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.
Some Maryland chains that have opened on Thanksgiving in past years have decided to close this year, including Michael's and Walgreens.
Some Florida chains that have opened on Thanksgiving in past years have decided to close this year, including Michael's and Walgreens.
Over the Thanksgiving weekend, these are the best and worst times to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and drive the Fort McHenry Tunnel.
Sobriety checkpoints and extra patrols will be on MOCO roads targeting impaired drivers from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, police said.
Some Virginia chains that have opened on Thanksgiving in past years have decided to close this year, including Michael's and Walgreens.
Eleven people have been sickened and one person has died due to contaminated fruit distributed by HMC Farms, and recalled in Florida.
Maryland State Police will boost patrols on roads statewide Thanksgiving weekend to target impaired, aggressive and distracted drivers.
Maryland State Police will boost patrols on roads statewide Thanksgiving weekend to target impaired, aggressive and distracted drivers.
Maryland State Police said Monday they recently arrested a Gaithersburg man for an assault that occurred in October at a highway crash site.
Florida is one of 12 states where veterinarians are perplexed by an illness that has left dogs ill or dead after starting with a cough.
A Catonsville man won prizes on three instant tickets on his way home from work, including one that made him a millionaire, MD Lottery said.
The "significant storm" with rain and 30 mph winds is expected to arrive in MD just as Thanksgiving travelers hit the road and skies.
The attorney for Gabby Petito's killer, Brian Laundrie, and his parents has asked a FL judge to keep conversations they had confidential.
This weekend the annual Leonid meteor shower peaks over Florida. Look for meteors blazing across the sky at about 44 miles per second.
This weekend the annual Leonid meteor shower peaks over Virginia. Look for meteors blazing across the sky at about 44 miles per second.
This weekend the annual Leonid meteor shower peaks over Maryland. Look for meteors blazing across the sky at about 44 miles per second.
From huge inflatable turkeys to floats, bands and dancers, the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade will be held Nov. 18 in Silver Spring.
An MD gymnast wins gold, best schools and $300K in student loans paid. Plus, $500K lottery win, holiday lights to view, and Santa arrives.
Mass Shooting Survivor Speaks | Hurricane Relief Centers | Son Drives Over Father | Teacher's Brutal Beating | Deputies Run Down On Purpose
Layoffs increased sharply this year in Maryland. Many job cuts were due to restructuring, or because a business was closing, data shows.
