Manhattan, IL|News|
Will County Vote By Mail Ballot Drop Box Now Available In Manhattan: Village
The Vote By Mail ballot drop box is located inside Manhattan Village Hall.
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|
Food Trucks, Live Music, Family Fun: Manhattan Welcomes Season With 'Taste Of Fall'
Manhattan's 4th annual Taste of Fall is set for Saturday, Oct. 3.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Toddler Found Shot | Woman Covered In Blood Seeks Help At PD | Shots Fired In Taco Bell Drive-Thru
ALSO: Man, 33, shot to death | Teen mourned | Another rabid bat found | 2 use tablet to steal car | Siblings take on 'Amazing Race'
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park Village Board To Vote On Police Promotions
Tinley Park trustees will vote Oct. 6 on two promotions, and a third on a later date.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Rabid Bat Found In Park Forest: Cook County
The bat was found Sept. 24, the Village said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Woman Covered In Blood Shows Up At Police Station After Being Stabbed By Neighbor: Park Forest Police
The incident happened during an ongoing dispute between neighbors, Park Forest police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Free Recycling, Document Shredding, Electronics And Drug Take-Back Event Coming To Orland Mall: Village
The event is set for Friday, Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Inspired By Their Mother And 'All-Time Hero,' Tinley Park Woman & Brother Take On 'The Amazing Race'
Siblings Jaime Tribo and Cody Langlois are featured in season 39 of the adventure reality show.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Newly Formed Foundation Honors Late Orland Teen's Legacy, Supports Kids & Families In Cancer Fights
The Live Like Matthew Foundation was started in honor of Matthew Greenfield. Its inaugural golf outing will be held Sunday, Oct. 4.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Teen Leader With Orland Park Sting, Tinley Bulldogs Advances To 'Athlete Of The Year' Quarterfinals
Benny Parnitzke is competing for Youth Athlete of the Year title and $25,000. Quarterfinal voting runs now through Oct. 8.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Car Stolen From New Lenox Driveway, Thieves Used Tablet To Start It: New Lenox Police
The vehicle was stolen from a driveway on Southwind Drive overnight Friday into Saturday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Dixie Highway Viaduct Closed For Construction, Finally
The closure is expected to last through early 2027, Village officials said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Man Fires Gun During Disturbance In Taco Bell Drive-Thru: Police
The man, 23, was charged after the incident at a Morris business early Sunday, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Joliet, IL|News|
Missing Joliet Man Found Safe After 7-Hour Search At Rock Run Rookery: Forest Preserve
The man had last been seen at the nature preserve just after noon Friday, Will County Forest Preserve Police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
'Just A Good Soul': Family, Community Mourn New Lenox Teen After Death From Rare Condition
Brennen Saele, 17, died Saturday, Sept. 19. The Lincoln-Way Central senior left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Prost! Tinley's Flipside Brewing Pays Tribute To German Culture In Daylong 'Fliptoberfest'
Flipside Brewing's themed event is set for Saturday, Sept. 26. Dirndls, lederhosen encouraged—and appreciated.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Fire Station 2 To Close Temporarily, District Says
The closure is set for Sept. 28–30, officials said Thursday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor's You Matter 2 Launches Program To Support South Suburban Youth Impacted By Gun Violence
Initiative connects middle and high school students with personalized support, healing services, youth programs, family resources and more.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Township Property Tax Appeal Period Is Now Open: Assessor
Orland Township Assessor open for appeals until Nov. 6.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Starbucks To Close 250 Stores This Week: What IL Customers Need To Know
The closures come as the company reshapes its store footprint and focuses on locations it says are underperforming.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
