kick Off Flossmoor Holidays
Small Business Saturday, Celebrate the Season set for Saturday, Nov. 30 in Flossmoor.
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|
Oak Forest's Jolly Jamboree Set To Welcome 2024 Holiday Season
Oak Forest's Jolly Jamboree is set for Saturday, Dec. 7.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood, Flossmoor To Spotlight Festive Homes On Holiday Lights Tour
In its debut year, the official trolley tour will be on Dec. 12. Submitted homes will be listed on an official map.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Will Co. Waives Adoption Fees For Vets, Active Duty In 'Pets For Vets'
The Will County Animal Protection Services promotion lasts throughout November.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Visiting Football Team Ransacks LW Central Locker Room: Sheriff
Lincoln-Way Central players reported several items including cell phones, earbuds, clothing, cash and more stolen from their lockers.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park Set To Sparkle In Tree Lighting, Holiday Happenings 2024
Tinley Park's Holiday Happenings are set to begin Friday, Dec. 6, with events planned through Sunday, Dec. 8.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Bourbons Owners Face Closing, Still Hold Out Hope For Way Forward
Bourbons Smokehouse's Joe and Tonya Regiro feel there might still be hope that the business isn't closed for good, but they need help.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor Hit With Rash Of Car Thefts, Car Break-ins, Police Warn
Flossmoor police alerted residents on Tuesday night to a dozen car burglaries and multiple stolen vehicles.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Suburban Leaders Collaborate In 2nd Public Safety Forum
The Southwest Suburban Public Safety Forum will be held Wednesday, Dec. 4 at the Orland Park Civic Center.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Sex Sting At Spa | Father Gunned Down | Teen Paralyzed Suddenly
ALSO: Accused cop killer's record | Bald eagle spotted | Pals win $1.4M | WWII vet honored | Social media sleuths | New casino opens
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Images Capture Suspect Car In Fatal 'Ambush' Shooting: PD
Surveillance images show the suspect car in the shooting that killed a father outside of Hillcrest High School Saturday afternoon.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Set To Sparkle In Christmas In The Commons 2024
Christmas in the Commons kicks off Saturday, Nov. 30, and is scheduled for every Saturday and Sunday leading up to Christmas.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Community Rallies Around Oak Forest Teen Fighting Sudden Paralysis
Paityn Castillo, 14, is in a fight to regain use of her body, after being struck by a rare autoimmune condition in late-October.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Bald Eagle Makes Veterans Day Appearance In New Lenox
The bird was spotted at Laraway and Schoolhouse roads on Monday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
NL Bourbons Smokehouse Owners Make Plea For Investors To Help Re-Open
Owners Joe and Tonya Regiro asked that anyone interested in investing in the New Lenox business contact them as soon as possible.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Father Was Ambushed, Fatally Shot Outside Hillcrest HS: Cops
The shooting during a junior high boys' basketball tournament at the school. The victim was walking with his son, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
1 Killed In Shooting Outside Hillcrest High School: Officials
The shooting happened around 1:30 p.m., as a junior high boys' basketball tournament was being played at the school.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Man Accidentally Fired Manhattan Cop's Gun Before Turning It In: PD
A man accidentally fired the gun while handling it in his own driveway Oct. 19, according to a report.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
A S'Wet Escape: New Lenox Natives To Launch Sauna, Cold Plunge Studio
Matt and Megan Kucala's The S'Wet Effect, featuring infrared saunas and cold plunge tanks, is set to open Monday, Nov. 11 in New Lenox.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino Doors Open Nov. 11
Wind Creek Hospitality "ushers in a new era of entertainment, community partnership, and economic growth for the Southland region."
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
