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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

Woman succumbs to injuries after apartment fire

Woman succumbs to injuries after 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
Apartment fire leaves residents from 28 units homeless — for now

Apartment fire leaves residents from 28 units homeless — for now

One person was taken to hospital with 'serious' injuries after fire at Orillia apartment building; Firefighters encountered 'heavy smoke and intense heat'
Orillia faces $3.25M lawsuit over deadly 2022 Legionella outbreak

Orillia faces $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
Coldwater brothers injured in crash face long road to recovery

Coldwater brothers injured in crash face long road to recovery

Lukas Saunders, 15, 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 murder victim's 'devastated family'

Fundraiser started to aid 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
Oh, Christmas Tree! Local tree lighting events hope to avoid Orillia farce

Oh, Christmas Tree! Local tree lighting events hope to avoid Orillia farce

As Midland, Penetanguishene and Tiny Township ready for their Christmas tree lighting events, video of Orillia's underwhelming ceremony goes viral
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
Ramara homicide an 'isolated incident,' says OPP

Ramara homicide an 'isolated incident,' says 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
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