Palos, IL|News|
A Mom, A Bridge and Two Suicides Thwarted
The Miller family knows too well the moment a man stood poised to leap to his death. The mom who saved him? Her son once stood there, too.
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
Mokena, IL|News|
Mokena Driver Charged with DUI for Hit-and-Run That Left Man Critically Injured
The accident took place near 193rd Street and Wolf Road in Mokena Friday morning.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Lemont, IL|News|
Friend Pays Tribute to Lemont's 'Go-To Guy' Keith Latz
Keith Latz, 57, died suddenly Monday, Sept. 5, at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital. A fellow Lemonter shares his legacy with Patch.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Four in Custody after Off-Duty Cop Thwarts Smash-and-Grab at Jewelry Store
Search for subjects led to a soft lockdown at the nearby Orland District 135 school and district office.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland District 135's Center School, District Office on Soft Lockdown
Police investigation taking place in the immediate area, administrators say.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Frankfort, IL|News|
Frankfort Gas Station Robbed at Gunpoint
The robbery took place late Wednesday night.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Frankfort, IL|News|
Forest Preserve District's First K-9 Officer Dies
The 12-year-old canine, Rosie, was diagnosed with arthritis in early 2012 and retired later that year.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homer Glen-Lockport, IL|News|
Death of 3rd Grader in Homer Glen Investigated
The child passed away at home overnight. Homer 33C to offer counseling to Schilling School students, according to district letter.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Lemont, IL|News|
DUI, Retail Theft: Blotter
Lemont police reports, August 25–Sept. 2.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Frankfort, IL|News|
Local Family Honors Son with Third Annual Golf Outing
Frankfort organization supports young adults for third year in a row.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
White Businessman Says Race Had Nothing to Do with Gunshot Fired at Black Man
Two different accounts of one night in downtown Flossmoor between a white man with a gun and a black man walking on the street.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Village of Orland Park Theatre Troupe Holds Auditions for 'The Christmas Bus' Holiday Show
Auditions scheduled for Oct. 3 and 4.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Marcus Theatres to Hold Hiring Fairs for Country Club Hills Location
Company preparing to hire for newly renovated location.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Marcus Theatres Now Hiring for Country Club Hills Location
Company preparing to hire for newly renovated location.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest Police Chief Set to Retire
Chief Greg Anderson will leave his role with the department on Sept. 18.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest Police Department Now Accepting Applications for Officer
Find out what you need to do and by when to become an Oak Forest police officer.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park, IL|News|
Felon Charged in Tinley Park Shots Fired Incident
The 19-year-old Chicago man wasn't shooting at anyone in particular, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Frankfort, IL|News|
Frankfort Distillery Tops Competition at Blind Taste Test
Frankfort Spirits puts in impressive showing at American Craft Spirits Association convention.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox|News|
Flashing Lights to be Installed near L-W Central
The lights will indicate to drivers that the area is a school zone.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Palos, IL|News|
Butterflies Return to Flutter for Public's Enjoyment at Lake Katherine Monarch Festival
Local favorite event returns Sunday, Sept. 18.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
