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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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Those with nowhere else to go can legally camp in Vernon’s public parks
VERNON – Vernon council has decided to allow camping in public parks, with no time…
Why you don’t hear much from the provincial government at election time
Journalists are known to complain that it’s difficult getting information from the government at the…
Families of missing women in North Okanagan gather to demand answers
ENDERBY – The families of Caitlin Potts, Ashley Simpson and Deanna Wertz aren’t giving up…
Check out Vernon’s new rainbow crosswalk
VERNON – Those visiting Vernon’s downtown core will notice a bright new crosswalk on Main…
FLOOD WATCH 2017: Dozens of fish wash up in Vernon park
VERNON – Overflowing creeks have led to large amounts of water — and fish —…
FLOOD WATCH 2017: High water puts a damper on May long weekend boating in the North Okanagan
NORTH OKANAGAN – Our lakes are full and that might put a bit of a…
iN PHOTOS: Double rainbow dazzles Okanagan skyline
OKANAGAN – Okanagan residents stopped what they were doing yesterday to admire a stunning work…
One person in critical condition after crash near Lumby
LUMBY – A woman was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries following a collision on…
iN PHOTOS: Lawn bowlers carry on 100 year old tradition in Vernon’s Polson Park
VERNON – It’s a Wednesday afternoon in Vernon’s Polson Park, and about 30 people are…
Now and then: Photos show how different things are in the North Okanagan this year
VERNON – It’s not your average May in the North Okanagan. If you head down…
FLOOD WATCH 2017: What you need to know about disaster financial assistance in the North Okanagan
NORTH OKANAGAN – Financial assistance is available for qualifying individuals in the North Okanagan. As…
Thief detained in Vernon citizen’s arrest finally getting help for drug addiction
VERNON – A thief apprehended in a very public citizen’s arrest last year was sentenced…
FLOOD WATCH 2017: What does this year’s flooding mean for some farmers? ‘No income’
ARMSTRONG – Some farmers in the North Okanagan have more fish than produce in their…
Vernon residents get the okay to stop boiling their water
VERNON – The boil water advisory in Vernon has ended. Greater Vernon Water announced this…
B.C. Conservatives say they will be back with a vengeance in next election
VERNON – The B.C. Conservatives are plotting a comeback, and the tight results of the…
Trial date set for Vernon man charged in 2015 murder
VERNON – A Supreme Court trial into a 2015 Vernon murder is expected to start…
Slowly sinking barge causing issues in Okanagan Lake
VERNON – Authorities are trying to figure out what to do with a sinking barge…
Celebrities get behind fight to save Vernon’s Kin Race Track
VERNON – An Okanagan group’s fight to save Kin Race Track in Vernon has got…
FLOOD WATCH 2017: Armstrong residents mop up after devastating flood
ARMSTRONG – Armstrong residents are still feeling the effects of a large flood that swamped…
Vernon couple warns dog owners to stay away from moving water after close call
"I FEEL VERY LUCKY BUT I FEEL TERRIBLE FOR THE PEOPLE THAT DID NOT GET…
A raging creek runs through this unique Vernon hotel
VERNON – Most in the Okanagan are trying to keep overflowing creeks away from their…
FLOOD WATCH 2017: Vernon family grateful to strangers as creek threatens home
VERNON – Vernon resident Shannon Walker’s week from hell was made a little easier thanks…
Mandatory water conservation order lifted in Enderby
ENDERBY – A mandatory water conservation advisory in Enderby has been lifted. The good news…
Grindrod residents advised of water quality advisory
VERNON – Grindrod residents are being told to take extra precautions with their water. Due…