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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

'Sad day for Orillia': Family, community mourn 6-year-old girl

'Sad day for Orillia': Family, community mourn 6-year-old girl

'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
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'
Casino Rama set to reopen today following ransomware attack

Casino Rama set to reopen today following ransomware attack

Casino Rama is the last of 14 properties operated by Gateway to reopen after they were suddenly closed on April 16
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 the iconic musician
BREAKING: Canadian icon Gordon Lightfoot dies at 84

BREAKING: Canadian icon Gordon Lightfoot dies at 84

'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 Casino Rama closed throughout weekend

Cyber attack will keep Casino Rama 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

Gateway casinos to remain closed after cyber attack

'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
'Eggciting' discovery: Rare round egg found at area chicken coop

'Eggciting' discovery: Rare round egg found at area chicken coop

'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
Casino Rama shutting down at midnight Tuesday

Casino Rama 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
ONTARIO: SIU clears officers who fatally shot man after mask 'rampage' in Minden

ONTARIO: SIU clears officers who fatally shot man after mask 'rampage' in Minden

SIU report says man 'pummeled' store employee, assaulted second employee, rammed car into carts and building and was later killed by OPP at his rural home
More work by Dave >