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.
Authorities are searching for the driver who crashed a speeding Mercedes sedan and ran from the scene. The car had a fake license plate.
NoVA could see light snowfall Thursday afternoon and evening, with more snow possible this weekend, the National Weather Service said.
Maryland could see light snowfall Thursday afternoon and evening, with more snow possible this weekend, the National Weather Service said.
A 21-year-old Kensington man has been charged with second-degree murder in Monday's shooting death of a Sykesville man.
Silver and Sons BBQ, a popular food truck in Montgomery County, is about to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant.
Emergency responders and county leaders honored fallen Master Firefighter Christopher J. Higgins, who died in the line of duty Jan. 11.
Skywatchers in Maryland have a chance tonight to see what may be the brightest comet of the year before it disappears for many millennia.
Skywatchers in Virginia have a chance tonight to see what may be the brightest comet of the year before it disappears for many millennia.
Investigators are asking for the public’s help in locating the family of Juan Ixpata-Vasquez, who was hit by a vehicle Dec. 31.
A Rockville, has been arrested and charged for the armed robbery of two 7-Eleven stores in Montgomery County, police said.
Master Firefighter Christopher J. Higgins of Pasadena died in the line of duty while at a fire scene with his Montgomery County fire crew.
As a winter storm dumps ice and snow on Georgia, here's how to prepare your home and family for the storm and power outages.
In the first weekend of the NFL playoffs, the Commanders will face off in Florida against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Here's what to know.
These tips can help prevent frozen pipes as temperatures plunge in Georgia.
U-Haul recently released its Growth Index, a tool meant to gauge how well states and FL cities are attracting and maintaining residents.
Home prices in Florida were up nearly 1 percent in October from the prior year, a new home price index shows.
The full wolf moon on Monday night will pass directly in front of Mars, combining with the star Pollux to create a stunning view over MD.
The full wolf moon on Monday night will pass directly in front of Mars, combining with the star Pollux to create a stunning view over VA.
The full wolf moon on Monday night will pass directly in front of Mars, combining with the star Pollux to create a stunning view over GA.
The full wolf moon on Monday night will pass directly in front of Mars, combining with the star Pollux to create a stunning view over FL.