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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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New A&W commercial features familiar faces from Vernon
VERNON – When Vernon residents went for breakfast at A&W a couple weeks ago, they…
Drugs discovered after car used to strike woman in bizarre Vernon hit-and-run, stabbing incident
VERNON – Police are investigating to see if drugs played into a bizarre hit-and-run incident…
Motorcyclist swerved, struck SUV in fatal Vernon crash
VERNON – Vernon RCMP continue to investigate the cause of a fatal motorcycle crash over…
Motive unclear after man caught kicking side-view mirrors in Vernon
VERNON – A man in his late 30s was charged with mischief after allegedly walking…
Additional charges might explain the assault with a BMW in Vernon
VERNON – There appears to be more to the story after a bizarre incident in…
First Nation adds voice to drinking water concerns in the North Okanagan
SPALLUMCHEEN – A B.C. First Nation is getting involved in a North Okanagan community’s battle…
Police block off Shuswap neighbourhood to protect public safety
SALMON ARM – Police took precautions to preserve public and police safety during an incident…
City of Vernon actively creating more parking lots
VERNON – The City of Vernon continues to open up more parking spaces in the…
As North Okanagan and Salmon Arm school closures loom, board chair says ‘nothing is set in stone’
VERNON – Feedback from the public will weigh heavily on School District 83 trustees over…
Leading talent agency to open office in Kelowna
KELOWNA – A major talent agency is opening up an office in the Okanagan. Boss…
Welcome to Vernon signs get a rough ride
VERNON – Coming up with a design for Vernon’s new welcome to the city signs…
Police investigating after pedestrian struck in downtown Vernon
VERNON – A full scale investigation is underway on a downtown Vernon street after a…
Snow removal not just a question of money for the City of Vernon
VERNON – Improving snow removal services in Vernon carries quite a price tag, although it's…
Vernon Community Band appeals to city hall to keep the music alive
VERNON – Money problems could stop the music for a community band that performs for…
Vernon council ‘stuck’ until Ottawa moves on marijuana legislation
VERNON – Local politicians want the federal government to clear up confusion about the legality…
Process to close North Okanagan and Shuswap schools officially begins
NORTH OKANAGAN – School closures in the North Okanagan and Salmon Arm could be happening…
New vision for downtown Vernon market
VERNON – Downtown market activities could look a little different in Vernon this summer. The…
Just horsin’ around at an Armstrong drive-thru
'I FELT BAD BECAUSE I DIDN’T HAVE ANYTHING FOR THE HORSES' ARMSTRONG – You’d think…
From miracle to ‘my little secret’: How four Okanagan patients are using medical marijuana
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – Medical marijuana is fraught with politics, from local police departments warning dispensaries to…
Why a Vernon doctor will help patients with their marijuana
"I'VE HAD PEOPLE WITH STAGE FOUR CANCER SAYING 'I'VE GOT TO BUY IT ON THE…
Armstrong fights to keep schools open
ARMSTRONG – A North Okanagan community fiercely opposed to a possible school closure is ramping…
Arsonist admits guilt in Vernon pet shop fire
VERNON – A Vernon man admitted he set a fire outside a local pet shop…
HELSTON: The important life lesson I learned from a man with a debilitating illness
As I walked back to my car after the interview, I felt both uplifted, and…
The reason this Vernon woman was ‘dumped’ by her family doctor
VERNON – We often hear about how difficult it is to get a family doctor,…