Elevate your local knowledge
Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!
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
Twitter
Facebook
North Okanagan-Shuswap MP wants to know how local voters feel about electoral reform
VERNON – You might have noticed some pamphlets and response ballots in your mailbox recently…
Man found dead in Vernon Creek identified
VERNON – A man found dead in a North Okanagan creek has been identified. He…
After three senior deaths and three years, Interior Health no closer to preventing another, families say
“WE’RE LOOKING FOR SOME FEET HELD TO THE FIRE FOR CHANGE BECAUSE THIS IS BECOMING…
UPDATE: Northbound traffic closure remains on Highway 97 through Vernon
VERNON – A broken water pipe continues to cause major traffic issues on a busy…
After being acquitted, a Vernon man accused of supplying drugs to street level dealers ordered back to court
VERNON – A drug trafficking case thrown out last year in Vernon has been resurrected.…
Here’s how you can get tickets to the Lumby Hockeyville NHL game
LUMBY – An emphasis has been placed on making sure Lumby residents get to see…
A Vernon woman offered her yard to a homeless couple with a baby on the way
VERNON – Ryan opens his backpack and, excited to show his girlfriend Chantelle the surprise,…
Death of man found in Vernon Creek not suspicious
VERNON – The death of a man whose body was found in Vernon over the…
Windstorm cracks trees, damages boats across Okanagan
OKANAGAN – A windstorm left a trail of snapped trees and damaged boats behind as…
Here’s how many bears were killed in the North Okanagan this year, and why
VERNON – You may have heard the saying ‘a fed bear is a dead bear’…
Police track down and arrest man accused of damaging cop car during Shuswap crime spree
SALMON ARM – An intensive investigation has resulted in the arrest of a Lower Mainland…
Top City of Penticton staffer gives his notice
PENTICTON – The top staffer at the City of Penticton is leaving his post. Eric…
Investigators ‘looking at the bigger picture’ as suspicious fires spike in Vernon neighbourhood
VERNON – Another suspicious fire is under investigation in the Vernon area. This time, BX-Swan…
Home sweet home in under 300-square-feet: Life-changing house takes shape in Vernon
VERNON – It’s a tiny prototype that could make a big difference with homelessness in…
Rusty old cars getting a pricey tow from Okanagan Lake in Vernon
VERNON – The City of Vernon is cleaning up its backyard and it isn't cheap.…
Police renew call for tips in case of missing North Okanagan woman
VERNON – Police are reaching out to seasonal residents who may have been in the…
Vernon robber left trail of coffee cups, and fingerprints
VERNON – A cup of coffee led to a Vernon robber's downfall. With his face…
Stolen front loader used to knock over Vernon ATM machine
VERNON – Police in the North Okanagan are investigating an unusual crime involving an ATM…
Suspect who fled empty-handed after Vernon corner store robbery now facing charges
VERNON – A man who police say fled empty-handed after running into a language barrier…
Coroners report sheds light on Vernon care home death
VERNON – The B.C. Coroners Service has ruled a high profile care home death three…
Say goodbye to free parking at Vernon’s Civic Arena
VERNON – Pretty soon, it will no longer be free to park at Vernon’s Civic…
Amount of litter in Shuswap River on the rise this summer
VERNON – Discarded beverage containers, bikes and abandoned tubes are creating an eyesore on the…
Vernon council asked to put a cork in grocery store wine sales
VERNON – Local liquor retailers want Vernon council to keep grocery store wine sales at…
Vernon council not interested in restricting marijuana sales
VERNON – Vernon city council has chosen to stand back while the federal government works…