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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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Viral video captures dad’s hilarious prank on daughter at Vernon hospital
VERNON – A highly medicated woman coming out of surgery at Vernon Jubilee Hospital is…
B.C. woman files human rights complaint over students being tied together for the day
A B.C. woman has filed a human rights complaint after two students were tied together…
Noise limit making it hard to return to the races at North Okanagan’s Motoplex Speedway
NORTH OKANAGAN – It was another quiet summer at the Motoplex Speedway in the North…
Vernon RCMP arrest man wanted on numerous charges
VERNON – Police arrested a man after a brief foot chase in Vernon yesterday evening.…
Portion of Mabel Lake Road and more rec sites closed as crews battle wildfires
NORTH OKANAGAN – People are being asked to give B.C. Wildfire crews room to safely…
Six-year-old child dies in Vernon boating accident
VERNON – A child was killed today in a boating accident on Kalamalka Lake. Police…
North Okanagan woman faces trial over sexual abuse of young boy at ministry-funded home
VERNON – A former youth worker faces allegations of sexual assault and sexual touching against…
Deadly consequences: People falling through cracks waiting for addiction treatment
NORTH OKANAGAN – Working at a centre that helps people overcome their drug and alcohol…
Public asked to evacuate certain rec sites in North Okanagan due to wildfires
People are being asked to evacuate a number of recreation sites in the North Okanagan…
Rural community store heartbroken by break-in by masked suspects
SILVER CREEK – A family that runs a rural general store in the community of…
Vernon corn stand robber turns himself in
VERNON – A man who allegedly robbed a corn stand employee at knifepoint earlier this…
How scammers are using new and sophisticated ways to target Okanagan businesses — including ours
VERNON – We may have your number, but a cyber scammer appears to have ours.…
Interior heat, smoke keeping first responders busy
VERNON – First responders are noticing an increase in medical calls related to the heat…
Red light cameras watching 24/7 in three Southern Interior cities
Red light cameras in Vernon, Kelowna and Kamloops are expected to catch more bad drivers…
VIDEO: North Okanagan woman’s horse loves the piano
VERNON – Why did Vernon resident Shanda Hill start playing the piano for her horse?…
B.C. calls in extra help to deal with growing wildfire situation
With more than 450 fires burning across the B.C. right now, extra resources are being…
Last summer’s campfire ban, state of emergency didn’t stop people from playing with fire
Dropping a burning substance, failing to report a fire or having an illegal campfire resulted…
No long weekend camping at these rec sites in the North Okanagan due to wildfires
NORTH OKANAGAN – As the long weekend approaches, access to two popular backcountry and camping…
Rare caterpillar outbreak in North Okanagan has government officials investigating
NORTH OKANAGAN – A caterpillar outbreak in the North Okanagan has the Ministry of Agriculture…
Have you seen this missing Vernon woman?
VERNON – Police need help finding a missing Vernon woman. Suzie Clark, 20, was last…
UPDATE: Wildfire near Monte Lake showing aggressive behaviour
MONTE LAKE – A wildfire broke out earlier today in the Monte Lake area. B.C.…
Vernon RCMP see 50 per cent increase in thefts from vehicles
VERNON – There’s been a big upswing in thefts from cars in recent weeks. Vernon-North…
Lightning ignites new wildfires in North Okanagan, Shuswap
There’s a good chance you’ll notice some smoke in the hills around the Southern Interior…
Cycling 101: How to use Vernon’s new cycle tracks, multi-use pathways and elephant feet crossings
VERNON – You might have noticed that Vernon has some spiffy new cycling infrastructure —…