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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

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
<b>BREAKING:</b> 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
Gateway casinos to remain closed after cyber attack: officials

Gateway casinos to remain closed after cyber attack: officials

'At this point, we do not have any information indicating that this incident involves any compromise of personal data,' notes statement from operator of Casino Rama
'Health-related issues' force Lightfoot to cancel 2023 concerts

'Health-related issues' force Lightfoot to cancel 2023 concerts

'We thank you for respecting his privacy as he continues to focus on his recovery,' says brief statement issued on his Facebook Page
'Awesome': Area sisters rule world cyclo-cross championship

'Awesome': Area sisters rule world cyclo-cross championship

Isabella Holmgren finished in first place, while her sister, Ava, was second at the world championship, earning first-ever medals for Canada
Trio of local athletes shine on world stage <b>(4 photos)</b>

Trio of local athletes shine on world stage (4 photos)

Ava Holmgren, Isabella Holmgren and Ian Ackert each had podium performances at series of international cyclocross events in Europe
'Eggciting' discovery: Local woman's chicken lays rare round egg

'Eggciting' discovery: Local woman's chicken lays rare round egg

'At first, I thought it was a ball the dog found. When I picked it up, I realized — to my surprise — it was an egg,' said Washago woman
Man killed after wild pursuit involving spike belt, stolen vehicles and a deadly crash (Updated)

Man killed after wild pursuit involving spike belt, stolen vehicles and a deadly crash (Updated)

The incident began with a break and enter in Huntsville and culminated in a death early this morning in Orillia; SIU has invoked its mandate due to police involvement
Casino Rama will be shutting down at midnight Tuesday

Casino Rama will be shutting down at midnight Tuesday

'We understand that the closure is required at this time to work toward a healthy and safe community,' notes internal memo to Casino Rama employees