Tinley Park|News|
Stolen Jeep Crashes, 14-Year-Old Arrested: Tinley Police
Suspects dressed in black and wearing face masks fled after police arrived early Friday morning, officials said.
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
Manhattan, IL|News|
Commission OKs Manhattan BBQ Spot Smoker Storage, Sends Back To Board
Arrowhead Smoke Works' proposed cargo container to be used as smoker storage is one step closer to clearance.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Tickets Running Low For Ringo Starr At New Lenox Commons: Mayor
Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band will perform Saturday, Sept. 14 at the New Lenox Commons.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Son's Special Ed Teacher 'Makes It Fun, Makes Him Want To Learn': Mom
Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated. Meet Brenda Rodriguez!
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Lighter Fluid Attack | Lightning Strikes Home | Stabbing Victim Sues
ALSO: Drowning victim's mom sues | 70 cars hit in 'mass graffiti' | Kids threw rocks at cars: PD | Gun shop sued | Chihuahua pageant!
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Man Gets 25 Years In Robbery Of Mokena Cell Phone Store, 7 Others
The Chicago man pleaded guilty last year to firearm and robbery charges for the incidents in Mokena and other towns.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Summerween Market Blends Beer, Art And Spooks At Tinley Park Brewery
The market is back for its second year, at Soundgrowler Brewing on Saturday, July 27.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest Gun Shop Sued By City of Chicago In Gun Violence Lawsuit
Guns sold at Oak Forest's Eagle Sports Range account for 4 percent of those used in Chicago and traced to sellers, the City claims.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood Launches Online Form To Report Storm Damage
The form is accessible through the Village's website, and will collect responses through July 31.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Chihuahuas Steal Show, Many Hearts At New Lenox Taco Fest
New Lenox brought back its Food Fight, with restaurants trying to win over fans with their tacos. Some might say the day "went to the dogs."
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
No Injuries In Possible Lightning Strike, Fire At Orland Township Home
The homeowner called 911 to report he believed the home had been struck by lightning Tuesday night. Both he and his dog got out safely.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland LifeTime Fitness Stabbing Victim Sues, Claims Security Failures
She says her attacker, Peter Surdyk, followed her there, slashed her tires and sat in wait— and it's captured on surveillance footage.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Village Manager Resigns, Won't Work Without Contract In Orland Park
Orland Park Village Manager George Koczwara won't stay on once his contract expires in October.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Lincoln-Way Central Hires New Head Baseball Coach
Ryan Kutt is a teacher at LWC, and played at Brother Rice High School and University of Illinois. He was also pitching coach at LWC.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Mayor Disputes AG's Ruling, Defends Call To 'Clear The Room'
Mayor Keith Pekau defended the call for an abrupt recess during a Feb. board meeting, and says they did not violate the Open Meetings Act.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Bloom Trail HS Class Of '84 40th Reunion Set, Registration Closes Soon
Plans include a catered picnic and dinner at Scrementi's Sept. 7–8. Attendees can purchase tickets for one or both—AND there's swag!
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Golfers, Donations Still Needed For Grid Iron Classic In Orland Park
The July 25 outing is a fundraiser for the Sandburg High School and Orland Park Pioneer football programs.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Village Seeks Removal As Defendant In Tinley Pool Drowning Lawsuit
Attorneys for the Village of Tinley Park said that the Village had been named in the lawsuit in error, and asked that they be removed.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Small Town Strong: Unity In Ranch Oaks Recovery 'Beautiful To See'
Manhattan Township's Ranch Oaks subdivision was hit hard by a tornado July 15. The residents' strength has shone through in storm cleanup.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Man, 52, Sprayed Lighter Fluid At Woman, Her Child: PD
The man also allegedly nearly struck the pair, who were on their bicycles, with his van, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
