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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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Vernon teacher disciplined for swearing in class
VERNON – Swearing in class isn’t just a no-no for students. A teacher in the…
Grindrod woman all smiles after winning the lottery
GRINDROD – There’s a lot of excitement in the small, North Okanagan community of Grindrod…
Police need help finding woman last seen in Sicamous
SICAMOUS – Police in Sicamous are asking for help finding a missing woman. Nicole Bell,…
Moored boat sinks in Okanagan Lake after someone pulled the plug
VERNON – A boat owner in the North Okanagan got into a soggy situation over…
Trial begins for homeless man accused of North Okanagan stabbing
VERNON – After inviting a homeless man back to his home for a hot meal,…
Family that built Mabel Lake Resort recalls what life was like 100 years ago
KINGFISHER – Today, Mabel Lake Road is a busy corridor packed in the summertime with…
Complaints of fruit pickers living in derelict North Okanagan house investigated by regional district
VERNON – The North Okanagan Regional District is investigating complaints about a group of fruit…
Paddle boarding just one of the crazy things this Vernon man does with his cat
VERNON – A Vernon man is earning a reputation for bringing his pet cat everywhere…
Why there are so many little black bugs buzzing around the Interior this year
You can’t walk very far these days without getting a small, winged insect stuck in…
Highway message board in Okanagan just can’t get it right
VERNON – An automated sign on Highway 97 south of Vernon is going off script…
‘Things need to change:’ Parents of North Okanagan man lost to suicide speak up
VERNON – A mother and father who lost their son to suicide are sharing his…
Lucky coincidence leads Vernon woman to sister she didn’t know she had
VERNON – Better late than never is the phrase a 79-year-old North Okanagan woman is…
Drought conditions creating problems for salmon trying to navigate Interior waterways
Every drop of water saved can help salmon survive what is proving to be a…
More than 30 windows at Kelowna school deliberately damaged
KELOWNA – Police are investigating an act of vandalism at a Kelowna school last weekend.…
Housing, childcare, and job challenges affecting viability of living in Okanagan
VERNON – If Jolene Graff had the choice, she would still be living in Vernon.…
Teeth found at Vernon beach turned in to RCMP, identified as non-human
VERNON – Found alongside a pair of dentures on the shores of Okanagan Lake, a…
North Okanagan dog breeder will fight animal cruelty charges
ENDERBY – A dog breeder and trainer in the North Okanagan says she will fight…
Province upgrades drought rating for watersheds in Salmon Arm and Brookmere
The province has announced increased drought ratings for two watersheds in the Interior. The updates…
North Okanagan man leaves audience spellbound with… bubbles
VERNON – These aren’t your average soap suds boys and girls. From clouds of little…
North Okanagan woman cracks case of weird blob washed up on beach
VERNON – It’s been likened to ‘Ogopogo eggs’ and ‘my wife’s cooking’ but whatever it…
Salmon Arm RCMP appeal for tips in shooting incident
SALMON ARM – Police in Salmon Arm are investigating a shooting incident that took place…
Vernon homeless camp shrinking as City steps up enforcement of new bylaw
VERNON – A large homeless camp in Vernon is clearing out as officials begin enforcing…
‘This isn’t a proud situation for us’: Polson Park camper explains difficulties of new Vernon bylaw
“THE BYLAW MAKES COMPLETE SENSE TO PEOPLE WHO DON’T LIVE IN A PARK” VERNON –…
Homeless man on the move again after eviction from vacant Vernon lot
VERNON – Maurice Samson has just been evicted from the vacant lot at the north…