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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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Marijuana 101: Okanagan College launches new course about pot industry
OKANAGAN – A new course at Okanagan College will teach students about the emerging marijuana…
‘Things need to change:’ Parents of North Okanagan man lost to suicide speak up
VERNON – A mother and father who lost their son to suicide are sharing his…
Lucky coincidence leads Vernon woman to sister she didn’t know she had
VERNON – Better late than never is the phrase a 79-year-old North Okanagan woman is…
Drought conditions creating problems for salmon trying to navigate Interior waterways
Every drop of water saved can help salmon survive what is proving to be a…
More than 30 windows at Kelowna school deliberately damaged
KELOWNA – Police are investigating an act of vandalism at a Kelowna school last weekend.…
Polson Park boardwalk reopens following camp clean up
VERNON – Vernon bylaw officers haven’t had to hand out any fines so far in…
Housing, childcare, and job challenges affecting viability of living in Okanagan
VERNON – If Jolene Graff had the choice, she would still be living in Vernon.…
Crews respond to half a dozen small, lightning-caused fires in North Okanagan and Shuswap
ENDERBY – B.C. Wildfire is responding to six small wildfires, most of which are northeast…
Teeth found at Vernon beach turned in to RCMP, identified as non-human
VERNON – Found alongside a pair of dentures on the shores of Okanagan Lake, a…
North Okanagan dog breeder will fight animal cruelty charges
ENDERBY – A dog breeder and trainer in the North Okanagan says she will fight…
Province upgrades drought rating for watersheds in Salmon Arm and Brookmere
The province has announced increased drought ratings for two watersheds in the Interior. The updates…
North Okanagan man leaves audience spellbound with… bubbles
VERNON – These aren’t your average soap suds boys and girls. From clouds of little…
North Okanagan woman cracks case of weird blob washed up on beach
VERNON – It’s been likened to ‘Ogopogo eggs’ and ‘my wife’s cooking’ but whatever it…
Salmon Arm RCMP appeal for tips in shooting incident
SALMON ARM – Police in Salmon Arm are investigating a shooting incident that took place…
Vernon homeless camp shrinking as City steps up enforcement of new bylaw
VERNON – A large homeless camp in Vernon is clearing out as officials begin enforcing…
iN PHOTOS: Solar eclipse draws huge crowd in Vernon
VERNON – Whether they were watching through pinhole projectors, telescopes or filtered glasses, people in…
Grass fire behind Vernon arena deemed suspicious
VERNON – A fire behind Kal Tire Place yesterday morning is considered suspicious. Vernon Fire…
Make a mosaic tile, see it inlayed in a Vernon city sidewalk
VERNON – You don’t have to be an artist to participate in a huge public…
‘This isn’t a proud situation for us’: Polson Park camper explains difficulties of new Vernon bylaw
“THE BYLAW MAKES COMPLETE SENSE TO PEOPLE WHO DON’T LIVE IN A PARK” VERNON –…
Homeless man on the move again after eviction from vacant Vernon lot
VERNON – Maurice Samson has just been evicted from the vacant lot at the north…
How Vernon RCMP volunteers are protecting us from a new threat: invasive mussels
VERNON – Crime prevention volunteers in Vernon are on the lookout for an intruder of…
Retired fire chief in small B.C. community defies wildfire evacuation order
70 MILE HOUSE – When retired firefighter Brad Potter decided to stay behind and defy…
Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival finds its rhythm
SALMON ARM – The Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival is back on track. The…
Family makes plea for return of cherished photos stolen in Vernon theft
VERNON – A grieving family is begging for the return of some precious possessions. A…