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 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.
A Wegmans grocery store is being built in Rockville's Twinbrook Quarter Community, and will open this summer, the company said.
Prince George's County Public Schools have made a weather decision for Friday, Jan. 10, classes.
Fairfax County Public Schools have made a decision about Thursday, Jan. 9, as Northern Virginia continues digging out from a winter storm.
Montgomery County Public Schools have changed the schedule for Thursday, Jan. 9. Here's the latest.
Prince George's County Public Schools have made a weather decision for Thursday, Jan. 9, classes. Here's the latest on closings and meals.
A stray kitten tested positive for rabies, and the Harford County Health Department is warning residents their pets may have been exposed.
Montgomery County Public Schools have made a weather decision for Wednesday, Jan. 8, classes. Here's the latest.
Baltimore City Public Schools have made a weather decision for Tuesday, Jan. 7, classes. Here's the latest.
Baltimore County Public Schools have made a weather decision for Tuesday, Jan. 7, classes. Here's the latest.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools have made a weather decision for Tuesday, Jan. 7, classes. Here's the latest.
Montgomery County Public Schools have made a weather decision for Tuesday, Jan. 7, classes. Here's the latest.
In the first weekend of the NFL playoffs, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the Washington Commanders. Here's what to know about the game.
In the first weekend of the NFL playoffs, the Ravens will face off at home against the Steelers. Here's what to know about the rematch.
Snow is piling up in Maryland Monday, and part of the state could see a foot of accumulation. A state of emergency has been declared.
A snow emergency has been declared for Montgomery County, which means no parking is allowed on county snow routes.
Montgomery County Public Schools have made a weather decision for Monday, Jan. 6, classes. Here's the latest.
City of Baltimore Public Schools have made a weather decision for Monday, Jan. 6, classes. Here's the latest.
Baltimore County Public Schools have made a weather decision for Monday, Jan. 6, classes. Here's the latest.