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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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93-year-old Vernon woman spends two hours a day picking up garbage to ‘keep busy’
VERNON – If you’ve ever walked or biked along Bella Vista Road which hugs the…
Lack of public consultation for Vernon road project could cost the city
VERNON – Vernon council might swallow a $100,000 loss after concerns have arisen about a…
Fire at North Okanagan high school believed to be arson
ENDERBY – A fire inside a North Okanagan high school is being investigated as an…
Classes to resume at Enderby high school after fire
ENDERBY – Things are almost back to normal after a fire forced the evacuation of…
Why not everyone is so cozy with Airbnb rentals
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – With its lakes, wineries and attractions, of course homeowners in the B.C. Southern…
10 local Airbnb rentals that will make you dream of a staycation
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – From luxury condos on the lake to ‘glamping’ in a teepee, the Southern…
Fire forces evacuation at Enderby high school
ENDERBY – High school students in Enderby were evacuated this afternoon due to a fire.…
Date set for murder trial into North Okanagan teacher’s death
VERNON – A North Okanagan man accused of murdering a local school teacher will stand…
HELSTON: Satisfy your wanderlust within 100 miles
My friends and I often grumble about not being able to travel more. It’s too…
Vernon sports track goes $1 million over original budget
VERNON – Contstruction of the Greater Vernon Athletics Park was a million dollars over budget,…
Vernon businesses encourage owners to stop leaving dogs in hot cars, bring them inside instead
VERNON – Some Vernon businesses are making it easier for dog owners to keep their…
Have you explored this 5,500-hectare provincial park near Vernon?
VERNON – Mention Silver Star and the first thing most people think of is the…
Century-old Enderby church goes modern with new elevator to improve accessibility
ENDERBY – A historic church in the North Okanagan is going high-tech. The St. Andrew’s…
Lumby looking ahead after Hockeyville win
VERNON – Hockeyville voting may be over, but the momentum is still going. The Village…
More delays for appeal hearing on Lavington pellet plant
LAVINGTON – An Environmental Appeal Board hearing concerning the Pinnacle Renewable Energy pellet plant in…
Hockeyville Day in Lumby promises music, activities and exciting news
VERNON – All are invited to today's celebration in Lumby as the community awaits word…
From horses and bells to state of the art; Vernon Fire Department has come a long way in 125 years
VERNON – Things have come a long way at the Vernon Fire Department since it…
Users alerted to case of hand, foot and mouth virus at Vernon Recreation Centre
VERNON – Precautions are being taken after a case of hand, foot and mouth virus…
Search for rightful owner of war medals still going strong
VERNON – A former Vernon man has received plenty of interest from museums wanting to…
HELSTON: Frustrated with school cuts and closures? Here’s who you should talk to
While school trustees across the Okanagan have been bearing the brunt of the blame for…
UPDATE: Man badly burned after climbing electrical equipment at Armstrong substation
POWER WAS OUT FOR 7,700 VERNON – A large power outage yesterday evening in the…
Speed watch targets Vernon school zones
VERNON – Drivers are being reminded to slow down around Vernon schools. The Speed Watch…
Thieves hit Armstrong’s Norval sports centre
ARMSTRONG – The Norval Sports Centre in Armstrong was the target of two break-and-enters over…
Vernon frustrated at being left out of national homelessness strategy
VERNON – With a significant homelessness issue on its hands, the City of Vernon is…