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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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Up to 50 Syrian refugees expected to arrive in Vernon
VERNON – With as many as 50 Syrian refugees expected to arrive in Vernon, immigrant…
Business group says City of Vernon policies are contributing to high housing prices
VERNON – A Vernon business group says red tape at city hall is frustrating housing…
Shuswap Trail Alliance receives national media attention in Chile
SHUSWAP – The Shuswap Trail Alliance just went international. Technical trails specialists Veda Roberge and…
Victim describes assault with a BMW in Vernon
“I’M LOOKING OVER MY SHOULDER EVERY TIME A CAR DRIVES PAST ME. I’M WORRIED IT…
Arson charges laid in connection with explosion in Vernon apartment
VERNON – Charges have been laid in connection with an apartment fire in Vernon last…
North Okanagan woman won’t do this again after her Hummer was stolen at the gym
VERNON – A North Okanagan woman will do things differently after discovering someone stole her…
Pay-by-phone parking system pitched for downtown Vernon
VERNON – With parking being one of the biggest complaints people have about downtown Vernon,…
iNFOnews reader surprised winner of $500 cash prize
VERNON – Lois Lepp said her husband wouldn't believe she'd really won $500 until he…
Campaign expenses revealed for newly elected North Okanagan-Shuswap MP
VERNON – North Okanagan-Shuswap MP Mel Arnold’s win in the October 2015 election was helped…
HELSTON: Why education is one of the best investments our government can make
I hate seeing our schools get nickel and dimed, particularly because injecting cash into education…
Refugee committee wants to know if you have a suite for rent in the North Okanagan
VERNON – Leads on hotel rooms, secondary suites and other accommodation are being sought as…
Spallumcheen wheelchair curler Ina Forrest earns top honour
SPALLUMCHEEN – A revered wheelchair curler from Spallumcheen has received a national honour. Ina Forrest…
Okanagan researchers want your bobcat and lynx photos
VERNON – Photos of bobcats and lynx are being sought as part of a university…
Multiple arrests follow shooting, ‘violent break and enter’ in Kelowna
KELOWNA – Kelowna RCMP have arrested five people in connected with what they are calling…
Okanagan Indian Band announces involvement in creation of rail trail
OKANAGAN – The Okanagan Indian Band is getting involved in the planning and construction of…
Best in Breed terrier from Coldstream ‘full of himself but a real sweetie’
VERNON – Another local dog has earned a top title at the Westminster Kennel Club…
First ever ‘curbside chat’ to explore future of downtown Vernon
VERNON – It’s time for downtown Vernon to have a curbside chat about the future.…
Principal praised for going above and beyond during police incident in rural Shuswap community
CANOE – Principal Shawn Weeks says he was just doing his job, but members of…
Okanagan residents line up at the soup kitchen, not the grocery store, as food costs climb
OKANAGAN – Rising food costs are proving tough to swallow for many Okanagan residents. Higher…
Identity of Vernon motorcycle crash victim released
VERNON – A motorcyclist killed in a crash in Vernon over the weekend has been…
Alleged drunk driver will stand trial for Vernon crash that killed one nurse and injured another
VERNON – A woman charged in connection with a tragic crash involving two local nurses…
Public asked to comment on Silver Star development plans
VERNON – Public feedback is being sought for a large development proposal at Silver Star…
Homey and welcoming, Charlotte’s Place fills a big need for marginalized women in Vernon
VERNON – Marginalized women looking for a safe place to go during the day can…
Splatsin advance legal, political fight for jurisdiction over children in care
ENDERBY – The Splatsin First Nation is pressing on with a lawsuit against the B.C.…