Tinley Park|News|
Back To School: Andrew High School School Calendar 2024-2025
It's about that time. Freshmen and transfer students report Aug. 14, with all grades reporting Aug. 15.
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
Orland Park, IL|News|
Back To School: Sandburg High School School Calendar 2024-2025
It's about that time. Freshmen and transfer students report Aug. 14, with all grades reporting Aug. 15.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Back To School: Your Orland District 135 2024-2025 School Calendar
It's about that time. Orland Park District 135 parents and students can mark the first day of school coming up soon.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
'Trying My Hardest': Orland Gaston's Bistro Owner Fights To Stay Open
Gaston’s Bistro's Yaser Elkayyal said things need to start to look up, or he could be forced to close down.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
City Of Oak Forest Mourns Todd Simon, Son Of Late Alderman Rich Simon
Todd Simon worked as a plumbing inspector within the Oak Forest Building Department.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Missing Beecher Man Found Safe: Sheriff
The man had last been seen Thursday morning in the 100 block of Cardinal Lane in Beecher, the sheriff's department said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Residents Safe, Home Uninhabitable After Garage Fire: Orland Fire
The fire happened in the 8900 block of Oakdale Court Wednesday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
2 Kidnap Attempts | Amazon Fresh Opening | Chase, Arrest After Fight
PLUS: Museum closes, new one to open | Meat smoker storage OK'ed | Solar farm moves ahead | Mini-golf fundraiser | Guilty on gun charges
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Domestic Battery Charge For Chicago Man, 24, After Foot Chase: OFPD
The incident happened on 159th Street late Tuesday afternoon. The man led police on a chase along 159th Street before being arrested.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
'Putting With Purpose' Special Rec Fundraiser Tees Off In Tinley Park
The mini-golf fundraiser at Tinley Junction on Monday, Aug. 19 will benefit the South Suburban Special Recreation Association.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood Citizens Academy Back For Second Year, Registration Open Now
Applications for the six-week course are open now, until Sept. 3.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park Amazon Fresh Store Set To Open—Yes, Really
The store's opening will nix doubts that it would happen, after continued delays had people wondering.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan BBQ Spot's Smoker Storage Clears Village Board
Trustees on Tuesday voted unanimously to allow Arrowhead Smoke Works to use a cargo container to store its meat smoker.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Woman Killed By 2 Cars | 2 Shot In Targeted Attack | 1 Dead In Crash
ALSO: Opening of children's museum set | Bones to crime lab | Arrest in '22 robbery | Stolen car crashed | Golfers needed | St. Gerald Fest!
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Grand Opening Set For KidsWork Children's Museum In New Lenox
The new building at the entrance to the New Lenox Commons will open in October, with a members-only sneak peek in the days before.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Woman, 22, Dies After Struck By 2 Cars On Kedzie: Hazel Crest PD
Two cars hit Tamia Costello, of Park Forest, Thursday night before fleeing the scene, Hazel Crest police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Mokena Woman, 44, Killed In Route 30 Crash Monday: Coroner
The two-car crash happened at Rte 30 and Cherry Hill Road Monday morning, Illinois State Police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Missing New Lenox Man Found Safe: Police
The man has dementia that placed him in danger, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Spraying For Mosquitos In Oak Forest Tuesday: City
The spraying will take place throughout the city on Tuesday, August 6, from 8 p.m. through midnight.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
'It's All Me!': Orland's Kismet Gets New Owner Who Honors Its Roots
There's a new face behind the counter at Kismet Restaurant. The Worth native has kept what it's known for—and is making it even better.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
