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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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New owners still trying to move The Log Barn beyond past controversies
VERNON – Few businesses in the North Okanagan have done more to court customers —…
Vernon council puts a limit on the hours homeless people can shelter in public parks
VERNON – Vernon City Council has overhauled an earlier decision not to impose time restrictions…
How Vernon residents are spreading community spirit one painted rock at a time
VERNON – Located on a nondescript side street in Vernon sits a landmark known by…
Vernon Teachers’ Association says district moving too slow with class size and composition changes
VERNON – The Vernon Teachers’ Association is accusing district officials of moving too slowly to…
Murder charge laid in connection with Vernon death
VERNON – A 21-year-old man is facing a murder charge in relation to the death…
Alleged Vernon arsonist ordered to stand trial on rash of fires from 2014
VERNON – A former school teacher in the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District has been ordered…
Vernon RCMP launch homicide investigation into woman’s death
VERNON – A homicide investigation is underway after the death of a woman in Vernon…
Organizers promise largest Canada Day event yet in Vernon
VERNON – The countdown is on for Canada Day festivities in Vernon. The North Okanagan…
One year later: How things are going with North Okanagan-Shuswap’s one man school board
NORTH OKANAGAN – It’s been a year since controversy swirled in the North Okanagan-Shuswap School…
Woman carried down two small waterfalls before being rescued by Sicamous crews
SICAMOUS – A dramatic water rescue two weekends ago in the Shuswap has emergency officials…
Motorcyclist suffers serious injuries in highway crash south of Armstrong
ARMSTRONG – A highway collision between a motorcyclist and a car just south of Armstrong…
North Okanagan gymnastics coach accused of child pornography offences
VERNON – A man who taught gymnastics throughout the North Okanagan area is facing three…
What we know about all the recent flour recalls for E. coli
OKANAGAN – If you had Rogers or Robin Hood brand flour in your cupboard recently,…
Crash closes Highway 97A south of Armstrong
ARMSTRONG – Emergency crews are at the scene of a car crash on Highway 97A,…
Polson Park shooter handed nine years in jail
VERNON – A Vernon man will spend the next several years in jail for his…
Kids of the North Okanagan: Here’s how you can get a free ice cream from the RCMP
VERNON – This summer, North Okanagan cops will reward kids wearing their bike helmets with…
City of Vernon staff payroll creeps up
VERNON – More is being spent on staff salaries at Vernon City Hall. Last year,…
VIDEO: Crew scouted across Canada, picked Vernon for sci-fi thriller ‘The Recall’
VERNON – Vernon and the Okanagan Valley are getting high praise from the cast and…
Flood conditions impact recreation in the North Okanagan
NORTH OKANAGAN – This year’s high water levels are having an impact on recreation around…
Mandatory minimums for growing marijuana in B.C. tossed after Kelowna case sets precedent
KELOWNA – The outcome of a Kelowna court case has changed the legal landscape for…
No jail time for Vernon man who suffered burns to 85 per cent of his body during pot oil explosion
“HE’S GOING TO HAVE THESE DEFORMITIES FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE” VERNON – A…
One of the world’s most notorious invasive species has free run of the Interior
VERNON – Wildlife advocates are bemoaning the arrival of the invasive eastern grey squirrel in…
Vernon wildlife expert gets three calls in two days from people picking up baby deer
VERNON – They may appear helpless and abandoned, but the best thing you can do…
Pilot’s near miss with drone in Vernon prompts warning
VERNON – The City of Vernon is reminding people not to use drones or model…