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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.
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UPDATE: ‘I wasn’t her boyfriend:’ Man convicted of Caitlin Potts assault explains
“IT WAS REALLY DISTURBING. THE BEATING SHE GOT… I JUST WANTED TO MAKE IT STOP”…
To swim, or not to swim at flooded beaches? First Nations Health Authority says use your eyes — and your nose
Whether or not to take the plunge ultimately comes down to your own personal choice,…
Okanagan Indian Band issues more evacuation orders as lake rises
NORTH OKANAGAN – Impacts are growing for those in the Vernon area as Okanagan Lake…
Spring conditions challenge Highway crews across the Okanagan
From mudslides to washouts to sinkholes, Ministry of Transportation crews have been kept hopping lately.…
UPDATE: Highway crews working to repair Highway 97 in Vernon after sinkhole opens up
VERNON – A large sinkhole continues to impact traffic at one of Vernon’s busiest intersections.…
April worst month so far for 2017 drug overdose deaths in B.C.
The number of suspected drug overdose deaths in April measures out to roughly four lives…
Robbers couldn’t get past security at licensed North Okanagan grow-op
“ARE YOU DEAD?" FRIEND TEXTS. "YEAH BABE, NO, BUT I LOOK GOOD IN A SKI…
RCMP want to speak with man who offered North Okanagan child a ride
ARMSTRONG – Police are investigating a suspicious occurrence in the North Okanagan last week in…
Man charged with Vancouver murder to stand trial in Vernon for sexual assault
VERNON – A man accused of murdering a young woman in Vancouver is scheduled to…
Ongoing parking meter vandalism causing problems in Vernon
VERNON – Vernon can't fix its vandalized parking meters fast enough. The City has been…
Vernon residents caught between a rising lake, a creek and a city-owned lot
VERNON – A woman living on Okanagan Lake in Vernon is frustrated the municipality isn’t…
Okanagan Indian Band warns of ‘dangerous, disgusting and filthy dirty’ flood water
OKANAGAN – You might think it novel to cruise through flooded yards on a paddle…
A closer look at Vernon’s approach to homeless camps
VERNON – The topic of homeless individuals setting up shelters in parks has been a…
North Okanagan centre for child victims of abuse at risk as funding dries up
VERNON – A centre that supports child victims of abuse is on uncertain financial ground…
Harsh jail term sought against culprit in 2014 Vernon shootout
VERNON – A stiff jail sentence is being sought in relation to a 2014 Vernon…
Police investigate report of indecent exposure on Okanagan Rail Trail
VERNON – Police are investigating an alleged incident of indecent exposure on the Okanagan Rail…
Vernon Search and Rescue members step up to shave down response times
VERNON – As call outs for Vernon Search and Rescue’s helicopter team continue to soar,…
Proposed seniors development in Vernon described as ‘pilot project for affordability’
VERNON – Plans for a new seniors housing development in Vernon include a unique focus…
iN PHOTOS: Sandbag defences no match for storm on northern tip of Okanagan Lake
OKANAGAN – Some shoreline residents along Okanagan Lake came away from last night's storm unscathed…
Locals wondering if small debris fire led to Lumby wildfire
LUMBY – While the cause of a wildfire burning near Lumby remains undetermined, some locals…
Wild weather rips through North Okanagan
NORTH OKANAGAN – It was a wild night weather-wise in the North Okanagan. Strong winds…
FLOOD WATCH 2017: Okanagan Indian Band issues evacuation orders as lake levels rise
VERNON – The Okanagan Indian Band has issued evacuation orders for flood affected residents and…
VIDEO: Heavy winds a challenge as crews work to contain forest fire burning near Lumby
LUMBY – Emergency crews are battling a forest fire just north of Lumby. Lumby fire…
Family members, supporters step up efforts for missing North Okanagan women
ENDERBY – Roughly 100 people took part in a walk to honour missing and murdered…