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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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Jail time for pair of North Okanagan men involved in robbery
VERNON – A pair of men who assisted in a robbery at an Armstrong business…
Police seek witness who was driving behind minivan before fatal crash in North Okanagan
VERNON – Police want to speak with a driver who may have witnessed a fatal…
Curtis Sagmoen hears latest assault charges read aloud in court
VERNON – Curtis Wayne Sagmoen made his first official appearance on a set of new…
Avalanche Canada issues backcountry warning ahead of long weekend
Skiers and snowmobilers are being urged to avoid the backcountry over the next several days…
Shuswap dog fetches beer from the fridge, vacuums and can even push a snow blower
SHUSWAP – A 130-pound dog from the Shuswap has become a local celebrity after learning…
Guess who’s coming for lunch: Research study looks at those using Vernon soup kitchen
VERNON – Assumptions are sometimes made about those who rely on services like soup kitchens,…
Man at centre of North Okanagan standoff with police facing charges
COLDSTREAM – Police say a 33-year-old man is facing numerous charges in connection to a…
UPDATE: No charges pursued in North Okanagan crash that claimed life of Vernon teen
NEAR VERNON – A car crash claimed the life of an 18-year-old Monday evening. RCMP…
Community groups to decide how best to spend up to $100,000 in funding for overdose response in Vernon
VERNON – People with lived experience in the opioid overdose crisis will be among those…
UPDATE: Standoff with distraught man in North Okanagan ends peacefully
COLDSTREAM – The standoff at a home in Coldstream — with a distraught man police…
Classic car lovers sought for new ‘Rusty Rasta Restorations’ show in the Shuswap
Retro car enthusiasts are being sought for a new television series expected to be filmed…
‘Bell Bows’ honour North Okanagan traffic flagger; remind drivers to slow down
VERNON – You may have noticed orange bows adorning the backs of vehicles around Vernon…
North Okanagan sex offender sentenced for crimes against children
“I COULDN’T KEEP MY FILTHY HANDS TO MYSELF… I DESERVE WHATEVER HAPPENS TO ME” VERNON…
Vernon judge calls drug dealer ‘reckless’ in selling heroin amid overdose crisis
VERNON – A judge noted the high death toll from drug overdoses in the Vernon…
More charges laid against Curtis Sagmoen as additional women come forward
NORTH OKANAGAN – Police say more women have come forward with allegations about Silver Creek…
Armstrong man convicted of animal cruelty fails to convince judge to grant appeal
ARMSTRONG – A North Okanagan man convicted of animal cruelty has lost his appeal. Gary…
Crash on Highway 97A in North Okanagan claims life of six-year-old
SPALLUMCHEEN – A car crash earlier this month claimed the life of a child. Police…
Yes, that was lightning in the Okanagan last night
OKANAGAN – A pretty special combination of weather is required to create lightning in the…
UPDATE: Police locate missing North Okanagan man
VERNON – Police say a man reported missing earlier today has been found. The man…
RCMP comment on police activity at North Okanagan home
VERNON – Three weeks later, authorities are explaining why they had a home on the…
Robber’s plan foiled when Vernon store employee hits panic alarm
VERNON – A robber didn’t get very far over the weekend due to the quick…
Missing Alberta snowmobilers found safe near Sicamous
SICAMOUS – A pair of snowmobilers who went missing Sunday evening were found in good…
‘It made my stomach turn:’ Escort recalls visit to Silver Creek property
SILVER CREEK – It was close to midnight on a rural, back country road last…
Vernon competing for immigrants as local labour shortage challenges employers
VERNON – Vernon is trying to be competitive when it comes to attracting new residents…