Ogden Standard-Examiner
Articles by Donna Kerr

📰 Ogden Standard-Examiner 

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June 2, 1988 — Cancer Can’t Wipe Out Strength Between Family, Friends

Topic: Human Interest & Workplace Community

Notes:
Feature story published in a Standard-Examiner advertising supplement for Federal Employees Appreciation Week, profiling Mary Ann Quintana, a Defense Depot Ogden employee facing terminal cancer. The article highlights workplace support, resilience, and emotional strength within the DDOU community, blending personal narrative with workplace reporting.​

This piece reflects early long-form feature writing with strong emotional depth and narrative structure.​

Recognition:
Awarded a Commendable Service Certificate from the Defense Logistics Agency for this article.​

Tags:
#humaninterest, #featurewriting, #community, #workplace, #ddou, #storytelling, #awardwinning, #resilience

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November 16, 1989 — What to Do About Fireman Divides Officials

Topic: Local Government & Public Safety

Notes:
News coverage of a Syracuse City Council dispute over whether to require a former volunteer firefighter to pay restitution after admitting to setting multiple fires within city limits. The article outlines legal considerations, cost recovery debates, and differing viewpoints among city officials regarding accountability versus rehabilitation.

Demonstrates straightforward municipal reporting with attention to legal, financial, and ethical dimensions of a public safety issue.

Tags:
#localgovernment, #publicsafety, #citycouncil, #legal, #hardnews, #reporting

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November 29, 1989 — Syracuse Won’t Seek Restitution in Arson

Topic: Local Government & Public Safety

Notes:
Follow-up coverage of a Syracuse City Council decision not to pursue restitution from a former firefighter who admitted to setting multiple fires, citing that legal costs would exceed potential recovery. Published in the Ogden Standard-Examiner as part of Lakeside Review community coverage.

Demonstrates continuity reporting and tracking of an evolving local government issue.

Tags:
#localgovernment, #publicsafety, #citycouncil, #legal, #reporting, #followup

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January 8, 1990 — Mayor: Syracuse Shot Self in Foot Over Storm Drain

Topic: Local Government & Infrastructure

Notes:
Front-page local government coverage examining Syracuse officials’ decision to abandon a long-debated storm drain project due to resident opposition and cost concerns. The article highlights tensions between development needs, public opinion, and infrastructure planning, including debates over open versus piped drainage systems.

Published in the Ogden Standard-Examiner as part of Lakeside Review community coverage, this piece reflects in-depth municipal reporting on planning, funding, and citizen impact.

Tags:
#localgovernment, #infrastructure, #cityplanning, #community, #reporting, #publicpolicy

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January 17, 1990 — Causeway Disrepair Driving Away Tourists’ Dollars

Topic: Economic Development & Infrastructure

Notes:
Coverage of Syracuse Mayor DeLore Thurgood’s push to restore the Antelope Island causeway, arguing that its disrepair is costing the region significant tourism revenue. The article explores economic implications, state funding proposals, and debates over access, development, and long-term planning for the island.

Published in the Ogden Standard-Examiner as part of Lakeside Review community coverage, this piece highlights the intersection of local leadership and state-level economic priorities.

Tags:
#economicdevelopment, #infrastructure, #tourism, #publicpolicy, #localgovernment, #reporting

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January 31, 1990 — City Purchases Land for Access to Parks

Topic: Local Government & Community Planning

Notes:
Coverage of a Syracuse City Council decision to purchase land to improve access to Founder’s and Constitution parks, addressing safety concerns and long-standing accessibility issues. The article outlines funding challenges, planned improvements, and alignment with the city’s broader development goals.

Published in the Ogden Standard-Examiner as part of Lakeside Review community coverage, this piece reflects practical municipal reporting focused on infrastructure, safety, and community use.

Tags:
#localgovernment, #communityplanning, #parks, #infrastructure, #reporting​

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February 13, 1990 — Love Means Wanting to Please

Topic: Human Interest & Relationships

Notes:
Feature article exploring relationship dynamics and communication through interviews with local marriage and family therapists, published ahead of Valentine’s Day. The piece examines emotional needs, communication styles, and practical advice for maintaining strong relationships, blending expert insight with a relatable, real-life perspective.

