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Charlotte Helston
REPORTER
Charlotte Helston grew up in Armstrong and after four years studying writing at the University of Victoria, she came back to do what she loves most: Connect with the community and bringing its stories to life.
Covering Vernon for iNFOnews.ca has reinforced her belief in community. The people and the stories she encounters every day—at the courthouse, City Hall or on the street—show the big tales in a small town.
If you have an opinion to share or a story you'd like covered, contact Charlotte at Charlotte Helston or call 250-309-5230.
Charlotte Helston's Stories
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iN PHOTOS: Exploring what remains of Vernon’s historic Kin Race Track
VERNON – Weeds and graffiti have taken over the once thriving grounds of Kin Race…
North Okanagan amputee searching for perfect match for right foot shoe collection
VERNON – Amidst all the lifestyle changes, pain and discomfort of losing her right leg…
Parole board worried about Vernon woman’s plans to marry a high profile offender
VERNON – Having a romantic relationship with another offender isn’t helping a Vernon woman’s chances…
New Vernon art gallery and museum given $40M price tag
VERNON – The cost of a new cultural centre for Vernon’s museum and art gallery…
Missing woman found dead near North Okanagan campground
ENDERBY – An Ashton Creek woman reported missing last week has been found dead. Police…
It’s racist, it’s graffiti but here’s why the Enderby incident is likely not a crime
ENDERBY – Slurs about indigenous people spray-painted at a local skateboard park where a mural…
Some families just can’t borrow enough to get into the Okanagan’s pricey real estate market
OKANAGAN – The effects of Canada’s new mortgage stress test are being felt across the…
UPDATE: Mural for missing and murdered indigenous women in Enderby vandalized with racial slurs; RCMP investigating
ENDERBY – Shockwaves are going through a North Okanagan community this morning after a mural…
‘We heart nurses’ sign pops up across from Vernon Jubilee Hospital
VERNON – Kimberley Lee has some deeply personal reasons for placing a "We heart nurses"…
North Okanagan Hospice House evacuates residents due to flood risk
VERNON – Residents receiving end-of-life care at a facility in Vernon are being relocated due…
So, what exactly is a local state of emergency and what does it mean to you?
Chances are, you’ll be seeing the words ‘state of local emergency’ a lot in the…
Mother accused of assaulting son during violent tantrum in Vernon found not guilty
VERNON – A mother accused of assaulting her eight-year-old son during a violent tantrum in…
VIDEO: Two homes burn to the ground on Okanagan Indian Band reserve amid questions over fire hall
NORTH OKANAGAN – A pair of devastating fires last week on the Okanagan Indian Band…
UPDATE: Police investigate daytime shooting near high school
VERNON – Police have a parking lot across from a Vernon high school draped in…
Lost bees take North Okanagan woman on wild chase around the city
VERNON – Under usual circumstances, lost animals include dogs, cats, and sometimes the odd budgie,…
Police charge driver that struck Vernon home
VERNON – A Quebec driver was charged after driving into a Vernon home early this…
Vernon’s new top cop brings wide experience where the city needs it most
VERNON – Vernon’s new top cop will bring expertise in the opioid crisis when she…
The single biggest reason behind the spike in homelessness in Vernon
VERNON – There’s no question homelessness has become much more visible on the streets of…
Pocket dialled 911 lately? Nearly 2,000 abandoned calls to North Okanagan RCMP
VERNON – Abandoned 911 calls were the second most common type of call made to…
Why a Vernon business owner was fined for pushing cart, garbage to homeless shelter
VERNON – Vernon bylaw is clearing up some misconceptions about what it can and can’t…
How B.C.’s proposed speculation tax could impact Vernon
VERNON – One of Vernon’s biggest housing developers says it’s already had a drop in…
‘I wish I could bring them back’: Drunk driver apologizes for causing the deaths of two friends
VERNON – Two lives were lost and many more changed forever as a result of…
Housing market a major challenge for Vernon businesses
VERNON – The challenging housing market and lack of affordable homes is making it difficult…
City putting some of Vernon’s pot shops out of business
VERNON – The City of Vernon will be telling some local pot shops to shut…