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Dave Dawson

Dave Dawson

Dave Dawson was born and raised in Orillia and returned to his hometown to become sports editor of The Packet & Times in 1991. He chose to stay in Orillia, to raise his family here and to serve the community as a reporter, editor and freelance writer ever since. He is thrilled to be the community editor of OrilliaMatters.com and looks forward to continuing the tradition of bringing the stories that matter to Orillians to their fingertips every day. Dave is also very involved in the community; he coached various sports when his kids were younger and, today, is a valued board member of Sport Orillia, a member of the Building Hope campaign for the Lighthouse Soup Kitchen and Shelter and is also part of the committee selected to choose this year's Citizen of the Year.

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Recent Work by Dave

Local teen cycles to a pair of titles at world championships

Local teen cycles to a pair of titles at world championships

Isabella Holmgren struck gold in short-track and cross-country event in Andorra; Ava Holmgren also brought home a bronze medal after 'fabulous' week of racing
Student charged with mischief after weapons call at Orillia school

Student charged with mischief after weapons call at Orillia school

Teen sent a Snapchat of what appeared to be a weapon to students, sparking large police presence and lockdown; three other local schools were put in 'hold and secure'
Gerry Dee stuck in Hwy. 400 crash; Orillia Opera House show postponed

Gerry Dee stuck in Hwy. 400 crash; Orillia Opera House show postponed

'People were just hanging out, chatting and having a few laughs anyway,' said patron after Friday night show was unexpectedly postponed
Woman, 67, succumbs to injuries after Orillia apartment fire

Woman, 67, succumbs to injuries after Orillia apartment fire

'It's a tragic circumstance any time someone loses their life in this type of manner,' said Orillia OPP official of 67-year-old woman's death; cause under investigation
City facing $3.25M lawsuit over deadly 2022 Legionella outbreak

City facing $3.25M lawsuit over deadly 2022 Legionella outbreak

Family of man who died filed statement of claim alleging his 'injuries and death were caused solely by the negligence' of the city and its contractors
'Heartbreaking': Family, community mourn death of six-year-old

'Heartbreaking': Family, community mourn death of six-year-old

'It's a sad day for Orillia,' says mayor after young girl was killed in downtown crash; a candlelight vigil is being planned and a fundraiser has been started for family
Brothers injured in crash face long road to recovery

Brothers injured in crash face long road to recovery

GoFundMe page set up to support family; younger brother suffered traumatic brain injury in New Year's Eve crash in Oro-Medonte
Local author 'thrilled' to be in Chicken Soup for Soul Christmas book

Local author 'thrilled' to be in Chicken Soup for Soul Christmas book

Evelyn Pollock's story was inspired by her experience ringing bells for Salvation Army at Orillia Square; 'It's an honour to be a Chicken Soup author'
Fundraiser started to aid local murder victim's 'devastated family'

Fundraiser started to aid local murder victim's 'devastated family'

Fabian Crawford was found dead in a Ramara home Nov. 11; family friend has started GoFundMe account in support of his daughters
Jimmy Fallon pokes fun at Orillia's Christmas tree lighting fiasco

Jimmy Fallon pokes fun at Orillia's Christmas tree lighting fiasco

'It's so embarrassing for all of us. Imagine we hit the news in the U.S.,' says commenter after tree lighting in Orillia is ridiculed on the Tonight Show on American television
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