Published in the Ogden Standard-Examiner as part of Lakeside Review community coverage, this article reflects narrative feature writing with a focus on human behavior and interpersonal connections.

Tags:
#humaninterest, #relationships, #featurewriting, #communication, #psychology, #community​​
 

February 20, 1990 — Syracuse Roads Target of Improvement Plan

Topic: Local Government & Infrastructure Planning

Notes:
Coverage of a five-year municipal plan outlining more than $300,000 in road repairs and equipment upgrades for Syracuse. The article details prioritization strategies, funding sources, phased improvements, and coordination between city officials and public works, reflecting long-term infrastructure planning and fiscal management.

Published in the Ogden Standard-Examiner as part of Lakeside Review community coverage, this piece demonstrates in-depth reporting on budgeting, planning processes, and public infrastructure systems.

Tags:
#localgovernment, #infrastructure, #cityplanning, #budget, #publicworks, #reporting​​
 

March 19, 1990 — Syracuse Drawing Up Ordinance

Topic: Local Government & City Planning

Notes:
Coverage of Syracuse officials working to develop the city’s first zoning ordinance in response to growth and development pressures. The article outlines proposed zoning categories, potential impact on property values, and the role of planning commissions in shaping long-term land use policy.

Published in the Ogden Standard-Examiner as part of Lakeside Review community coverage, this piece reflects detailed reporting on municipal governance, regulatory planning, and community development.

Tags:
#localgovernment, #cityplanning, #zoning, #development, #publicpolicy, #reporting​

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March 20, 1990 — History Buff Collecting Artifacts

Topic: Community Feature & Local History

Notes:
Feature story on a newly appointed Syracuse historical curator working to preserve the city’s past by collecting artifacts and planning for a future museum. The article highlights grassroots historical preservation efforts, community involvement, and the importance of documenting local heritage for future generations.

Published in the Ogden Standard-Examiner as part of Lakeside Review community coverage, this piece reflects narrative feature writing focused on community identity and cultural preservation.

Tags:
#community, #localhistory, #featurewriting, #culture, #preservation, #reporting

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March 20, 1990 — Boy’s Quick Thinking Saves Barn

Topic: Human Interest & Community Safety

Notes:
Feature story highlighting a young Syracuse boy whose quick thinking helped prevent a barn fire from causing serious damage and saved several horses. Drawing on safety lessons learned in Scouting, the boy acted calmly under pressure, contacted help, and assisted in rescuing the animals before firefighters arrived.

Published in the Ogden Standard-Examiner as part of Lakeside Review community coverage, this piece reflects strong narrative storytelling focused on everyday heroism, preparedness, and community values.

Tags:
#humaninterest, #community, #safety, #youth, #featurewriting, #localnews

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April 3, 1990 — Dancers Wow Crowd

Topic: Arts & Community Culture

Notes:
Feature story on a Syracuse elementary school performance led by a visiting Mexican folk dancer as part of an artist-in-residence program. Students performed traditional dances after two weeks of instruction, promoting cultural awareness, appreciation, and community engagement through the arts.

Published in the Ogden Standard-Examiner as part of Lakeside Review community coverage, this piece highlights the role of arts education in fostering cultural understanding and community connection.

Tags:
#arts, #culture, #education, #community, #featurewriting, #youth​

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April 15, 1990 — Children Make a Grab for Aisles of Sweets

Topic: Community Feature & Local Events

Notes:
Feature story capturing a lively Easter “candy grab” event at a Layton grocery store, where hundreds of children rushed aisles filled with treats in a fast-paced, high-energy community tradition. The article highlights organization, crowd dynamics, and the excitement of local families participating in a seasonal event.

Published in the Ogden Standard-Examiner as part of Lakeside Review community coverage, this piece reflects engaging, descriptive feature writing focused on everyday community life.

