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.
A cold risk advisory is in effect from Feb. 16 to Feb. 18. Here's where you can access local warming centers in the Alsip-Crestwood area.
An elevated cold risk advisory is in effect from Feb. 16 to Feb. 18. Here's where you can access local warming centers in the Oak Lawn area.
An elevated cold risk advisory is in effect from Feb. 16 to Feb. 18. Here's where you can access local warming centers in the Palos area.
Do you feel lucky? Patch has rounded up the week's Queen of Hearts raffles happening around the Southland. You can't win if you don't play.
Close out sales now underway at Chicago-area Joann stores slated to close, company website says.
“Get Behind The Vest," pancake breakfast is set for Feb. 22, with other events planned to raise money to buy police vests for CPD officers.
Oak Lawn Community High School wrestler Charvelle Martin is headed to the IHSA sectional meet this weekend for a shot at the IHSA finales.
Big Shoulders Fund tapped grand marshal, and Brother Rice High School's Mount Sion program named honoree in 2025 South Side Irish Parade.
Have legal woes? Call a lawyer this Saturday, Feb. 15, and get some free legal advice from a Chicago Bar Association attorney.
Surveillance video showed three people trying to pry open the pawn shop's front door with a crowbar, Palos Hills police reports say.
The Evergreen Park Girls Softball League which draws girls from EP, Mt. Greenwood and Merrionette Park seeks players and sponsors for 2025.
The Crestwood store on Cal-Sag Road is one of 500 nationwide set to shutter its doors, according to several reports.
The Oak Lawn Community High School Spartan Fishing Team reeled in some great outdoor memories this past fall.
Evergreen Park Community High School student Ava Chandler received a Gold Key award in the 2025 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.
Caregivers of persons with dementia will learn self-care strategies for maintaining their own well-being Tuesday, Feb. 18, at Smith Village.
The Palos Hills man sent a woman he met online personal information that is now being compromised, reports said.
With a winter storm watch in effect, Chicago's snow route parking rules will go into effect. Also, please knock the snow off fire hydrants.
With a winter storm watch in effect, Evergreen Park residents are reminded of the village's snow parking rules.
With a winter storm watch in effect, Palos residents are reminded of each town's snow parking rules.
With a winter storm watch in effect, Alsip and Crestwood residents are reminded of their respective town's snow parking rules.
