Orland Park, IL|News|
Illinois State Police Host 'Career Pathway' Event For Women In Law Enforcement
One session of the event is being held at Georgio's Banquet Hall on Wednesday, July 29.
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|
Storm Damage Closes Some Will County Forest Preserves, Visitor Center, Trails
Several sites impacted by Monday's storms. Damage assessment ongoing Tuesday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Woman Dies After Driving Into Pond | Woman Killed In Rollover | Teen Missing For 2 Months | Plight For Kidney
ALSO: Man 'touched, rubbed' nurse's buttocks | "Mercy" ready for a home | Sports dome toppled in storms | Woman's secret to living to 106
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
A New Half-Millionaire: Winning Lucky Day Lotto Ticket Nets Someone $500,001
The winner has a year to claim the prize.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Citywide Branch Pickup Service Offered Amid Storm Cleanup Efforts: City
Oak Forest Public Works crews will be out the next several weeks to pick up branches for woodchipping.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Live Fire Training Set For Cedar Road Property: New Lenox Fire
The training sessions run Wednesday, July 29 through Friday, July 31, fire officials said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Body Of Woman, 30, Recovered After Car Drives Into Pond In Tinley Park: Officials
The incident happened around 6:30 p.m. Monday. One person was known to be in the car when it went in the water, authorities said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park Sports Dome Collapses In Storms
The sports dome was toppled by tornado-force winds Monday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
$3.2M Winning iLottery Ticket Sold Online: Illinois Lottery
The winner has a year to claim their prize, officials said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
More Than 3,000 Without Power, Outage Closes Tinley Park Village Hall: Officials
Heavy damage reported throughout Tinley Park, Village Manager Pat Carr said. Village Hall phone lines open, taking residents' calls.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Manteno Man, 62, 'Touched And Rubbed' Buttocks Of Silver Cross Nurse: New Lenox Police
The incident took place Friday afternoon at the New Lenox hospital, according to reports.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Woman, 72, Dies In Rollover Crash: Coroner
The crash happened Saturday afternoon on Smith Road.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
1 Critically Injured In Single-Vehicle Rollover Crash On Smith Road: Manhattan Fire
The crash happened around 4:15 p.m. Saturday on Smith Road, fire officials said. One person had to be extricated from the car.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Decade After Lifesaving Double Lung Transplant, Orland Park Man In Dire Need Of Living Kidney Donor
Bob Meyers needs a kidney transplant to extend his life. His family is hoping the community can help their "go-to guy."
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Recovered From Amputation, Dog Rescued From Side Of I-355 Now Ready For Adoption
"Mercy" was found on the side of I-355 after being hit by a car. Her leg required amputation. She's now eligible for adoption.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
'Dedication, Sacrifice And Commitment To Service': Orland Fire District Promotes 3 Firefighters
Three firefighters were promoted to the ranks of engineer, lieutenant and battalion chief.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Man Charged In Trooper's I-55 Death Declines Plea Deal, Opts For Jury Trial
John Fleet is charged in the Dec. 2024 crash that killed Illinois State Trooper Clay Carns, of Orland Park. He wants a jury trial.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Man Steals $3,000 In Merchandise From Lowe's Over Multiple Visits: New Lenox PD
The Country Club Hills man was arrested after he had just stolen from the Bolingbrook location, while police were at the New Lenox one.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Flipside Brewing To Mark 4th Anniversary With Bash, Burgers, Exclusive Beers & Balloons
Flipside Brewing owner Erik Pizer will celebrate the brewery's fourth anniversary with a party on Saturday, July 25.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Former Pastor At Tinley Park's St. George Accused Of Sexually Abusing Minor
Fr. Ken Fleck was pastor at St. George from 2003 to 2020. The alleged abuse took place more than 30 years ago at a different parish.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
