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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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Public warned of possible presence of powerful opioid carfentanil in Vernon
VERNON – Drug users are being warned about the possible presence of the potent opioid…
Damage at Vernon cemetery likely caused by city snow plows
VERNON – Vernon officials were quick to respond today to reports of damage at a…
What we know about the latest charge against Curtis Sagmoen
A complex and unfolding investigation into a North Okanagan man has police digging back years.…
North Okanagan RCMP need help locating wanted man
VERNON – Police are asking the public to keep an eye out for a wanted…
B.C. privacy commissioner concerned about surveillance cameras on the way in Vernon
VERNON – The province’s privacy watchdog is raising concerns about Vernon’s plan to install video…
BREAKING: New charge laid against Curtis Sagmoen for alleged 2013 offence
VERNON – The man at the centre of an ongoing police investigation is facing a…
Okanagan Indian Band fire department focus of independent review
VERNON – An independent review is underway after concerns were raised about the Okanagan Indian…
UPDATE: Missing Vernon woman located
UPDATE – 9:49 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2018 VERNON – RCMP have located a missing…
Charges laid in connection to Armstrong arsons
ARMSTRONG – A North Okanagan woman is facing criminal charges for allegedly lighting a series…
Unstable, dangerous ice on North Okanagan lake
VERNON – Ice skaters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts are being warned to watch their…
Comical video entices people to come work at Silver Star Mountain
VERNON – A recruitment video made by Silver Star Mountain Resort is proving to be…
UPDATE: Police arrest 60-year-old arson suspect in North Okanagan
ARMSTRONG – Police have a 60-year-old woman in custody after a keen eye witness helped…
What’s lost when volunteer service clubs fold
'YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'VE GOT TILL IT'S GONE' VERNON – When you visit a…
Matthew Foerster’s plea to second degree murder rings hollow for Van Diest family
VERNON – Now that Matthew Foerster has pleaded guilty to the second degree murder of…
‘No rhyme or reason to it’: North Okanagan man uneasy after arson fire
ARMSTRONG – Armstrong resident Bob Lebarron knows he’s lucky. The Warner Avenue homeowner breaks down…
Three suspected arsons on same North Okanagan street in two days
ARMSTRONG – Police are investigating a rash of suspicious fires on a quiet residential street…
iN PHOTOS: This is what record-breaking Okanagan snow looks like
OKANAGAN – There’s a whopping nine feet of snow at Silver Star Mountain right now…
UPDATE: Missing Vernon woman located
UPDATE: 10:52 a.m. Thursday, march 8, 2018 VERNON – RCMP say a 43-year-old Vernon woman…
Trial date, preliminary inquiries set for late 2018 in Curtis Sagmoen case
VERNON – Important dates have been set in the high profile case of Silver Creek…
Donations pour in for family of Lumby snowmobile president who died doing what he loved
LUMBY – There’s an outpouring of support for the young family of a Lumby man…
BREAKING: Body found at Kamloops pulp mill
KAMLOOPS – Police are investigating the discovery of a body at the Domtar Pulp Mill…
Family pleads for return of precious military medal stolen in Vernon
VERNON – A North Okanagan family says everything else stolen in a recent break-in is…
Shuswap men who restored historic fire lookout facing possible $10,000 fine
SICAMOUS – Volunteers who used elbow grease and donated money to restore a B.C. treasure…
Province trims number of school trustees in North Okanagan-Shuswap by four positions
VERNON – The number of trustees in the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District has officially been…