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 administration had a Monday deadline to tell a federal judge whether it would resume SNAP funding to recipients in MD and nationwide.
See what the latest polls say about the VA governor's race between Republican Winsome Earle-Sears and Democrat Abigail Spanberger.
A motorcyclist dies in a crash fleeing police; teens brawl in DC; a school bus driver is accused of assaulting a student; and arson arrest.
Rockville police said they are investigating a report that two children received Halloween candy with sewing needles in the treats.
A resident suffered burns trying to put out a Rising Sun house fire that caused $30,000 damage, the state fire marshal said.
A fire in an Elkton townhouse caused an estimated $30,000 damage on Friday, but no injuries were reported, according to the fire marshal.
Fall colors are at their peak across most of Maryland this weekend, the DNR said, with leaves past peak in the west.
Orkin has released its list of the "rattiest" cities in the country, with two Virginia cities and DC on the dubious list.
Find out here what the customers of Maryland's largest convenience store chains think about their operations.
Orkin has released its list of the "rattiest" cities in the country, with one Maryland city and DC on the dubious list.
Three bakeries with Montgomery County locations have been named to Eater's "Best Bakeries Around DC" list.
After more than 30 years serving customers, Woodmont Grill in Bethesda closed Tuesday citing troubles keeping adequate staff and parking.
Vienna leaders voted to oppose shifting part of the town's high school attendance zone; the school board will consider the change Oct. 29.
A magnitude 2.5 earthquake rattled parts of Maryland Monday afternoon. The USGS said the quake was centered in Howard County.
A Rockville man accused of drug trafficking faces multiple charges after police said he was caught with $10K cash, cocaine and stolen guns.
A mid-week storm could drench Maryland with close to 2 inches of rain and gusty winds. Here's what the Halloween forecast holds.
A mid-week storm could drench Virginia with close to 2 inches of rain and gusty winds. Here's what the Halloween forecast holds.
The ongoing government shutdown is hurting Florida's most vulnerable residents, as officials confirm food aid benefits won't be paid.
The ongoing government shutdown is hurting Virginia's most vulnerable residents, as officials confirm food aid benefits won't be paid.
A 49-year-old pedestrian died early Monday when he was struck by a vehicle in Bradenton, authorities said.
