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 Pinellas Park High School graduate who lettered all four years in baseball plans to become a First Responder, says a proud grandfather.
A Lakeside Christian High School graduate has overcome a paralyzed arm, helps his siblings and plans to be a missionary, says a proud mom.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-PA, was driving when he collided with another vehicle on I-70 in Maryland, reports said. He was seen at a hospital.
Toxic "forever chemicals," known collectively as PFAS, are seen in public water systems throughout Florida, data shows.
Toxic "forever chemicals," known collectively as PFAS, are seen in public water systems throughout Maryland, data shows.
Soaring temperatures in Northern Virginia will flirt with 100 degrees later this week, the National Weather Service's forecast said.
Soaring temperatures in Maryland will flirt with 100 degrees later this week, the National Weather Service's forecast said.
A young black bear was seen roaming through Arlington neighborhoods this weekend. Here's what to do to keep bears away from your home.
Montgomery County residents are being warned about home repair scammers after this week's storms spawned tornadoes.
A new list from Realtor.com includes several Virginia housing markets as the most popular real estate buys.
A new list from Realtor.com includes several Maryland housing markets as the most popular real estate buys.
The suspected shooter at a child's birthday party held at Harford Bounce in Bel Air was urged by his father to surrender to police.
Before the Fourth of July arrives, know MD fireworks laws. The state allows some fireworks, but some cities and counties ban them entirely.
Before the Fourth of July arrives, know VA fireworks laws. The state allows some fireworks, but some cities and counties have stricter laws.
Before the Fourth of July arrives, know FL fireworks laws. The state allows some fireworks, but some cities and counties ban them entirely.
Red Lobster's "Ultimate Endless Shrimp" promotion is cited as a reason for the chain's bankruptcy filing. More VA sites are set to close.
Red Lobster's "Ultimate Endless Shrimp" promotion is cited as a reason for the chain's bankruptcy filing. Another MD site is set to close.
Two tornadoes likely touched down in Montgomery County, officials said Wednesday night. Here's what you need to know.
The staffing franchise AtWork has opened its only Maryland location in Rockville to serve the greater Gaithersburg area.
A Mega Millions ticket worth $1 million was sold Tuesday in Silver Spring, while tickets worth $10,000 were sold in Bethesda and Ocean City.
