Tinley Park|News|
Smash-and-Grab Crew Hits Tinley Park Gas Station With Staff Inside: Police
The incident happened just after 3 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, police said.
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
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Park To Mark 25th Anniversary of 9/11 With Patriot Day Ceremony
The Village of Tinley Park will host a Patriot Day ceremony Friday, Sept. 11.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
JBD White Horse Inn Hit In Smash-And-Grab: New Lenox Police
Five masked male suspects armed with a sledgehammer broke into the New Lenox bar early Monday, according to police reports.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Golfer Spots Sold Out, Sponsorships Still Available For Mayor's Veterans Golf Classic
Sellout crowd expected at Sept. 22 outing at Silver Lake Country Club, Village says.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
'Simply No Words': Manhattan Community Mourns Boy, 16, Killed In Fall At Abandoned Building
Tony Reed, Jr. died Aug. 30. He was a sophomore at Lincoln-Way West. The loss is heartbreaking for the town, Mayor Mike Adrieansen said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Will County Eligible For July Storm Relief, August Storm Damage Assessment Ongoing: County
Recovery operations continue from two damaging severe weather events.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
New Location Chosen For Manhattan Post Office: USPS
The Postal Service issued word of its final decision on Thursday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Remembering 'The Man In The Yellow Chair': New Lenox Man Leaves Legacy Of Service, Heart & Love For Trains
Mike Buell died Aug. 2. A retired train mechanic, he was often seen sitting in a yellow chair by the tracks, watching the trains pass.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Gaming Café Again Hit By Smash-And-Grab Crew: New Lenox Police
Vino was targeted in the early morning burglary Aug. 28. It's the second time this summer.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Smash-And-Grab Crew Hits Gaming Machines At Gas Station With Customers Inside: Monee Police
The business was open at the time when three suspects with sledgehammers and pry tools broke into the machines, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
'There's No Limit': Face Of Midlothian Toddler To Brighten Times Square
At nearly 2 years old, Midlothian's Charleigh Bernal is one of 500 people chosen for a video by the National Down Syndrome Society.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Dolly Parton Imagination Library Enrollment Surges In Will County After Country Legend's Death
Local literacy program remains committed to mission following the death of founder Dolly Parton.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
1 Critically Injured In Two-Vehicle Crash In Peotone: Manhattan Fire Officials
One person had to be extricated from their vehicle following the crash at Center and Barr roads, officials said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Man Takes Own Life At Gun Range | Cops Accused Of Putting Teen In Chokehold | Towns Rally For Kindergartener
ALSO: 7 injured in crash | Wienermobile in town | Resource center for tornado victims | Water Lantern Festival back | College, career fair
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Man Takes Own Life At Oak Forest Gun Range: Police
Police were called to Eagle Sports Range Wednesday around 12:15 p.m., according to incident reports.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Safe Community Coalition Hosts 'Your Light Still Shines' Community Awareness Event
Aug. 27 event features education, resources, remembrance & hope while addressing mental health, suicide, substance use and recovery.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Village Of New Lenox To Host Remembrance Ceremony On 25th Anniversary Of 9/11
The ceremony is set for Friday, Sept. 11 at the Firefighters Memorial in the Village Commons.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
In Memoriam: Tinley Park Man & Beloved Boy Scout Leader Remembered For Work Ethic, Humor, Love For Life
Rene Paul Beauchamp, 67, died March 31. Family recall his legacy as one of selflessness, generosity, love for others and humor.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Girl's Encounter With Driver In Parking Lot Alarms Parents: New Lenox Police
A mother was concerned when the driver of a truck with out-of-state plates yelled at her daughter Monday evening, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Fire Protection District Mourns Retired Longtime Firefighter
John "JT" Teninty Jr. died Aug. 21 at 62. He served the Orland Fire Protection District for nearly three decades before retiring in 2018.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
