Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Park Forest Art Fair To Feature Chicago Heights Artists
The fair will be held Saturday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22.
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
Mokena, IL|News|
2 Charged After Meijer Retail Theft, Scuffle With Cops: PD
The incident happened Friday night at Meijer in Mokena. One suspect was captured after police attempted to deploy a Taser.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan's Labor Day Party, Parade Back September 1–2
The Labor Party is Sunday, Sept. 1, with a parade set for Monday, Sept. 2.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor Recyclepalooza Returns Saturday, September 21
The event is held in the parking lot of Parker Junior High.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Murder Charge For Teen | Child Porn Arrest | Stranded Kindergarteners
ALSO: Local biz decorates DNC | Alarm at HS malfunctions | Fire destroys garage | $10K Raffle | Crisis Center gets $10K | Scooter concerns
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
'Pinch Me' Moment: New Lenox Balloon Company Chosen To Decorate DNC
Stephanie Marquardt of LGM Balloon Decor was asked to be a part of the balloon drop at the DNC—it was a huge moment for her and her company.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
'Centennial' Piece A Collaboration, Tribute To Flossmoor's 100th Year
The 7-ft. sculpture was created by Homewood-Flossmoor High School students, with others playing their own parts in its creation.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Lions Club To Host I-Pass Transponder Drop-off Event
The drop-off will be held Sept. 13–14 in the parking lot of the Orland Township office.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Crisis Center Receives $10,000 Donation From New Tinley Store
The Crisis Center For South Suburbia was given a $10,000 check from Sierra, a new discount outdoors store now open in Tinley Park.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Restaurant Week 2024: 18 Spots Participating
Check out the offerings and deals from businesses participating in New Lenox Restaurant Week 2024.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Matteson Teen Charged With Murder After Shooting Relative: Sheriff
The boy, 15, shot a relative during a verbal dispute Monday, Aug. 26, in the 22000 block of Governors Highway, the sheriff's office said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tickets On Sale Now For St. Julie Billiart Raffle To Win $10,000
The Bonanza Raffle is the parish's largest fundraiser for the year, with a grand prize of $10,000. Tickets are $100 each.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Modern Day 'Diggers' Show 19th Century Life Through Artifacts
A suburban genealogical and historical society hosts Michael and Mario Bovino, experts in unearthing the past in the Chicago area.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Stranded Kindergartners, Bus Issues Leave D161 Parents Furious
The first week of school brought numerous transportation issues for D161 parents and students.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Pedestrian Killed By Car | Caught With Upskirt Video | Fall Fest Guide
ALSO: All-abilities game a hit | Burglary crew hits businesses | Food pantry leader dies | Artisan markets | Hole-in-one for 13-y.o. golfer
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Flurry Artisan Market Back At Tinley Park Brewery
The Sunday market at Hailstorm Brewing will feature more than 40 artists and vendors.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
'Mom To Everyone': Family Honors Mom's Devotion To Orland Food Pantry
Robin Kassis, 60, died Aug. 18. Her daughter tells Patch about her devotion as a mom, her love of people—and helping them.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Chicago Heights D170 To Receive $500K In Grant Money: Senator Joyce
CH D170 is among 20 schools in the 40th Legislative district to benefit from an evidence-based funding formula implemented in 2017.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor D161 To Receive $255K In Grant Money: Senator Joyce
Flossmoor D161 is among 20 schools in the 40th Legislative district to benefit from an evidence-based funding formula implemented in 2017.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan D114 To Receive $1M In Grant Money: Senator Joyce
D114 is among 20 schools in the 40th Legislative district to benefit from an evidence-based funding formula implemented in 2017.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
