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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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One step closer to an Armstrong-Sicamous rail trail
NORTH OKANAGAN – Efforts to acquire a discontinued rail corridor between Armstrong and Sicamous have…
Sicamous community ‘relieved’ after trio of grizzly bears relocated
SICAMOUS – The Conservation Officer Service hopes a group of three female grizzly bears will…
‘They have no clue how he survived’: North Okanagan woman recounts husband’s terrifying electrocution in creek
ARMSTRONG – A Spallumcheen man was rushed to hospital yesterday after getting electrocuted while trying…
Vernon woman sentenced for making fake armed robbery report
VERNON – A Vernon woman apologized in court and expressed her embarrassment for stealing roughly…
Man who drove getaway vehicle in Lumby robbery sentenced to house arrest
VERNON – A Lumby man who helped rob a convenience store in the North Okanagan…
Windstorm makes a mess in North Okanagan and Shuswap
NORTH OKANAGAN – Strong winds whipped the North Okanagan and Shuswap Sunday evening. Evidence of…
Friends and family shocked by suspicious death of Vernon man
VERNON – Family members have identified the victim of a suspicious death earlier this week…
Vernon not signing off on new welcome signs until deficiencies are fixed
VERNON – It’s been a bumpy road for Vernon’s new welcome signs, but the end…
Boaters regain access to Kalamalka and Okanagan Lakes in North Okanagan
VERNON – Some Vernon boat launches are back in business. The North Okanagan Regional District…
Vernon bans campfires and barbecues in parks and open spaces due to wildfire risk
VERNON – Leave the hotdogs and pack a sandwich instead — no campfires or barbecues…
Behind Vernon’s emergency wildfire evacuation efforts
“WE’RE PREPARING FOR THE WORST, HOPING FOR THE BEST” VERNON – You can hear the…
North Okanagan man sentenced for ‘brutal’ killing of Lumby teacher
VERNON – A Vernon judge called convicted murderer Howard Krewson “selfish” and “narcissistic” as he…
Man ejected from truck in Vernon crash dies of injuries
VERNON – Police are investigating a car crash in Vernon that left one man dead…
Pit bull puppies taken by SPCA in bizarre North Okanagan case of alleged ‘puppy mill’
'WE ARE TRYING TO DETERMINE OWNERSHIP. WE ARE TRYING TO DETERMINE A WHOLE LOT OF…
Numerous charges laid against man who crashed car, then stole a semi truck in Vernon
VERNON – A man is facing a slew of charges in connection with last week’s…
Vernon Tim Hortons drive-thru becomes a ride-thru
VERNON – Tim Hortons employees had a surprise the other day in Vernon when a…
High lake level brings North Okanagan septic concerns to the surface
VERNON – The chief of the Okanagan Indian Band says this year’s flooding event is…
Loss of condo building not helping Vernon’s housing crisis
"WHERE ARE THESE PEOPLE GOING TO GO?" VERNON – The John Howard Society is calling…
Fire officials wrap up investigation into cause of Vernon condo fire
VERNON – Those forced out of their homes by a violent fire in Vernon earlier…
North Okanagan RCMP make arrest after suspect gets stuck inside crashed, stolen semi truck
VERNON – A trail of damage was left in the wake of what police are…
Vernon semi truck crash sparks small grass fire
VERNON – Emergency officials were all over an early morning highway incident yesterday that ignited…
Vernon bank robbery suspect facing charges
VERNON – Police made an arrest earlier this week in connection with a robbery at…
Flooding still has some waterfront properties in North Okanagan under evacuation order
NORTH OKANAGAN – As wildfires rage across the province, some people in the North Okanagan…
No, Vernon’s therapy dog program isn’t shutting down
VERNON – Vernon’s Therapy Dog Program is the focus of some confusion following claims that…