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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

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
Homicide near Washago an 'isolated incident,' say Orillia OPP

Homicide near Washago an 'isolated incident,' say Orillia OPP

Very few details are being released as the investigation into Saturday's homicide continues; OPP say they are not looking for any further suspects
OPP 'sincerely regrets' anti-Trudeau posts on its social media

OPP 'sincerely regrets' anti-Trudeau posts on its social media

'Ideas shared do not reflect the opinions of the organization,' says OPP official, noting posts were made in error; 'There is no punishment in this matter'
Woman who tortured, killed area man has day parole extended

Woman who tortured, killed area man has day parole extended

Coldwater's Faye Higgins, 55, will be allowed to live in a community-based residential facility 'to continue working toward a balanced and productive lifestyle'
'Very fragile': Woman, 101, seeks help to stay at home

'Very fragile': Woman, 101, seeks help to stay at home

'It breaks my heart' that 'very frail' Orillia senior may have to leave assisted care facility she loves because she is running out of money, laments sister, 82
'Super proud': Local athlete cycles to gold at Pan Am Games

'Super proud': Local athlete cycles to gold at Pan Am Games

Mountain biker, who hopes to represent Canada at the Olympics in 2024, beat out the fan favourite in Chile to win Canada's first gold at the games
Tributes pour in for Gordon Lightfoot, 'the heart of Canada'

Tributes pour in for Gordon Lightfoot, 'the heart of Canada'

'The world lost one of its great storytellers yesterday. Canada lost part of itself,' said actor Kiefer Sutherland, one of many who paid homage to Orillia's Gordon Lightfoot
BREAKING: Canadian icon Gordon Lightfoot has died

BREAKING: Canadian icon Gordon Lightfoot has died

'He will surely be missed by the Mariposa Folk Festival, by his beloved fans, by Orillia and the world,' said Mariposa Folk Festival official
Cyber attack will keep area casinos closed throughout weekend

Cyber attack will keep area casinos closed throughout weekend

Official could not put dollar figure on impact of shutdown and could not provide details of what needs to be done to restore IT system