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 1803 Clarens Estate was sold for $7.5 million, marking the highest home sale in Alexandria City history, a real estate firm said.
The Alexandria Warehouse Sale, featuring discounts at more than 20 shops in Old Town, has been extended through President's Day weekend.
Geno’s Steaks, a famed cheesesteak institution in Philadelphia, has set an opening date for a restaurant in Baltimore.
A Centreville man who caused a four-vehicle crash in Fairfax has been identified by police. The dead driver was likely speeding at the time.
A D.C. man has been charged with breaking into five cell phone stores in McLean and Hybla Valley, Fairfax County police said.
A Virginia prison inmate has been charged in two Montgomery County rapes from more than 30 years ago, and there may be more victims.
Here are the headlines you may have missed from the weekend in Maryland.
A preschooler with measles and a person who went to Reagan Airport and a Prince William medical clinic are Virginia's latest cases.
A man and woman from Virginia were arrested following a road rage incident with a gun in their car on the Eastern Shore, state police said.
Cyberbullying, human trafficking and social networking to the risks tied to using digital devices are the focus of Internet Safety Day.
Buddhist monks on a "Walk for Peace" from Texas to D.C. will pass through Alexandria Monday, prompting road closures and traffic delays.
Trump Exec Murder Plot | Monks For Peace | Au Pair Affair Verdict | Snowplow Driver Dies | Kennedy Center Closure | Fairfax Bridge Priority
Name Pile Of Poop | Extreme Cold Death | Police Chief Fired | Vikings' Player Death | Kennedy Center Closure | ‘Real Housewives' Star On DUI
The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games officially open Friday. Seven athletes with Florida ties will compete at the winter games.
The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games officially open Friday. One athlete with Georgia ties will compete at the winter games.
The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games officially open Friday. Four athletes with Virginia ties will compete at the winter games.
The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games officially open Friday. Three athletes with Maryland ties will compete at the winter games.
The Alexandria Warehouse Sale returns this weekend, featuring discounts at more than 40 independent boutiques across Old Town.
A clothing retailer will close dozens of locations across the country, including 6 FL stores, and is currently offering steep discounts.
A restaurant chain inspired by Caribbean flavors will close or rebrand all 28 of its locations across the U.S., including in Virginia.
