Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park Man Guilty In Beating Death Of Teenage Daughter: Jury
Mohammed Almaru was convicted Friday in the May 2022 fatal beating of Mia Maro.
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|
Sweet Success: Mokena's Pink Slip Boutique Celebrates 16 Years
The boutique in "The Blue House" on Wolf Rd. will celebrate this weekend, with a free gift with purchase and sweet treats.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Frankfort Woman, 18, Killed In Mokena Crash ID'd: Coroner
The Frankfort woman was a passenger in a Camaro that collided with a Land Rover Thursday night in Mokena.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Job Fair Tuesday For New Lenox Beverage Manufacturing Co.
The job fair will be held August 20 from 12 to 5 p.m., at New Lenox Village Hall.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Home Burglarized, Safe Stolen: NLPD
The break-in happened Saturday between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Juvenile Shot At McCarthy Park In Tinley Park: Officials
The shooting happened Saturday night, Village Manager Pat Carr said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park Public Library Awarded $83,000 in Grant Money
The grants are awarded annually to support local public library services throughout Illinois.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Public Library To Receive $59,000 In Grant Money
The grants are awarded annually to support local public library services throughout Illinois.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Mokena Library District To Receive $29,000 In Grant Money
The grants are awarded annually to support local public library services throughout Illinois.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Woman, 18, Killed In 2-Car Crash On Route 30: Mokena PD
The crash happened at 10:15 p.m. at Route 30 and Owens Road. The Frankfort woman’s name has not been released.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Chicago Heights Teacher One Every Student Deserves In Their Lifetime
Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated. Meet Wendy Withers!
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
15 Years For Orland Park Carjacking, Shooting At Oak Forest Cop
A Chicago man who pleaded guilty in the 2021 carjacking was sentenced last week to 15 years in federal prison.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Taste Of St. Julie Festival Features Food, Drink, Family Fun
The Taste of St. Julie Festival is set for Saturday, Aug. 17.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Journalist, 22, Killed By Train | Pet Store's Plea | $1M Lotto Win
PLUS: Another MOD Pizza closes | Comic and cosplay market back | Q. of Hearts rolls to $1.2M | Fall Fest survival guide | Calendar contest
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Police Ramp Up Traffic Patrols For Labor Day Stretch
Orland police will have increased patrols for distracted and impaired driving, and seat belt use, beginning Aug. 16 through Sept. 3.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Mayor To Seek Second Term
Adrieansen touts continued work on the Village's comprehensive plan and a downtown master plan.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Izaak Walton Calendar Photo Contest In Full Swing, Entry Deadline Soon
The "Seasons Of Izaak Walton/2025" photo competition seeks photos capturing the Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Comics, Cosplay, Beer And Tacos Mix In Market At Tinley Park Brewery
Soundgrowler Brewing hosts the third annual Comic and Cosplay Market on Saturday, August 31.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox MOD Pizza Closes Permanently
The fast-casual pizza chain's New Lenox location has closed permanently as of Wednesday, Aug. 14.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
$1 Million Winning Lotto Ticket Sold At Homewood Mini Mart
The ticket was purchased for the Monday, Aug. 12 drawing. It was bought at a convenience store in Homewood.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
