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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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North Okanagan-Shuswap trustees look at downsizing school board
NORTH OKANAGAN – Board of education officials in the North Okanagan-Shuswap are turning the subject…
HELSTON: Victory, or prolonging the inevitable? Here’s hoping school officials use the next year wisely
News this week that two elementary schools in the North Okanagan are being spared for…
What to do about dog poo in the North Okanagan
VERNON – It’s perhaps the biggest grievance people have with dog owners, and one of…
Artillery shell found in Sicamous ditch one of over a hundred found around B.C. every year
VERNON – National Defence made a rare visit to Sicamous earlier this week to pick…
Remains of Vernon man missing for years were examined in Bosnia
VERNON – Human remains discovered in Vernon last summer travelled to the other side of…
Vernon organization wants to combat homelessness with tiny home project
VERNON – A Vernon organization is looking to solve a big problem with a tiny…
Officials vote to delay school closure decisions in Armstrong and Salmon Arm
SALMON ARM – Elementary schools in Armstrong and Salmon Arm will stay open for at…
RCMP volunteers sought to help curb crime in Vernon, Lumby
VERNON – If you’re interested in lending your eyes and ears for the betterment of…
Human remains identified as those of Vernon man presumed drowned five years ago
CHERRYVILLE – The remains of a Vernon man presumed drowned five years ago have finally…
UPDATE: Body of missing Sicamous snowmobiler recovered from avalanche slide
SICAMOUS – The search for a missing Sicamous man has ended in tragedy. The 34-year-old…
Vernon Rec Centre seeking menu suggestions from the public for new kiosk
VERNON – The Vernon Recreation Centre wants to know what gets your mouth watering. Recreation…
Watch how quickly this car fire grows in video captured by Vernon man
VERNON – Flames quickly engulfed a car this morning, as can be seen in this…
Unusual fish found near shores of Shuswap Lake startles residents, government officials
CANOE – Fisheries staff had quite the scare last month when a strange fish showed…
Owners fear the worst after one dog dead, three sick after visit to Vernon dog park
VERNON – Local pet owners are raising the alarm after reports of four dogs getting…
North Okanagan community mourning loss of young women killed in weekend crash
VERNON – A small North Okanagan community is grieving the loss of two young women…
UPDATE: Missing Vernon woman found suffering from hypothermia
VERNON – An elderly woman reported missing early this morning in Vernon is receiving medical…
Vernon’s Farmer Val wraps up 27-year run teaching kids the importance of nature
VERNON – Farmer Val is taking off her straw hat. After a 27-year run offering…
Community members concerned about possible pet thefts in the North Okanagan and Shuswap
NORTH OKANAGAN – Alarm bells are being sounded on social media about people trying to…
UPDATE: Money stolen by Enderby gas station manager caused ‘schism’ in Splatsin community: Crown
GAS STATION MANAGER SENTENCED TO HOUSE ARREST AFTER STEALING BAND FUNDS VERNON – The defence…
Search for flushed jewelry gets a happy ending in Salmon Arm
SALMON ARM – Dani Jacobsen couldn’t be happier to get her engagement ring and diamond…
Can’t find pet-friendly housing? The B.C. SPCA is trying to help
VERNON – If you’ve had to make the tough decision between finding housing and keeping…
Hollywood feature film shot in North Okanagan hits theatres in June
ENDERBY – Hollywood stars could be returning to the Okanagan this summer for a special…
New Enderby gas station gets architectural nod for innovation and beauty
ENDERBY – A busy stopping place in Enderby has been recognized for its unique architectural…
Instead of driving a tank or flying a plane for national defence, this Vernon man plays in a band
VERNON – Back in the 1990s as a long-haired, grunge-loving band student at Seaton Secondary…