Tags:
#community, #localevents, #featurewriting, #family, #youth, #localnews​​

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May 3, 1990 — Sunset Expenses Underestimated

Topic: Local Government & Budget

Notes:
Coverage of a Sunset city budget shortfall of approximately $215,000, with officials identifying unbudgeted funds and additional revenue to close the gap. The article explains how prior allocations, street improvement costs tied to commercial development, and internal fund management contributed to the discrepancy, while outlining steps to reconcile the budget and carry funds forward.

Published in the Ogden Standard-Examiner, this piece reflects detailed municipal reporting focused on budgeting, fiscal accountability, and city financial operations.

Tags:
#localgovernment, #budget, #finance, #citymanagement, #publicpolicy, #reporting

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May 14, 1990 — Syracuse Due for Water Overhaul

Topic: Local Government, Infrastructure & Public Utilities

Notes:
Coverage of Syracuse officials approving plans to explore a major overhaul of the city’s culinary water system, with projected renovation costs of approximately $16 million. The article outlines infrastructure deficiencies, including inadequate water storage capacity for fire protection, and discusses funding options such as state-backed loans and potential rate increases for residents.

The report also highlights long-term planning efforts, including a five-year master plan and engineering assessments identifying the need for expanded water lines and increased storage capacity to support the growing population.

Published in the Ogden Standard-Examiner, this piece reflects detailed reporting on public infrastructure, fiscal planning, and the real-world impact of municipal decisions on residents.

Tags:
#localgovernment, #infrastructure, #water, #publicutilities, #budget, #cityplanning

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May 25, 1990 — Mayor Slams HUD Restrictions

Topic: Local Government, Housing Policy & Federal Regulation

Notes:
Coverage of Syracuse Mayor DeLora Thurgood (also chairman of the Davis Council of Governments) strongly criticizing federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) restrictions tied to Community Development Block Grant funding. The article highlights concerns over excessive paperwork and regulatory burdens, which Thurgood describes as an “administrative nightmare” for cities attempting to use federal funds effectively.

The piece captures escalating tension between local officials and federal oversight, including plans to escalate concerns to members of Congress, reflecting broader frustration with regulatory constraints on local development projects.

Tags:
#localgovernment, #housing, #federalpolicy, #regulation, #accountability, #reporting

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May 30, 1990 — Sunset to Get Teen Center

Topic: Community Development, Youth Services & Public Safety

Notes:
Coverage of Sunset city officials approving plans for a teen center (the “Sunset Playhouse”) aimed at providing a safe, supervised environment for local youth. The article outlines community concerns about noise, safety, and potential gang activity, while also highlighting the organizers’ goal to create a drug- and alcohol-free space to keep teens “off the street.”

The piece captures both sides of the issue—support for youth-focused community investment and resident concerns about neighborhood impact—reflecting balanced reporting on local decision-making and quality-of-life issues.

Tags:
#community, #youth, #publicsafety, #development, #localgovernment, #reporting

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May 30, 1990 — Family in for ‘Dog Days’

Topic: Human Interest, Community Life & Feature Writing

Notes:
Lighthearted feature about a Layton family caring for an unusually large litter of 12 Brittany spaniel puppies, capturing the humor, chaos, and warmth of everyday life. The story highlights both the rarity of such a large litter and the family’s willingness to embrace the challenge, with local veterinarians providing context on typical litter sizes and survival expectations.

The piece blends factual reporting with playful narrative, offering readers an engaging glimpse into a memorable and relatable moment within the community.

Tags:
#humaninterest, #community, #featurewriting, #animals, #lifestyle, #storytelling

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May 30, 1990 — Orchestra, Band Take Top Honors

Topic: Education, Arts & Student Achievement

Notes:
Coverage of Layton High School’s orchestra and band earning top honors at a national music invitational in San Diego, competing against schools from across the western United States. The article highlights the orchestra’s first-place finish in the large-school category and the band’s strong placement, along with insights from directors and students about preparation, performance, and the emotional impact of the experience.

