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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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North Okanagan woman takes body painting skills to international competition
ARMSTRONG – Christine Turpin has only ever painted on actual canvass a handful of times.…
Vernon keeping all fire halls staffed in response to extreme wildfire risk
VERNON – The City of Vernon is bolstering its fire protection resources. In response to…
Coldstream cancels Halloween fireworks due to flood damage to pier
COLDSTREAM – It may seem a long ways away, but officials in Coldstream are letting…
Singer Sarah McLachlan makes waves on trip to Vernon
VERNON – Renowned singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan may soon be singing “I will remember you” with…
North Okanagan car thief didn’t realize who he was attempting to steal from
NORTH OKANAGAN – A thief picked the wrong car to target while fleeing police yesterday…
HE’S BACK: Former MLA Ben Stewart looking to fill vacant Kelowna-West seat
KELOWNA – A well-known politician is taking aim at the vacant seat left by former…
North Okanagan cop charged in connection with highway crash
NORTH OKANAGAN – A police officer in the North Okanagan is facing a charge of…
Good samaritans stop to douse small roadside fire in North Okanagan
VERNON – People in the Okanagan are very much on guard when it comes to…
Good character doesn’t excuse Vernon man from paying the price for “vicious” night club assault
VERNON – The Court of Appeal has upped the jail sentence for a young Vernon…
Theft from vehicles and other property crimes still high in North Okanagan
VERNON – Property crime remains a steady challenge for police in the North Okanagan. According…
Prolific Vernon offender sent back to jail for break-and-enters, stolen property crimes
VERNON – A Vernon judge said it was sadly “not surprising” that a petty criminal…
Love of animals comes first for these newlyweds who rescue pets from evacuation zones
FALKLAND – A newlywed husband-and-wife team who rescue animals from wildfire evacuation zones dropped their…
Trio having a campfire in North Okanagan ‘didn’t seem to get it or care’
COLDSTREAM – Three men received fines of $1,150 each for lighting a campfire on a…
Vernon’s top cop responds to spike in volume and severity of crimes
VERNON – Crime jumped by nearly 20 per cent in Vernon in 2016, with both…
Silver Star Mountain limits trail use due to high wildfire risk
VERNON – Silver Star is restricting the hours that people can use the mountain’s trails…
Fundraiser launched for Monte Lake family who lost home in wildfire
MONTE LAKE – Support is pouring in for a Monte Lake family who lost their…
Alberta man slapped with $1,150 fine for illegal campfire in Kelowna
KELOWNA – An Alberta man has been lit up for having an illegal campfire in…
BREAKING: Wildfire near Monte Lake at 100 hectares, dozens of properties evacuated
MONTE LAKE – Dozens of properties have now been evacuated and B.C. Wildfire crews are…
Newfoundland man’s unique vehicle stolen in Vernon
VERNON – It’s a vehicle that turns a lot of heads and appears to have…
Vernon library signs remind visitors to be ‘awake, sober and respectful’
VERNON – The Vernon Library has posted signs stating people must be “awake, sober and…
Pit bull owner comes forward with a different story about ‘stolen’ puppies
NORTH OKANAGAN – A 100 Mile House man who claims to be the owner of…
Police watchdog concludes Mountie may have committed offence in North Okanagan collision with motorcycle
VERNON – Crown counsel is now considering charges against a Mountie involved in a motor…
Charges being considered against Mountie involved in 2015 Shuswap shooting
SALMON ARM – B.C.’s police watchdog has submitted a report to Crown counsel for consideration…
Fines for open burning handed out in North Okanagan
ARMSTRONG – Some people just aren’t getting the message. Armstrong-Spallumcheen Fire Chief Ian Cummings says…