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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: North Okanagan dust advisory has ended
UPDATE: 3:30 PM FEB. 3, 2017 VERNON – Environment Canada has rescinded the air quality…
Vernon Winter Carnival takes flight in Vernon
VERNON – The Vernon Winter Carnival is kicking off with a surprise show. While the…
‘You get used to it:’ Reversing overdoses becoming routine at Vernon non-profit
VERNON – The first time she had to grab a naloxone kit to revive someone…
No supper at Vernon’s Upper Room Mission due to pepper spray incident
VERNON – The Upper Room Mission was forced to evacuate today after someone discharged pepper…
“He’s not a bad kid:” Family of man shot by police in Salmon Arm speaks out
"NOBODY SHOULD BE SHOT IN THE HEAD." SALMON ARM – Kaymen Winter was on his…
Police investigating violent home invasion in Cherryville
CHERRYVILLE – Police have launched an investigation into a violent home invasion that happened over…
Investigation continues into death of worker at Lumby business
LUMBY – Authorities continue to investigate how and why a man was killed while working…
Two overdoses in one week at the Vernon library prompts increased security
VERNON – Those visiting the Vernon library will notice security guards watching over the building…
City and Colour tour will stop in Vernon and Penticton
OKANAGAN – Musician Dallas Green, of City and Colour, will be stopping in Vernon and…
Heads up, there’s a dust advisory in Vernon right now
VERNON – A dust advisory was issued in Vernon today, and health officials say people…
More staffing changes at Vernon Fire Department with departure of deputy chief
VERNON – Vernon’s deputy fire chief is resigning after five years of service. Jack Blair…
How a community in the North Okanagan is paying it forward one coffee at a time
LUMBY – A community in the North Okanagan is spreading a little warmth one cup…
UPDATE: Police watchdog investigating after suspect shot while fleeing officers in Salmon Arm
SALMON ARM – An investigation by B.C.’s police watchdog is underway after an officer-involved shooting…
Two years after suspicious Vernon fire, restaurant owners take heat in civil lawsuit
VERNON – No criminal charges were laid after a suspicious fire at New Delhi Indian…
Gun, drugs and a score sheet found in fire-gutted Vernon townhouse
VERNON – There was more going on at a Vernon condo than just arson. One…
Vernon residents stuck with Stickle plan, MLA says
VERNON – Despite ongoing opposition, Vernon’s MLA says there’s no going back on the latest…
Every week for 16 years this North Okanagan flower shop has sent bouquets to hospice patients
VERNON – Local florists Jake and Mary Spoor say the vases of fresh flowers they…
Local artists get a Hollywood nod as Merritt mural hits the big screen
MERRITT – There’s a local connection to a new movie that premieres next month in…
Police say Westwold incident posed no threat to public safety
WESTWOLD – Police responded to an incident in the rural community of Westwold earlier this…
Vernon RCMP investigating assault that put local man in hospital
VERNON – Police are investigating an assault that left one man in hospital with serious…
Vernon schools fighting addiction before it begins, as fentanyl crisis looms
VERNON – As drug over dose deaths hit crisis levels across the province, one school…
Lawsuit over North Okanagan horse racing facility finally going to trial
VERNON – A longstanding dispute between the Okanagan Equestrian Society, the city and the regional…
UPDATE: Fire officials continue to investigate cause of Vernon fire
VERNON – Investigation continues this morning into a garage fire on Middleton Mountain. The fire…
Wrestling and rescuing alligators just one more challenge this Vernon woman couldn’t resist
VERNON – Shanda Hill never turns down a chance to try something new — even…