Lorraine Swanson is one of the original Patch editors, and the original editor of Oak Lawn Patch. In addition to Oak Lawn, Swanson is the editor of Palos, Evergreen Park, Alsip-Crestwood and Beverly-Mt. Greenwood Patch sites.
Before coming to Patch in 2010, Swanson was a community journalist covering local crime, politics and heartwarming features on Chicago’s Far North Side. She also had her own local news site, Lake Effect News, which was rated one of the top 25 blogs in Illinois.
Lately, she enjoys watching videos of tornados and baby eagles being hatched on Facebook. She can be reached at lorraine.swanson@patch.com.
Sentenced to 60 years for the 1998 murder of a Chicago cop, his convicted killer seeks clemency in January.
Evergreen Park kicks off the holiday season with a reindog parade and visits with Santa, Saturday, Dec. 13 at Klein (Circle) Park.
Crafts, cookies, cocoa, Santa and shopping take over the Crestwood Recreation and Wellness Center Saturday, Dec. 13.
At least six tanker cars fell off the tracks, according to news reports.
Krampus Market 2025 offers a fusion of art, culture, and craft brews Sunday, Dec. 7, Blue Island Beer Company. All ages welcome.
Alsip Shell offers a fully stocked, modern grocery, in addition to specialty high-flow diesel trucker, kerosene, racing gas and DEF.
Come watch Santa land in a helicopter at the Alsip Park District's Winter Fest Saturday, Dec. 6, at Sprayfari Aquatic Park for holiday fun.
Let the elves from the EPCHS class of 2028 take care of all your holiday gift wrapping, Dec. 10-Dec. 12. Donations welcome.
Find special deals, festive food and libations and kids activities at Western Avenue businesses in Beverly and Morgan Park Saturday, Dec. 6.
Work to rehabilitate the Harlem Avenue bridges over 95th Street in Bridgeview, Chicago Ridge and Oak Lawn will start Friday, Dec. 5.
A comprehensive structural assessment that determined the North Pavilion building could no longer be feasibly renovated. OSF says.
Sons of the American Legion Post 854 of Evergreen Park will entertain Santa for breakfast Sunday, Dec. 7.
Since her father was reported missing a week ago, his daughter, Wendy Davis, has led a 24/7 ground search in a desperate attempt to find him
Chicago police said the woman had approached the CTA bus after it started moving again when she appeared to fall in front of it.
Join the Eisenhower Cardinals Wed., Dec. 3, for Winter Wonderfest, featuring pictures with Santa, crafts and family fun. Free admission.
Seat-belt violations plunged from the triple digits to 85 in Oak Lawn police's recent Thanksgiving traffic enforcement campaign.
The family event features hot chocolate, kids activities, festive lights and a special Christmas story Friday, Dec. 5, at Lake Shore Park.
Guzman Lopez, 39, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of drug conspiracy and one count of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise.
The teen thought he was communicating with a girl his age on the Yubo app, when he was enticed into sending explicit photos, police said.
EPCHS principal Matt Dugan promises to buy cookies for Dist. 124 kindergartners who present their "Future Mustang" shirts at graduation.
