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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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Vernon officials hope new location will make community policing office more accessible
VERNON – Vernon’s Community Policing Office is moving to a more high profile location. Vernon…
Thefts from vehicles have a domino effect on other crimes in Vernon
VERNON – A single wallet left in a car can result in Vernon police officers…
Backyard chicken owners can add another hen to their flock in Vernon
VERNON – New rules mean more eggs in the backyard basket for Vernon chicken owners.…
Simple online survey will let Vernon politicians know how you want your tax dollars spent
VERNON – Less than one per cent of the population has participated so far in…
Vernon man asks city to give rainbow crosswalk the green light
VERNON – Vernon council has been asked to endorse a rainbow crosswalk in the downtown…
Vernon woman acknowledged for nearly 30 years of picking up litter
VERNON – A Vernon woman earned heartfelt applause this afternoon at city hall as she…
Suspect breaks into Vernon love boutique, steals four bottles of discounted lube
VERNON – A downtown Vernon business isn’t feeling the love today. Barbara Harvey, the owner…
Don’t rush the bus: North Okanagan school bus drivers frustrated by ‘nonchalant’ drivers
NORTH OKANAGAN – Drivers blasting past school busses is becoming an increasing concern in the…
Nearly 30 deer killed at North Okanagan game farm due to compliance issues
ENDERBY – A North Okanagan farmer is outraged after provincial authorities arrived at his property…
Two ways you can get involved with Vernon’s Community Safety Unit
VERNON – If you’re looking for ways to promote safety in your community, the local…
Shuswap housing developer who sued over highway project unsuccessful in court
SHUSWAP – A Shuswap company claiming business losses due to a highway improvement project has…
Jobs on the horizon as new owners reveal plans for former Lavington glass plant
LAVINGTON – They won’t be creating glass, but the new owners of the long-shuttered Lavington…
Illegal and improper dumping blamed for spread of invasive plants in the Shuswap
SALMON ARM – If you thought it was a good idea to dump the contents…
Vernon man ordered to stand trial for 2015 murder
VERNON – A Vernon murder case is going to trial. Tal Kalum La Riviere faces…
Okanagan Indian Band sues government for neglecting to remove unexploded military bombs from reserve land
VERNON – The Okanagan Indian Band is taking the federal government to court over dangerous…
Thompson-Okanagan Soldiers of Odin: Are these the guys you want protecting your streets?
LANGUAGE ADVISORY THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – They call themselves the Soldiers of Odin and say they are…
Local business owners will redevelop North Okanagan glass plant
LAVINGTON – The old Lavington glass plant is getting a new start. After sitting empty…
Traffic, policing costs and invasive mussels top priorities for Vernon council at government meetings
VERNON – Local politicians made sure issues around transportation and the environment were acknowledged at…
Fire consumes North Okanagan barn
SPALLUMCHEEN – A North Okanagan barn went up in flames Friday. The fire started around…
‘It’s like a rebirth’: First tenants move in to new low-income housing in Vernon
VERNON – A lot of changes are taking place at an old motel downtown Vernon.…
Police activity in Vernon’s Polson Park remains unexplained
VERNON – It remains unknown whether recent police activity in Polson Park is connected to…
UPDATE: Driver taken to hospital after Vernon highway crash
VERNON – Emergency personnel in Vernon responded to a car crash this morning that left…
Another court date set for North Okanagan man found guilty of murder
VERNON – It will be more than two months before a North Okanagan man is…
Highway twinning through Enderby discussed as possible solution to traffic bottleneck
ENDERBY – Short and long-term traffic improvements were discussed as Enderby officials met with the…