Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Bloom High School Hosts Successful Second Voter Registration Drive
The drive was held last month, and aimed to increase civic engagement among young people by making voter registration accessible.
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
Tinley Park|News|
Forest Preserve Brush Fire Battled By Tinley Crews: Official
The brush fire is at Bartel Grassland and Water Preserve, at Central Avenue and Flossmoor Road, Village Manager Pat Carr said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Police Officer Forgets Gun At Lockport Restaurant: Report
A Manhattan police officer could face disciplinary action after leaving their gun behind at a Lockport business.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
First Full-Time New Lenox Fire Chief Dies At 82, District Pays Homage
Ken Hossack, Sr. died Friday, Oct. 25. He served the district for 46 years before retiring in 2006.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland PD Awarded Grant For Ramped Up Traffic Patrols
The money will fund extra patrols for speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, failure to yield, and more.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
'She Brings Light': Tinley HS Teacher Wins 'Heroes Of The Classroom'
Lauren Brazel was voted the winner among 10 finalists from around the country.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Fired Police Chief, Village Agree To Settle Lawsuit, 'Move Forward'
Jerel Jones sued the Village of Flossmoor after his termination, claiming racial discrimination and retaliation.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Silver Cross Carjacking Suspect In Custody: New Lenox PD
Kyle A. Sears, 35, was taken into custody in Grundy County Friday, New Lenox Police Chief Louis Alessandrini said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Hazel Crest Man Gets 5 Years For Fraud At Medical Supply Company
The VA spent more than $2.7 million at Smith's company and fraudulently overpaid it by more than $1.3 million, officials said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
University Park Juvenile Arrested In Carjacking Attempt: Flossmoor PD
Flossmoor police on Oct. 23 made an arrest in the June 7, 2024 incident.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
200 Minors At Party Cause 'Disturbance,' 2 Adults Cited: Manhattan PD
The party happened in the White Feather subdivision Saturday, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Construction Begins On New Dunkin, Baskin Robbins Combo
The building is going up at the Southwest corner of 159th Street and Cicero Avenue.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Man, 80, Run Over In Carjacking | Gun Brag On Facebook | Brush Fire
ALSO: Parents push for playground fence | Bash your pumpkin to bits | Photos with Santa | Turkey Trot back | Addams Family Musical debuts
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Silver Cross Patient, 80, Run Over During Carjacking: New Lenox PD
The carjacking happened Wednesday evening just after 6 p.m.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Bash Your Pumpkin Into Bits At New Lenox Pumpkin Smash 2024
The Village will host its 2nd annual Pumpkin Smash on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Photos With Santa Set For Sunday In Manhattan
The event is set for Sunday, Nov. 24 at Manhattan Village Hall.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Brush Fire At Lake Lorin Was Accidental: Orland Hills Police
The fire started Wednesday around 2:30 p.m., police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox To Brighten Holidays For Those In Need With 'Adopt-A-Family'
The Adopt-A-Family program is in its inaugural year in New Lenox, and pairs sponsor families with others in need.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park Turkey Trot Returns For 36th Year, Registration Open Now
Those interested in the Thanksgiving Day race are encouraged to register by November 15.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Fire Tears Through 6 Homes In Chicago Heights: Report
Firefighters encountered water supply issues while fighting the blaze Tuesday night, WGN reports.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
