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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: 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…
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…
UPDATE: Wildfire west of downtown Enderby now out and under investigation
ENDERBY – Emergency personnel weren’t taking any chances with a wildfire just west of downtown…
Future uncertain as North Okanagan speedway left in legal limbo
VERNON – A locked gate and empty bleachers are all you’ll find these days at…
Rescue personnel share advice after dramatic search for father and son on Okanagan Lake
VERNON – Vernon Search and Rescue is reminding the public to take precautions after a…
Police need help finding missing North Okanagan woman
ENDERBY – Police are asking for help as they search for a missing North Okanagan…
RCMP come to the aid of dehydrated hiker in Kelowna park
KELOWNA – A sick and dehydrated hiker was helped out of Okanagan Mountain Park by…
Playground equipment damaged in one of several suspicious Vernon fires
VERNON – Authorities are investigating several suspicious fires that occurred over the past few days…
Paramedics, retired nurse unable to revive woman pulled from Mabel Lake
MABEL LAKE – The B.C. Coroners Service is investigating after a woman died at Mabel…
Pet micro-pig considered a prohibited farm animal in Vernon
VERNON – Vernon’s mayor is open to exploring the idea of allowing pet pigs in…
HELSTON: When prison cells replace treatment beds, we all lose
OPINION To understand how miserably our health care and justice systems are failing the most…
Individuals arrested during Vernon pot raids have been let go
VERNON – Four people arrested earlier this week in a pair of coordinated police raids…
Local men come to aid of Great Horned owls stuck in Vernon soccer net
VERNON – A pair of Great Horned owls tangled up in a soccer net flew…
Rainclouds fail to scare away too many North Okanagan tourists
VERNON – Cool, rainy weather over the past few weeks may have put a bit…