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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

Multiple people stabbed in 'chaotic' Mississaga Street incident

Multiple people stabbed in 'chaotic' Mississaga Street incident

An OPP cruiser also caught fire during incident; few details have been released but multiple ambulances were called to the scene, witnesses say
Bracebridge man who drowned trying to save another honoured

Bracebridge man who drowned trying to save another honoured

The 51-year-old jumped into river to help rescue man who fell from the pier; he was one of 17 from across North America recognized by the Carnegie Hero Fund
Ebike fire causes $40,000 in damages at Barrie Road apartment unit

Ebike fire causes $40,000 in damages at Barrie Road apartment unit

Quick-thinking firefighters removed the lithium-ion battery pack and submerged it in a large garbage container to limit the damage, says Orillia fire official
Neighbours help rescue tenant from Coldwater Road triplex fire

Neighbours help rescue tenant from Coldwater Road triplex fire

Three occupants fled burning apartment to a second-floor balcony; there were no injuries and the fire is 'not considered suspicious,' officials say
Unconscious man rescued from early-morning Matchedash St. fire

Unconscious man rescued from early-morning Matchedash St. fire

Fire chief says four people fled the fire, but a fifth person had to be rescued by firefighters; Fire marshal will be investigating blaze that did 'extensive damage' to home
OSS student charged with mischief after weapons call at school

OSS student charged with mischief after weapons call at 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
PROFILE: 'Great man' to be inducted into Orillia Sports Hall of Fame

PROFILE: 'Great man' to be inducted into Orillia Sports Hall of Fame

Dean Heliotis, who died in 2023, will be inducted in the builder's category at Saturday night's gala; legendary local coach was 'one of Orillia's great sportsmen'
PROFILE: Orillia Sports Hall of Fame to welcome 'master motivator'

PROFILE: Orillia Sports Hall of Fame to welcome 'master motivator'

Ian MacMillan, a legendary ODCVI coach who helped generations of athletes reach their potential, 'really cared about us as athletes,' says Rob Town
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
'Local treasure': Orillia mourns loss of renowned artist Dave Beckett

'Local treasure': Orillia mourns loss of renowned artist Dave Beckett

'Not only is he an acclaimed artist with a great talent, but he is also very giving,' said then Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke when Beckett's painting was hung at city hall
More work by Dave >