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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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Cooler summer behind drop in Thompson-Okanagan drowning deaths
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – Cooler weather this summer may have dampened a few vacation plans, but it…
Sci-fi thriller featuring actors from Breaking Bad and The Expendables being filmed in Vernon
"A LOT MORE PEOPLE WILL BE PAYING FOR THEIR MORTGAGE FROM FILM WORK DONE LOCALLY"…
Alleged robber flees Vernon store empty handed, possibly due to language barrier
VERNON – A language barrier may have foiled an attempted armed robbery in Vernon earlier…
‘She just disappeared’: Family of missing North Okanagan woman searching for answers
NORTH OKANAGAN – The family of Deanna Wertz is desperate for answers after the North…
North Okanagan man dies fighting Interior Health and doctors over missed cancer diagnosis; lawsuit lives on
VERNON – A lawsuit accusing the Interior Health Authority and physicians of negligence for allegedly…
Officials determine cause of Vernon wildfire, and it wasn’t people
VERNON – Investigators have concluded a wildfire that forced some 60 residents from their homes…
Province explains die-off of more than 1,000 fish in Okanagan Lake
OKANAGAN – After getting lab results back, the province strongly believes a die-off of more…
Here’s how police spent the long weekend in Salmon Arm
SALMON ARM – Mounties in Salmon Arm checked numerous boats and vehicles over the long…
Fire near Vernon’s Adventure Bay suspected to be human-caused
VERNON – An aggressive wildfire that forced the evacuations of 60 people over the weekend…
Vernon RCMP release photo of robbery suspect
VERNON – Police are looking for a man who robbed a Vernon gas station last…
UPDATE: Fire contained, Vernon residents can return home
VERNON – A fire burning near homes on the west side of Vernon has been…
UPDATE: Shuswap beach reopens following E. coli related closure
VERNON – Health officials are letting the public know they can safely swim at a…
Vernon residents asked to stay alert as number of suspicious fires grows
VERNON – The number of suspicious fires in a Vernon neighbourhood continues to grow. Last…
HELSTON: The foodie movement has gone too far
OPINION The other day I found myself watching a cooking video on Facebook about how…
Suspicious fire at former Vernon Legion under investigation
VERNON – A suspicious fire at the former Legion building in downtown Vernon early this…
First ever B.C. Day Band Blast offers free concerts in Vernon
VERNON – Up-and-coming artists will grace the stage at Polson Park for Vernon’s inaugural B.C.…
B.C. Transit maps highlight bus routes and things to do this summer around Vernon
VERNON – An initiative by B.C. Transit is putting Vernon on the map. The #ExploreBCbyBus…
WestJet finds lost gecko, owner wants airline to change policy on cabin access
VANCOUVER – A pet gecko that disappeared after its owner put it on a WestJet…
“Enough is enough”: Man upset after roadside memorial damaged in Vernon
VERNON – A grieving man is shocked and upset after finding a roadside memorial for…
Obama boosts Clinton; Trump talks emails and Russia
PHILADELPHIA – Their political fates now entwined, President Barack Obama is imploring voters to elect…
Suspects head to trial in two-year-old Vernon shooting, attempted murder case
VERNON – A trio of men arrested in connection with a shooting incident in Polson…
Drinking water now, pipeline debate later: Saskatchewan premier on oil spill
PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. – Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall says his top concern right now is…
Police meet with city over recent Vernon shootings
VERNON – Vernon’s mayor confirms council has met with the RCMP to discuss a recent…
Suspect flees from police during investigation in Vernon’s BX area
VERNON – Police say a suspect ran from officers during an investigation in Vernon’s BX…