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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: 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…
Off the streets, the drugs and the alcohol, Vernon men give each other strength and hope
“I REALIZED I WAS GOING TO DIE SO I CAME BACK” VERNON – The meeting…
Unmarked and relatively unknown internment camp on Highway 6 getting recognized
VERNON – Most who stop at the nondescript pullout 12 kilometres from the Gold Panner…
HELSTON: My own journey to appreciating the salmon run
OPINION I was just a kid when my parents took me to watch the salmon…
People throwing rocks at salmon, exceeding quotas reason for Shuswap River fishing ban
ENDERBY – A seasonal fishing ban on part of the Shuswap River near Enderby was…
Salmon Arm shop class accident reviewed by WorkSafe B.C.
SALMON ARM – A Salmon Arm high school student who suffered a serious hand injury…
Silver Star Mountain prepares for wildfire emergency
SILVER STAR – It was a village-wide fire drill, complete with an air siren and…
Public invited to first board meeting with School District 83’s official trustee
SALMON ARM – The North Okanagan-Shuswap School District’s new official trustee is getting down to…
Mental health wait list forces Vernon mom to make heart-breaking decision
'IT'S THE HARDEST THING TO DO' VERNON – After trying to get help for her…
Look what the cat dragged in: Klepto-cat with cache of gloves, dog toys baffles Vernon owners
VERNON – It's a dilemma few people will ever have to face, and that many…
Charges dropped against one of three suspects charged in Vernon murder case
VERNON – Charges have been dropped against one of the people accused in a Vernon…
Appointed trustee will not make everyone happy, but will support student learning in North Okanagan-Shuswap
SALMON ARM – The North Okanagan-Shuswap’s new official trustee isn’t getting into specifics about what…
North Okanagan Regional District staff and politicians wages revealed
NORTH OKANAGAN – Roughly half of the North Okanagan Regional District’s $5.9 million payroll went…