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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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HELSTON: We’re killing wildlife with kindness
Remember that adorable video from a few years ago of a deer nuzzling a boy…
Definitely not a fragrance spray: Man mistakenly discharges can of bear repellant in Salmon Arm store
SALMON ARM – Up to 10 people inside a Salmon Arm store were affected when…
Splash mob on Kal Lake to raise awareness about invasive mussels
VERNON – A group of people trying to keep invasive mussels out of local lakes…
Okanagan College pulls the plug on new Salmon Arm campus
SALMON ARM – Plans for a new Okanagan College campus located in downtown Salmon Arm…
Family credits helmet with saving Vernon ATV rider’s life
VERNON – A Vernon man airlifted to hospital after a gruesome accident in the North…
Urban deer attacks on the rise with burgeoning population
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – Deer attacks are becoming more common in the region, and people are mostly…
Still think it’s cute to feed deer? These photos might change your mind
GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – You might think it's cute to feed deer, or that…
Feeding geese could earn you a fine, or an angry hiss
VERNON – A gang of Canada Geese spot their next target, a family picnicking on…
Vernon installs special meters to help with aggressive panhandling concerns
VERNON – The City of Vernon has taken a unique approach to tackling aggressive panhandling…
Mounties catch up with erratic driver in Vernon
VERNON – A man driving erratically in a stolen vehicle over the weekend in Vernon…
Vernon RCMP looking to speak with people who fled Silver Star Road crash scene
VERNON – Mounties want to speak with the occupants of a vehicle that careened off…
Okanagan ‘Maple Man’ taps into beloved Canadian tradition
OKANAGAN – Few things are more Canadian than drowning pancakes in maple syrup, or simply…
HELSTON: Privacy investigation into contaminated well water has wider implications
Nine months, a freedom of information request, a letter from the local mayor, media inquiries…
Issues at Kin Beach drive discussion between Okanagan Indian Band and City of Vernon
VERNON – An agreement between the Okanagan Indian Band and City of Vernon could lead…
Extremely low return of salmon leads to restrictions on the Shuswap River and Mabel Lake
NORTH OKANAGAN – More restrictions are being placed on salmon fishing in the North Okanagan.…
Where to find camping in the North Okanagan when provincial parks are full
VERNON – Fail to snag a campsite at one of B.C.’s Provincial Parks this long…
Senior’s advocate makes recommendations to curb violence in care homes
OKANAGAN – More than 400 seniors were harmed by fellow patients in care homes last…
Provincial government ordered to release withheld Hullcar water documents
SPALLUMCHEEN – B.C.’s privacy commissioner has ordered the provincial government to immediately release documents relating…
Cap off Canada Day with fireworks in Vernon
'OUR MOST AMBITIOUS SHOW EVER FOR CANADA DAY' VERNON – Efforts are being made to…
Kamloops firefighters to begin administering drug overdose antidote
KAMLOOPS – Kamloops firefighters are being handed a life-saving tool at a time when overdose…
Anonymous rail trail supporter pledges to match donations for Canada Day
OKANAGAN – A patriotic donor is celebrating Canada, and its beautiful outdoors, by offering to…
Booze, drugs, speed led to deadly highway crash in Vernon: Coroner
VERNON – Speed, drugs and alcohol were factors in a car crash that claimed the…
Urgent need for camp counsellors at Vernon SPCA
VERNON – The Vernon SPCA’s summer camps for kids may be in jeopardy unless more…
Report calls for building improvements in Vernon schools
VERNON – A number of the Vernon School District’s facilities, including the board office, are…