Mokena, IL|News|
St. Mary's School, Communities Rally Around Kindergartener After Medical Emergency
Orazio Castelli suffered a sudden seizure Aug. 22, caused by an underlying condition. He remains hospitalized in recovery.
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|
100 Colleges, Trade Schools, Military Reps: College And Career Readiness Fair Coming To Tinley Park
Colleges & universities, military branches, apprenticeship programs, trades, and community organizations will be at the Sept. 10 event.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Multi-Agency Resource Center Coming To Homewood For Residents Impacted By Tornado
Representatives from numerous agencies will be available during set hours Aug. 27–30, to connect residents with resources and assistance.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Son's Diagnosis With Heart Condition Inspires Homewood Woman's Fundraising Effort
Patti DeBoer's son was 15 when he was diagnosed with pediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a sometimes fatal heart condition.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Village Of Orland Park Launches New AI Virtual Assistant 'Humphrey'
Residents can access information on Village services, permits, meetings, and events 24/7 by calling or chatting with Humphrey.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
South Suburban PADS To Celebrate Homewood Expansion With Ribbon Cutting
The organization will hold the ceremony Wednesday, Aug. 26 at its new Homewood location.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Priest Cleared In Sex Abuse Probe | 100 MPH At Impact In Fatal Crash | 1 Dead After Shooting: PD
ALSO: Prison time in $1m fraud | Man spat, threw drink at cop | Kitten sale scam | DUI after threats to American Legion | Fall Fest guide
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Know Before You Go: Blue Öyster Cult Comes To New Lenox, Tickets Still Available
The next show in the New Lenox Summer Concert Series is set for Saturday, Aug. 29.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
3 Mokena Trustee Spots Up For Election In April 2027; Nominating Petitions Available At Clerk's Office
Petitions will be available beginning Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Pipefitters Local 597 Helps Glenwood Academy With Storm Clean-up
The group sent more than 60 apprentices to assist with clean-up efforts.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Wilmington Man, 40, Made Threats Against NL American Legion Post, Charged With DUI: New Lenox Police
When stopped, the man got out of the car and tried to elude police on foot, according to police reports.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Woman Loses $1,500 In Kitten Sale Scam: New Lenox Police Reports
The woman asked on social media if anyone was selling a particular breed of kitten.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
When To Stop For A School Bus: Know The Law In Illinois
Know when you're required to stop for a school bus in Illinois, according to state law.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Spots Still Remain In Village Of Orland Park Citizens Academy
Applications for the eight-week program are due Sept. 4. Program runs Sept. 17 through Nov. 5.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest Residents Confounded By Departure Of Taxpayer Advocate As Appeal Deadline Nears
Grace Bardusk resigned, effective Aug. 5. Residents question why she would leave the role at such a critical time for property owners.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Princeton Road Shooting Victim Dies, Another In Critical Condition: Flossmoor Police
A report of gunshot victims came in just before 3 a.m. Saturday, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland D135 Art Teacher Who 'Loves To Spark Joy & Love For Art' Honored With Educator Of The Year Award
Nancy Heuser teaches at Center and Park schools. She's recognized by the Illinois Art Education Association.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Man Charged In Orland Mall Fatal Crash Was Driving More Than 100 MPH At Impact: Prosecutors
Prakash Patel, 43, also did not brake between hitting two of the three cars, prosecutors said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Woman Loses Nearly $3,000 To Scammer Posing As Bank Rep: Police Reports
The caller initially contacted the woman to warn her of attempts to withdraw money from her account, according to police reports.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Homer Glen Man, 43, Spat And Threw Drink At Police: New Lenox Police
Eric Terrell, 43, was arrested Aug. 19 outside the New Lenox Public Library for the encounter with police earlier this month.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
