How to contact me: deb.belt@patch.com.
Deb Belt has been an editor and team leader with Patch.com since August 2011, and regional manager of the Southeast team since 2017. After launching Patches in Iowa -- where staffers covered the 2012 Iowa Caucuses and the presidential campaign -- Deb joined the Southeast team of editors. Since March 2017 she has led Patch sites ranging from the Baltimore/DC area to Atlanta and Tampa/St. Pete.
She previously worked as an editor for 13 years at the Des Moines Register, focused on suburban coverage that ranged from local election coverage to city and county government reporting and crime/safety issues. During this period she led a team of 27 reporters, photographers and editors who produced 27 print sections a week, and transitioned into digital news.
As a weekly newspaper editor, Deb led the staff of the Indianola Record-Herald to win the prestigious Newspaper of the Year award from the Iowa Newspaper Association in 1997, competing against newspapers from major metros. She also won multiple INA and National Newspaper Association awards for covering city government and editorials examining open meetings issues, the need for bond issue approvals, and other good government practices.
In the digital space, Deb has earned an award for Patch's 2024 coverage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore harbor, along with local editor Jacob Baumgart.
Deb grew up in Missouri, Iowa and Illinois, and majored in journalism at Northwest Missouri State University. She has spent her entire career in community journalism.
The best meteor shower of the year, the Geminids, should fire off 120 shooting stars an hour at its peak Wednesday night and early Thursday.
CVS Health recently unveiled its plan to overhaul drug pricing at its roughly 9,500 retail pharmacies. Here’s what you need to know.
CVS Health has unveiled its plan to overhaul drug pricing at its roughly 9,500 retail pharmacies. Here’s what you need to know.
CVS Health has unveiled its plan to overhaul drug pricing at its roughly 9,500 retail pharmacies. Here’s what you need to know.
The attorney who represented Brian Laundrie's parents in a lawsuit filed by Gabby Petito's family said the FL couple faced death threats.
Storms that brought light snow to DC and NoVA have moved out, leaving clear skies and winds gusting up to 31 mph Monday, the NWS said.
Storms that brought light snow to Maryland have moved out, leaving clear skies and winds gusting up to 31 mph Monday, the NWS said.
Teen Charged In Shooting Death | Blade Attack At Mall | Baby Dies, Grandma Charged | Airport Gun, $68K Cash Seizures | Parvovirus Outbreak
Which traffic-clogged Florida freeways do drivers consider the worst in the country? A recent survey has the answer.
Which traffic-clogged Virginia freeways do drivers consider the worst in the country? A recent survey has the answer.
The Old Farmer's Almanac and the National Weather Service offer odds on whether Virginia is likely to see a white Christmas in 2023.
Which traffic-clogged Maryland freeways do drivers consider the worst in the country? A recent survey has the answer.
The Old Farmer's Almanac and the National Weather Service offer odds on whether Maryland is likely to see a white Christmas in 2023.
Poor weather conditions forecast for Sunday have prompted the cancelation of the Redington Beaches/Indian Shores Christmas Boat Parade.
Realtor.com's 2024 Top Housing Markets forecast ranked 2 Maryland areas in the 100 top housing markets most “primed and ready for growth.”
The family of Gabby Petito said they would consider settling a Florida lawsuit against Brian Laundrie's parents if the terms were right.
The canine illness, which may not respond to antibiotics, has been detected in about 14 states. MD animal experts say it's here, too.
The canine illness, which may not respond to antibiotics, has been detected in about 14 states. VA animal experts say it could soon be here.
Salmonella-tainted cantaloupe has sickened 117 people nationwide and left 2 people dead across 34 states. Recalls continue to expand.
This letter to Santa, submitted by Mary McKeller in Campbellton, was written by 6-year-old Darianna, who wants a doll house for Christmas.