The story also captures the role of discipline, teamwork, and artistic growth, emphasizing how the experience strengthened both musical performance and group cohesion.

Tags:
#education, #arts, #music, #students, #achievement, #community

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May 30, 1990 — Lighting the Dark Ages

Subtitle: Group brings history to life with flair, chivalry

Topic: Feature Writing, Culture & Experiential Storytelling

Notes:
Full-length feature on the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), an international organization dedicated to recreating medieval life through combat, costume, and cultural study. The story immerses readers in a vivid, scene-driven portrayal of a live event in Layton, blending historical context with firsthand observation of participants embodying medieval roles.

The piece highlights the organization’s mission, structure, and appeal across social backgrounds, while also capturing the sensory experience—armor, combat, costumes, and community dynamics. A secondary feature, “Resident a knight by night,” adds a personal profile element, deepening the narrative through an individual participant’s story.

Accompanied by photography from Robert Regan, the spread integrates visual storytelling with immersive writing, creating a dynamic, magazine-style presentation.

Tags:
#featurewriting, #culture, #history, #community, #visualjournalism, #storytelling

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May 30, 1990 — City’s Library Plans Quashed / Dancer Entertains Crowd

Topic: Local Government & Community Feature

Notes:
Dual coverage:

• City council decision halting library plans due to funding and policy constraints

• Cultural feature on Apache dancer performing for a community event

Represents transition into civic reporting and broader community storytelling.

Tags:
#archive, #journalism, #StandardExaminer, #LakesideReview, #localgovernment, #citycouncil, #publicpolicy, #community, #featurewriting, #arts, #culture, #Utah

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June 6, 1990 — City to Allow Building of Reservoirs

Topic: Local Government, Infrastructure & Water Management

Notes:
Coverage of Sunset city officials approving a conditional-use permit for the Davis and Weber Counties Canal Co. to construct holding reservoirs to supply secondary water to West Point. The plan followed more than a year of negotiations, with the company purchasing 11 acres of commercial property for the project.

The article outlines key considerations, including elevation advantages for gravity-fed water pressure, phased construction of multiple reservoirs, and prior city concerns about safety, aesthetics, and lost tax revenue. The final decision reflects a shift in leadership perspective, with officials viewing the reservoirs as preferable to higher-traffic commercial development.

Tags:
#localgovernment, #infrastructure, #water, #cityplanning, #development, #publicpolicy

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📰 Lakeside Review

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January 31, 1990 — City Purchases Land for Access to Parks

Topic: Local Government & Community Planning

Notes:
Coverage of a Syracuse City Council decision to purchase land to improve access to Founder’s and Constitution parks, addressing long-standing accessibility and safety concerns. The article outlines funding strategies, planned parking improvements, and alignment with the city’s broader development goals.

Published in the Lakeside Review, this piece represents original community reporting focused on practical municipal planning and public access.

Tags:
#localgovernment, #communityplanning, #parks, #infrastructure, #reporting

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March 13, 1990 — Local Girl Wants to Play Football

Topic: Human Interest & Gender Equality

Notes:
Feature story highlighting a young Syracuse girl challenging league rules that prohibit girls from participating in youth football. The article explores legal, social, and community perspectives, including potential litigation, safety concerns, and evolving attitudes toward gender roles in sports.

Published in the Lakeside Review, this piece reflects strong narrative storytelling combined with coverage of a broader social issue, capturing both personal determination and institutional resistance.

Tags:
#humaninterest, #genderequality, #youthsports, #community, #featurewriting, #socialissues

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May 1, 1990 — Syracuse Committee to Mark Grave on Antelope Island

Topic: Community Feature & Local History

Notes:
Front-page community feature highlighting efforts by the Syracuse historical committee to place a long-overdue headstone on the grave of Alice Eliza Phillips Frary on Antelope Island. The story traces a 93-year-old promise passed through generations, reflecting themes of historical preservation, community commitment, and honoring local legacy.

Published in the Lakeside Review, this piece represents narrative-driven reporting focused on local history, memory, and the fulfillment of a community promise.

