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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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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…
Police seek tips in Salmon Arm bank heist
SALMON ARM – Police are looking for a man who entered a Salmon Arm bank…
Driver rams into credit union in Vernon
VERNON – A vehicle smashed into the Prospera Credit Union this afternoon. The incident happened…
First Nations actors needed for movie set to film in Kamloops
KAMLOOPS – First Nations actors are being sought for a film adaptation of a novel…
Water samples from Shuswap spill sent to lab; health authority believes risk to be low
SHUSWAP – While health officials believe there is little risk to public safety, an advisory…
Lumby man offering reward for return of stolen motorcycle
LUMBY – A Lumby man has had his new motorcycle taken away from him twice…
Taste your way through wine country during Spring Wine Festival
OKANAGAN – From ‘Pilates and Pinot’ to an Iron Chef-inspired wine pairing competition, there’s something…
Hollywood needs your help finding the perfect Okanagan house for ‘creepy’ thriller
VERNON – Film crews are scouring the Okanagan for an old, isolated house where you…
North Okanagan residents drinking tainted water have ‘fraction of hope’ after hearing government action plan
SPALLUMCHEEN – The provincial government is encouraging local farmers to adopt best practices as part…
GAME ON: Lumby keeps the pressure on during last day of Hockeyville voting
LUMBY – Lumby is shooting to score. Over the weekend, the small North Okanagan town…
Much to be done before shovels hit the ground on proposed outdoor amphitheatre at Vernon’s Okanagan College
VERNON – Proponents of an outdoor amphitheatre at Okanagan College are hopeful solutions can be…
Gallons, not ‘thousands of litres’, escaped into Shuswap Lake from plywood plant: Operations manager
SHUSWAP – The operations manager of a plywood plant where a spill of glue and…
Driver pulls over near Vernon after hearing funny noise, moments later car bursts into flames
VERNON – A driver made a wise decision in the moments before his vehicle caught…
HELSTON: Shuswap Lake spill shows Trudeau government isn’t as open and transparent as it promised
The lead agency investigating a possible spill of glue and fuel products in Shuswap Lake…