Oak Forest, IL|News|
Markham Police Officer Fatally Shoots Man Outside Nightclub
The officer was trying to stop a fight when the man came at him holding a gun.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
- New Lenox, IL
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.
Posting Activity
New Lenox|News|
Woman Treats Husband to Dinner after Winning $350K in Lottery
The Manteno woman purchased the ticket at a gas station in Oak Forest.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Drunken Partygoer Stumbles Into Wrong Yard, Wants Into House, Takes a Nap Instead: Cops
Police were called after reports of a man trying to force his way in to an Orland Park home. But it was all a big mistake.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Lemont, IL|News|
Lemont Choirs Set for Concert on October 6
Show will be held in the Performance Art Center.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Harvey Police Searching for Suspect in Attempted Abduction of Woman Walking Dog
A woman wasn't far from her home when she was followed by a man who tried to force his way in, she told police.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago, IL|News|
Active Shooter Drill Taking Place at Dirksen Federal Courthouse
Expect increased police and fire activity in the area.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Mokena Man Stole Buddy's Guns, Sold Them Off: Cops
The man first told police he had nothing to do with the theft. Police work showed that was a lie.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Frankfort, IL|News|
Frankfort Pair Snared in Stolen Gun Purchase: Cops
A Mokena man allegedly took the guns. Then a Frankfort man bought them, and a female friend helped, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox|News|
Man Stole Buddy's Guns, Sold Them Off: Cops
A Mokena man first told police he had nothing to do with the theft.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox|News|
L-W Central Homecoming Parade Oct. 1
Heads up for the parade as it winds through New Lenox.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Frankfort, IL|News|
L-W East Students Honor Memory of Mokena's Fallen Aaron Toppen
The students participated in a memorial 5K in Toppen's honor.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Palos, IL|News|
Traffic Crackdown on Route 83 in Cook County Set for Friday
Palos Park, several police agencies will be stepping up enforcement along Route 83.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Lemont, IL|News|
Four Lemont Students Earn National Merit Commended Student Recognition
The scores compiled by Lemont High School’s four honorees ranked them among the top five percent.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Lemont, IL|News|
Grafitti, Hit and Run, Theft: Blotter
Lemont police reports, Sept. 15–23.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park, IL|News|
Cosmetology School Suddenly Shutters All Locations
Regency Beauty Institute closed all locations Wednesday due in part to "an inability to obtain continued financing."
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Meadow Ridge Seeks Alumni Military Veterans to be Honored at Assembly
District 135 puts call out to bring alumni veterans together.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Homewood-Flossmoor High School Presents Whimsical Children's Musical this Weekend
Take a journey with Frog and Toad Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Lemont, IL|News|
Lemont High School to Honor its 'Hometown Heroes' at Oct. 7 Football Game
Local police, fire, and rescue units will be recognized before the game.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Suburban Doctor Used Cat Saliva and Vodka to Make His Own Vaccines for Kids: Officials
The Flossmoor, Illinois, doctor was mixing up the vaccines at his office, which was a mess, officials said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Frankfort, IL|News|
Celebrate Enrico's Return with Free Pie!
...but there's only so much to go around at the ribbon cutting celebration on Oct. 5.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
