New Lenox, IL|News|
Know Before You Go: 'The Who' Rocker Roger Daltrey Set To Take New Lenox Stage
The final show in New Lenox's Summer Concert Series is set for Saturday, Sept. 12.
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
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Baby Killed In Crash Wasn't In Car Seat | Tragedies Rock Frankfort | Mom's Killer Still At Large
ALSO: Child porn charges for sex assault suspect | 14.5 years in carjacking | Racist taunts at hs game | West Nile in Will | $1M winner
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Cocaine, $80K, Illegal Guns Found Inside Park Forest Home: Police
A 46-year-old Park Forest man was arrested after police searched the home on Hawthorne Avenue.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Frankfort, IL|News|
'Racist Behavior Must Have Meaningful Consequences': IL Teacher Groups On Incident At LWE, H-F Football Game
Illinois Education Association and Illinois Federation of Teachers released statements on the Lincoln-Way East, Homewood-Flossmoor incident.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
1st Human Case Of West Nile Virus Detected In Will County: Health Department
It's the first case in the county for 2026, officials said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Frankfort, IL|News|
'No Place For Racism': Lincoln-Way East Students Walk Out Amid Fallout Of Racist Incident
Students at Lincoln-Way East on Wednesday participated in a walkout to show their frustration with racism displayed by their classmates.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
The Great Pumpkin Party Returns To Centennial Park October 3
Registration is required for this fall-themed event in Orland Park.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
75 Homes On Map For Manhattan's Community-Wide Garage Sale
The sale is set for Friday, Sept. 11 and Saturday, Sept. 12, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sales held rain or shine.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
'Deeply Disturbed': South Suburban NAACP Leader Decries Racist Incident At HFHS Football Game
The far south suburban chapter of the organization issued a statement Wednesday afternoon.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
In Memoriam: Beloved Dad, Poppa 'Could Brighten Anyone's Day,' Was Proud Top Earner For St. Baldrick's Cause
Daniel Kida, 76, died Aug. 21. He was known for his "love of music and concert, his sharp and sarcastic wit and wonderful sense of humor."
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Liquor Store Targeted In Smash-And-Grab To Gaming Machines: New Lenox PD
The burglary at Route 30 Liquors happened just before 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 5, according to police reports.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
'Let’s Beat Breast Cancer' Rally Coming To Downtown Tinley Park
Sept. 17 event is part of global campaign promoting 4-pronged prevention approach. Rally features local drumlines to inspire crowd.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Woman Charged In Deadly I-57 Crash: Baby Boy & 4 Toddlers Weren't In Child Safety Seats, State Police Say
The crash happened Sunday on I-57 in Harvey, state police previously said. A 33-year-old Hazel Crest woman is now charged.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Village Of Orland Park To Host Patriot Day Remembrance And Concert
The event offers an opportunity to join friends, family and neighbors in remembering those lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
$3M Grant Will Fund Construction Of New, 'Purpose-Built' Aunt Martha's Women's Health Clinic
New 5,375-sq. ft. outpatient clinic will support women's health, reproductive health services, family planning, behavioral health and more.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Frankfort, IL|News|
'Deeply Disappointing': Lincoln-Way East Principal Speaks Out On Racist Incident Ahead Of Student Walkout
"... There will be accountability," Lincoln-Way East Principal Toriano Griggs told parents following the incident at Homewood-Flossmoor.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor Veterans’ Memorial Honors Veterans With September 27 Community Open House
Event marks the start of construction on Wall of Honor.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
LWE Girls' Cross Country Coach, Team Accused Of Racist Taunts Toward H-F Runners: School
The incident happened during an area invitational Saturday, the school said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Baby Boy Killed, 7 Others Injured In Rollover Crash In Harvey: State Police
The crash happened on I-57 north near 147th Street Sunday evening, state police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
'Disrespectful And Racist': H-F Community Demands Action After Taunts By Lincoln-Way East Students At Game
The incident took place during the varsity football game between the schools during Homewood-Flossmoor High School's homecoming weekend.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
