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A couple who have shaped Salem’s home and building industry will be honored as Salem First Citizens this year.

Realtor Laura Dorn of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and home builder Dan Dorn, founder of Sunco Homes & Remodeling, are the recipients of this year’s civic honor. They’ll be recognized at a banquet on Saturday, April 18, put on by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber, announcing their selection, noted their involvement in the residential construction program for high school students at Salem’s Career Technical Education Center

“Individually accomplished in their careers, the Dorns have made an even bigger impact together as a powerhouse servant-leader duo, spending decades investing their time, expertise, and resources to make Salem a stronger place to live and work. Through professional leadership development, volunteerism, and philanthropy, the couple has built a reputation as two of our community’s most dedicated and respected civic leaders,” the chamber announcement said.

Other chamber award recipients are being announced this week.

We also have a correction to yesterday’s newsletter. Developer Aaron Stickney, who’s taking over Salem’s “The Cannery” project, developed housing near the Old Mill District in Bend, but wasn’t formally involved in the shopping center development. We conflated the two in a summary of the story. Salem Reporter apologizes for the mistake – and we’ve fixed the story as well.

Here’s some of today’s news. Head to our website anytime for the latest in Salem local news.  

www.salemreporter.com

PHOTOS: Salem Capitals see fierce competition in first home game of season

The Salem Capitals have a 2-2 record for the 2026 season following their first home games over the weekend. The

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www.salemreporter.com

Marion County deputy shoots, injures man during response to suspected hostage situation

Oregon State Police said two Marion County deputies got into an “altercation” with a man armed with two knives while responding to a 911 call from an east Salem home…

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www.salemreporter.com

5 things to do in Salem this week: Cherry Blossom Day, free museum tours, motorcycle show 

Events in Salem this week include the return of Cherry Blossom Day at the Oregon Capitol, free tours of the Deepwood Museum house, garden and nature trails and a motorcycle…

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www.salemreporter.com

Cost of new I-5 bridge linking Oregon and WA doubles to $14.4B

Project planners have been recalculating the cost of an Interstate 5 bridge replacement for months, factoring in risks including tariffs and inflation. To comment on this story, use the form…

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www.salemreporter.com

Gene Derfler, ‘generational leader’ in Oregon Legislature, dies at 101

As a lawmaker, Gene Derfler helped reform Oregon’s workers’ compensation system to reduce lawsuits and accidents. In retirement, he took up woodworking, crafting trucks for Salem preschoolers and lifelike fish.

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