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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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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…
Investigation into cause of Lavington pellet plant fire underway
VERNON – The cause of a fire at a North Okanagan pellet plant yesterday is…
Mystery solved: Box of keepsakes found in Vernon finds its family
VERNON – Lorna’s Box has found its way home. It’s a conclusion Vernon resident Jack…
One-year prison sentence for Vernon man who sexually touched child is ‘cruel and unusual punishment’: judge
VERNON – A Supreme Court Judge says a Vernon man’s charter rights were violated by…
Salmon Arm man sent to prison after daughter speaks up about sexual assaults
SALMON ARM – A Salmon Arm man was sentenced to seven years behind bars and…
Fire at Lavington pellet plant contained to burner room
LAVINGTON – Smoke poured from the Lavington pellet plant this afternoon after a fire broke…
Sports groups, non-profit impacted by asbestos-related closure of Salmon Arm arena
SALMON ARM – The sudden closure of an indoor sports facility in Salmon Arm due…
Snowmobilers stuck overnight in Hunter’s Range rescued by helicopter
VERNON – Two missing sledders were found tired, cold and damp but otherwise alright after…
Top ten weird things found in Okanagan and Shuswap septic tanks
OKANAGAN – From dentures to hammers, you might be surprised at what gets lost down…
NDP visiting Hullcar Valley to discuss water quality concerns
SPALLUMCHEEN – A North Okanagan community’s fight for clean drinking water has caught the attention…
Drug trafficking investigation leads to heroin, methamphetamine in Vernon hotel room
VERNON – A man suspected of running a dial-a-dope operation has been arrested by Vernon…
Salmon Arm arena closes until further notice after lab samples test positive for asbestos
SALMON ARM – A sports facility used by numerous groups in Salmon Arm has been…