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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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North Okanagan manslaughter case may hinge on police statements
VERNON – Legal arguments in a North Okanagan manslaughter case could determine whether the trial…
Grow-op raided by police same location as Vernon shooting
VERNON – The location of this morning’s police raid at a licensed grow-op in Vernon…
Small blaze in Polson Park contained by firefighters
VERNON – The Vernon Fire Department is applauding members of the public for quickly reporting…
UPDATE: Lots of noise as RCMP raid licensed Vernon grow-ops
VERNON – A loud noise that may have sounded like gunshots early this morning was…
Vernon defence lawyer calls for more treatment beds, mental health services for offenders
VERNON – A Vernon defence lawyer who’s helped a great number of addicts and mentally…
RCMP not letting youth off the hook following prank bomb threat at Vernon mall
VERNON – Police are sending a message after the latest incident of swatting — deceiving…
Vernon’s new kindness meters proving their worth
VERNON – Kindness meters appear to be having an effect on aggressive panhandling in Vernon.…
HELSTON: Splatsin graveyard claim could be a step towards reconciliation
OPINION Sometimes, it’s helpful to go back to the very beginning of a story. For…
Engagement rings, passports and GPS systems among items stolen from Vernon vehicles
VERNON – Leave it and you’ll end up losing it is the message from Vernon…
Controversial referendum on ancestral Splatsin burial site called off
ENDERBY – The voices of the elders have been heard. Splatsin First Nation chief and…
The good, the bad and the reality of the hot North Okanagan housing market
VERNON – North Okanagan home prices may be a steal for those cashing out of…
With referendum just days away, Splatsin increase pressure on band council to call off vote on ancestral burial site
ENDERBY – Public pressure is mounting for the Splatsin band council to cancel a referendum…
Two-year-old in serious condition after Armstrong car crash
ARMSTRONG – A toddler was taken to hospital with serious injuries following a car crash…
Province to put fish-killing chemical into two Okanagan lakes to control invasive perch
OKANAGAN – Two lakes in the Central Okanagan are being closed for fishing so the…
Police bust home in West Kelowna, seize guns and drugs
KELOWNA – Mounties have seized a significant haul of guns and drugs from a West…
Family questions coroner’s report labelling Vernon deaths as suicide pact
VERNON – The deaths of two people last summer, one of whom was found in…
Charge dropped against 15-year-old Vernon boy accused of murder
VERNON – Only one of three people originally accused in a Vernon murder case is…
Public to have a say on what should be done about skateboards on Vernon sidewalks, bike lanes
VERNON – Community members will play a large role in whether skateboards are allowed on…
Splatsin band members formally ask chief and council to cancel referendum, protect ancestral grave site
ENDERBY – First Nations elders in a North Okanagan community have served their band’s chief…
Dispute over Lavington pellet plant settled in private meeting
LAVINGTON – After being delayed multiple times, an environmental appeal hearing over the Pinnacle Renewable…
Elementary school students from Vernon convince city to stop mowing down pollinator plants
VERNON – They may be little, but a group of passionate Grade 4 students from…
Silver Star unveils new summer tubing ride
VERNON – Tubing at Silver Star Mountain isn’t just a winter activity anymore. While many…
Fewer than 300 spawning salmon counted on Shuswap River
NORTH OKANAGAN – Only 286 chinook salmon were counted spawning on the mid-Shuswap River in…
Strong support for skateboards on Vernon sidewalks and bike lanes
VERNON – Many people appear to like the idea of allowing skateboards and other small…