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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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Mayor says recent incidents not representative of overall level of safety in Vernon
VERNON – Vernon council will meet with the city’s top cop to discuss recent incidents…
Nearly 2,000 customers lose power in Vernon area
VERNON – A large area of Vernon and Coldstream is without power this afternoon. B.C.…
HELSTON: Not all stories found at the library are contained in books
OPINION Some characters stay with you long after you’ve returned a good book, and you…
City of Vernon wants your opinion on skateboards, roller blades, and non-motorized scooters
VERNON – Residents are being asked for input on new rules for skateboards, longboards and…
Vernon MLA personally intervened to ‘nix’ proposal without seeing application
"I THINK I DID THEM A FAVOUR" VERNON – The director of an Okanagan festival…
Police investigate brutal assault that left Vernon woman badly injured
“THE ONLY THING THAT MADE HIM STOP WAS WE STARTED SCREAMING CALL 911” VERNON –…
Five overdoses in 48 hours in Vernon; health officials say there is no clear link
VERNON – Health officials say there was a jump in the usual number of overdoses…
Gaps leave children at risk of online exploitation, federal study warns
OTTAWA – There are "serious gaps" — in resources, training and research — in efforts…
Of five different jobs, making you smile is the one this Vernon busker values most
VERNON – Every day at 4 a.m., Carson Holtz heads out the door with a…
Head of missing women’s inquiry says ‘concrete’ recommendations needed
VANCOUVER – When Marion Buller looks back on the Saskatchewan First Nation territory where she…
Olympian Jen Kish blasts Alberta Opposition leader for beating premier joke
EDMONTON – One of Canada's Olympic medallists is calling out Alberta's Opposition leader for a…
Police investigate alleged double stabbing in Vernon
VERNON – Police are investigating an alleged stabbing that put two men in hospital. Vernon…
Police investigating suspicious fires in the North Okanagan
VERNON – Police are investigating a rash of recent fires in the Vernon area. Over…
Fishy Airbnb situation puts Vernon homeowners on edge
VERNON – A Vernon couple had some unexpected visitors knocking on their door over the…
Equestrian society raising funds for lawsuit to resume races at Vernon track
VERNON – The Okanagan Equestrian Society is launching a fundraising campaign to help pay for…
Wildfire near Vernon’s Predator Ridge caused by downed power pole
VERNON – The cause of a wildfire that put a number of Vernon residents on…
What Interior Health is doing differently after two fatal care home assaults
VERNON – If the care home attacks that left a Vernon and Kamloops senior dead…
Fire on side of Vernon road deemed suspicious
VERNON – A small fire on the side of Old Kamloops Road in Vernon will…
If Vernon’s Ken Holland had listened to his mom, the Red Wings GM might have had a very different career
VERNON – Two days before getting hired by the Detroit Red Wings, general manager Ken…
Police need help finding missing Maple Ridge man last seen in Vernon
VERNON – Police are asking for help locating a missing Maple Ridge man last seen…
Woman in critical condition after being thrown from motorcycle near Vernon
VERNON – A woman was sent to hospital with serious injuries after being thrown from…
Swan Lake wildfire in Vernon considered suspicious
VERNON – A North Okanagan fire chief says there’s growing angst in his community after…
Don’t miss out on Bushels of Fun at the Armstrong IPE
ARMSTRONG – Whether it’s a horse blanket from the food fair or the thrill of…
Crews battle fire burning in Vernon
VERNON – Two local fire departments and the B.C. Wildfire Service are battling a fire…