Lemont, IL|News|
Controversial Lemont Housing Development Up For Public Hearing
Residents have voiced concerns about traffic and safety, loss of privacy and quality of life over the 5.3-acre housing proposal.
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
New Lenox, IL|News|
No Danger To Patients, Staff Amid Brush Fire Outside Silver Cross: Hospital
The fire happened Tuesday at 4 p.m. near the Serenity Garden.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley's Ale Trail Trolley To Roll Again For Summer 2026
The popular trolley ride returns for the summer Wednesday, June 3, and runs weekly.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Woman Drugged, Sexually Assaulted After Concert: PD | E. Coli Scare At Pool | City Squashes Data Center Talks
ALSO: 600 Xanax pills stolen | Another VASA Fitness in 'burbs | Rental 'Pull Up Pubs' open for business | Therapy dog 'Petals' sworn in
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
VASA Fitness Coming To Former Oak Forest Food 4 Less Space
The gym is moving into the space formerly occupied by low-price grocer Food 4 Less. It's been vacant since 2022.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor Veterans’ Memorial Offers Commemorative Bench Sponsorships
The sponsorship cost will be used to maintain the Veterans’ Wall of Honor site upon its completion later this summer.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park Police Department Welcomes New Therapy Dog
"Petals" is a schnauzer-terrier mix just over a year old. She was sworn in June 1.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland's Centennial Park Aquatic Center To Reopen After E. Coli Scare
The center is set to re-open with normal hours on Tuesday, the Village of Orland Park said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
'Jacks' Forever in Flossmoor: Village Accepts Sculpture Donation From Frankfort Arts Association
Frankfort Arts Association gifts another sculpture to Flossmoor’s public art collection.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Walgreens Employee Stole Hundreds Of Xanax Pills From Store To Sell Them Herself: NLPD
More than $1,000 in pills were stolen, according to New Lenox police reports.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
E. Coli Cases Linked To Orland’s Centennial Pool, Aquatic Center Closed To Public
Centennial Park Aquatic Center is closed to the public after two E. coli cases were reported.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
'Chaotic And Violent': Police Chief Wants Criminal Charges Against 20 HS Students In Series Of Fights
A series of fights broke out at Crete-Monee High School on May 12. Crete's police chief wants the kids involved to face legal consequences.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Mokena PD Rolls Out First-Ever 'Junior Police Academy,' Registration Open Now
The four-week program runs Tuesday and Thursday nights beginning June 23, and is open to L-W area residents ages 13-17.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Parker Jr. High Inducts 34 Into National Junior Honor Society
The induction ceremony was held Wednesday, May 20.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Boy, 17, Found Dead Near Preserve | Toddler Who Shot Self Wanted Juice | Child Porn Charges For Teen
ALSO: FBI raids home | 'The Taco Lady' mourned | Man spits in face of gas station worker | Ford City Mall's last days | Help with cold case
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Boy, 17, Found Dead Near Homewood Nature Preserve After Reported Missing: PD
A death investigation was underway Wednesday night, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
100 Seat Belt Citations, Dozens Others Issued In Memorial Day Traffic Safety Push: Orland PD
Orland Park police on Thursday released the results of its Memorial Day crackdown on seat belt use.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Death Investigation Underway Near Izaak Walton Preserve: Homewood PD
Police said the incident is isolated and there is no threat to the public.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
New Aviation Fuel Station At Tinley Helipad Will Help Speed Up Emergency Response Time: Officials
The $2.5 million project is expected to improve access for emergency, commercial and private aircraft.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Rib Cook-off Spots Left: Arrowhead Smoke Works, Village Set For Sizzling Debut Of 'Pig In the Parking Lot'
Arrowhead Smoke Works and the Village of Manhattan have paired up to pig out in the first-ever Pig In the Parking Lot event May 30.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
