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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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Vehicle flips on Bella Vista Road in Vernon
VERNON – Emergency crews responded to a car crash on Bella Vista Road this afternoon.…
North Okanagan woman urges safety after sister and niece thrown from bikes
COLDSTREAM – A North Okanagan woman who says her sister "came within an inch of…
Things to do around Vernon over the May long weekend
VERNON – There’s no shortage of things to do in Vernon for those staying in…
Strawberry harvest so early in the Okanagan, some crops are already finishing
“GET YOUR JAM POTS OUT, IT’S TIME TO SNAP INTO ACTION” OKANAGAN – Strawberry farmers…
Armstrong hiker reported missing was ‘having a great time in the mountains’
VERNON – An Armstrong man on a solo hiking expedition in Monashee Provincial Park was…
Teen arrested on firearms charge during investigation into Vernon shooting incidents
VERNON – Police have arrested a Vernon teenager believed to be involved in a recent…
Blooming out of control: North Okanagan gardener admits abundance of irises an ‘obsession’
'I THINK I HAVE ONE OF THE BIGGEST COLLECTIONS AROUND' FALKLAND – North Okanagan gardener…
UPDATE: Armstrong man located in Monashee Provincial Park
VERNON – An Armstrong man who was reported missing after heading out to hike in…
Pair dead in Anglemont murder-suicide three years ago were teen and step mother
** CONTENT ADVISORY ** ANGLEMONT – The motive behind a murder-suicide three years ago in…
Extra RCMP resources deployed to Vernon after three shootings in the city
VERNON – An escalation of violence in Vernon has the RCMP calling in additional resources.…
Walk and ride event to promote road safety after hit and run in Coldstream
VERNON – Safety is in the spotlight after a North Okanagan mother and daughter were…
School District 83 to pay portion of special advisor’s review
SALMON ARM – The full cost of hiring a special advisor to review School District…
Fire rips through North Okanagan lumber mill
NEAR SPALLUMCHEEN – A witness says a fire at a North Okanagan lumber yard this…
Vernon RCMP seek owner of abandoned suitcase
VERNON – Police are looking for the rightful owner of a suitcase. The luggage bag…
Identity of man who died in Vernon rock-climbing incident released
VERNON – The identity of a man who died in a rock climbing incident in…
Lavington pellet plant makes changes to prevent another fire
LAVINGTON – Actions have been taken to prevent a fire at Lavington’s new pellet plant…
Sudden death in Vernon not considered suspicious
VERNON – Police investigated a sudden death in Vernon today, but have now turned the…
Firefighters frustrated by pair of human-caused fires in North Okanagan
“IT’S A LACK OF COMMON SENSE THAT DRIVES ME CRAZY” VERNON – Firefighters in the…
North Okanagan-Shuswap school trustees urged to submit ‘needs-based’ budget for increased government funding
SALMON ARM – The North Okanagan-Shuswap school board has been asked to take a stand…
Suspicious fires in Vernon now at 77 in past two years
VERNON – If you paid attention to the news during the past couple of years,…
Okanagan Indian Band says B.C. author appropriated cultural story in new children’s book
VERNON – The Okanagan Indian Band is voicing outrage after it says a non-indigenous author…
Vernon man sentenced for setting fire outside pet shop had history of arson
LIGHTING FIRES MADE HIM FEEL BETTER VERNON – In sentencing a Vernon man to three…
Police believe Vernon shootings are linked to the drug trade
VERNON – Police believe four violent incidents in the past month, three of which involved…
HELSTON: If spanking for sexting isn’t the answer, what is?
OPINION An old-fashioned form of discipline, spanking, was used to punish a relatively new activity,…