I was born and raised in the south suburbs. A Mother McAuley girl forever, I later memorized the potholes on I-57 during my five years attaining both bachelor and master degrees in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During my time with local news, I have learned invaluable lessons in local 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 love working for Patch, and sharing my passion with our communities. Questions? Concerns? Comments? You have my full attention at lauren.traut(at)patch.com, or 708-465-4653.
ALSO: Gunfire hits house | Car shot at | Chick-fil-A opening | Monarch butterflies' timing | Tulip Fest opens | Beers, burgers, bazaar!
A Manhattan woman and Homer Glen man were charged with disorderly conduct after police say the man brought a fake gun into a gaming café.
Officials said on Thursday that Soka Japanese Hibachi and Sushi will open soon in town. It's one of three businesses set to open soon.
Walter Narsolis has again reinvented space at 162nd and Cicero Avenue, this time with a spotlight on karaoke.
The vital Tinley Park social services agency will not reopen yet, and continues to experience financial hardship after a building fire.
David Adrian Ponce de Leon, 26, fell to his death when a car struck his, which then hit him and pushed him over the barrier.
A Tinley dad of 3 issued a grim prognosis of stage IV liver cancer was given more time last week, with a new liver donated by another dad.
Steve Miller achieves a brewer's dream with a deal to become one of six co-owners at Hailstorm Brewing Co. in Tinley Park.
Christopher Monday, 41, was a loyal friend and lover of karaoke, fast machines, and deep conversation. Virtual memorial will be held May 30.
An injured bay mare was found running along Offner Road. A barn owner took her in, cared for her overnight, and hopes to find the owner.
She was scrambling to find her card to pay, when she received a helping hand from the couple behind her in line at the New Lenox store.
A senior citizen driver who watched the saving of a turtle on a busy road in Orland Park has taken to the internet to find the hero.
Witness told Patch man was crossing Joliet Highway with his dog when he was struck.
Homeowners were jolted awake by sound of gunfire near their Oak Forest residence Saturday, Feb. 24. Bullet was found inside the next day.
'Racial slur' nixes school play | Priest pleads guilty to abuse | Fatal heart attack while shoveling | Man shoots self in head on bus.
The carjacking happened Tuesday afternoon in the 15500 block of Arroyo Drive in Oak Forest.
The 71-year-old woman called 911 and said she couldn't escape the fire Monday afternoon. She suffered burns and smoke inhalation.
As Tevin Coleman's biggest game yet approaches, his former Oak Forest HS coach talks about his beginnings.
First of two forums will be held Thursday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m.
Trump Administration’s orders are of 'dubious legality,' group says.
