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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

Snow squall heading toward Orillia; Highway 11 remains shut down

Snow squall heading toward Orillia; Highway 11 remains shut down

Another 45 centimetres of snow fell overnight north of Orillia, worsening already treacherous conditions on Highway 11; reopening time not known
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City doubling down on debt for Brian Orser renos, Laclie Street work

City doubling down on debt for Brian Orser renos, Laclie Street work

City official calls long-term borrowing a 'balancing act'; Coun. Lauer expressed concerns about $4.1M annual cost to service new debt
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Speed cameras on city's radar ... along with goose, seagull strategies

Speed cameras on city's radar ... along with goose, seagull strategies

Monday's city council meeting features lengthy agenda with dozens of items up for discussion including an OK for debentures worth almost $20M for major projects
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Early-morning fire destroys boarded-up Orchard Point home

Early-morning fire destroys boarded-up Orchard Point home

Orillia deputy fire chief says blaze is not considered suspicious; damage to single-storey home is estimated at $200,000
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City councillor gets OK to claim AMO expenses despite not seeking approval to attend

City councillor gets OK to claim AMO expenses despite not seeking approval to attend

There was no debate and there were no questions asked about request at Monday's meeting; Smith, in report, said 'experience justifies the reimbursement of the related expenses'
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Aquatics supervisor at Orillia Recreation Centre facing child luring, sex assault charges

Aquatics supervisor at Orillia Recreation Centre facing child luring, sex assault charges

'The City of Orillia has been made aware of an investigation involving an employee and that this individual is no longer actively employed with the city,' says official
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Orillia teen cycles to a pair of titles at world championships

Orillia teen cycles to a pair of titles at world championships

Isabella Holmgren struck gold in short-track and cross-country event in Andorra; Ava Holmgren also brought home a bronze medal after 'fabulous' week of racing
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Charging ebike sparks early-morning fire in West Street home

Charging ebike sparks early-morning fire in West Street home

'When the crew arrived, they found heavy fire in an attached garage extending into the wall and soffit of the house,' said deputy fire chief
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Girls softball: Reds win fourth straight Tournament of Champions

Girls softball: Reds win fourth straight Tournament of Champions

'The day was full of laughter, teamwork, and cheering which is what it’s all about,' says coach, noting it's 'rewarding to see' growth of girls' skills
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'Large outdoor' fire behind downtown building considered suspicious: officials

'Large outdoor' fire behind downtown building considered suspicious: officials

Firefighters were on scene behind Colborne Street building for 4.5 hours; officials say Orillia OPP and Ontario Fire Marshal are investigating the blaze
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