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.
A man driving 100 mph when his car fatally hit a Silver Spring man on a riding lawn mower has been charged with manslaughter, police said.
Maryland's first Restoration Hardware Outlet store is opening in Montgomery County.
Authorities said a DC man was killed when he was thrown from his convertible and struck by another car on I-95. A woman passenger was hurt.
Federal authorities said they've responded to thousands of tips about drones with advanced detection technologies and trained observers.
Federal authorities said they've responded to thousands of tips about drones with advanced detection technologies and trained observers.
A bakery is opening its third Montgomery County location. The Korea-based chain offers French pastries baked fresh daily.
A Reston husband charged in his wife's death, is now charged with child neglect. Prosecutors said he had an affair with the family au pair.
The driver of a BMW was killed when he collided with another vehicle on northbound Interstate 955 near Lorton and was run over, police said.
A growing number of drone sightings in Virginia and neighboring states are prompting a common question: Is it legal to shoot down a drone?
A growing number of drone sightings in Maryland and neighboring states are prompting a common question: Is it legal to shoot down a drone?
Betty Hughes — a great-grandmother from Reisterstown — plans to share the $200,000 she won on a scratch-off ticket via the Maryland Lottery.
Elijah Musgrove, who is being sought in a fatal Fredericksburg shooting, should be considered armed and dangerous, according to police.
Gov. Youngkin voiced concern over drones spotted in VA. They are the latest seen in areas including Maryland, New Jersey, and New York City.
Maryland's first L&L Hawaiian Barbecue location will open in early January in Rockville, reports said.
A sobriety checkpoint will target impaired drivers Friday night in Montgomery County, police warned.
A new analysis determined which passwords were most commonly stolen by malware or exposed in data leaks. See the top 20.
Major airlines have been "exploiting customers with sky high junk fees," a new Senate subcommittee report found. What it means for VA, DC.
Major airlines have been "exploiting customers with sky high junk fees," a new Senate subcommittee report found. What it means for MD.
Major airlines have been "exploiting customers with sky high junk fees," a new Senate subcommittee report found. What it means for FL.
Porch pirates nationwide stole at least 48 million packages valued at $12 billion in the past year, according to a survey. How did FL fare?