Tags:
#community, #localhistory, #preservation, #featurewriting, #legacy, #storytelling

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May 1, 1990 — Syracuse Looks at New City Hall

Topic: Local Government & City Planning

Notes:
Coverage of Syracuse officials exploring plans for a new municipal complex near Founders Park, including proposed costs, funding through a general obligation bond, and potential use of a franchise tax to support repayment. The article outlines proposed features of the building, public involvement steps, and long-term planning considerations for city growth.

Published in the Lakeside Review, this piece reflects detailed municipal reporting focused on budgeting, infrastructure development, and public decision-making processes.

Tags:
#localgovernment, #cityplanning, #infrastructure, #budget, #development, #reporting

 

May 1, 1990 — Cowboy Poet Uses Barnyard Humor

Topic: Arts & Culture / Human Interest

Notes:
Feature profile of a local cowboy poet whose work draws on agricultural life, humor, and storytelling traditions. The article explores his background, rise in popularity, and connection to the national cowboy poetry movement, highlighting how humor and shared experience sustain rural culture.

Published in the Lakeside Review, this piece reflects narrative feature writing centered on voice, personality, and cultural identity.

Tags:
#arts, #culture, #humaninterest, #featurewriting, #storytelling, #agriculture

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May 8, 1990 — Farmer Fights for His Land/Jump Page 2

Topic: Agriculture, Public Policy & Property Rights

Notes:
Two-page feature examining a Syracuse farmer’s dispute with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over wetland classification of his land. The article explores the legal, environmental, and economic tensions surrounding federal regulation, drainage restrictions, and private property rights. It details the farmer’s long-term efforts to make the land productive, the impact of rising water tables, and broader implications for agriculture and land use policy.

Published in the Lakeside Review, this piece reflects in-depth reporting that blends environmental policy, government regulation, and personal impact into a compelling, multi-layered narrative.

Tags:
#agriculture, #publicpolicy, #environment, #propertyrights, #featurewriting, #government #featured

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May 8, 1990 — Monument a Tribute to Island Life / Jump Page

Topic: Local History, Culture & Human Interest

Notes:
Two-page feature covering the dedication of the first historical monument on Antelope Island, honoring Alice Eliza Phillip-Frary and her family. The article weaves together historical research, generational storytelling, and vivid scene-setting—from the ceremony overlooking the Great Salt Lake to the hardships and resilience of early island life.

Drawing on descendants’ accounts, historical records, and community research, the story captures both the emotional significance of fulfilling a long-standing promise and the broader cultural importance of preserving local history. Continued on page 18 with detailed accounts of the Frary family’s life, struggles, and legacy on the island.

Published in the Lakeside Review, this piece represents immersive feature writing that blends history, place, and human narrative into a compelling, richly layered story.

Tags:
#localhistory, #culture, #humaninterest, #featurewriting, #storytelling, #legacy #featured

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June 19, 1990 — Syracuse Heritage Days is a “Fun-for-All”

Topic / Role:
Community feature covering the Syracuse Heritage Days celebration, including the Lions Club breakfast, parade, carnival, demolition derby, and other city festivities.

Notes:
The article describes the annual community celebration that brought residents together despite rainy weather. Activities included:

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• Lions Club breakfast serving roughly 300 residents

• The Heritage Days parade with floats, bands, and candy tossed to children

• carnival rides and youth activities

• a demolition derby held at the rodeo grounds

• community dances and music in the park

 

The story highlights local residents, families, and city officials participating in the celebration, illustrating the small-town character of Syracuse’s summer kickoff festival.

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Photo Credit:

Photos on the page are credited to Robert Regan / Standard-Examiner, not Donna Brown.

 

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November 27, 1990 — Honor Students Pitch In, Clean Up Fernwood Park

Topic: Youth Service & Community Impact

Notes:
Covers student-led cleanup project promoting environmental stewardship, leadership, and community engagement.

Tags:
#archive, #journalism, #LakesideReview, #community, #youth, #education, #service, #environment, #humaninterest, #Utah