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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 School District using community work to help kids, says punishment is not the answer
“IT’S NOT ABOUT WHAT THEY WERE SUSPENDED FOR, IT’S THE STORY UNDERNEATH” VERNON – It…
North Okanagan RCMP awaiting lab results in 2016 double fatal
VERNON – Police continue to investigate a fatal car crash that claimed the lives of…
Vernon students spread message of kindness with hundreds of #positivepostnotes
VERNON – The notes are small, but the impact is big. Students at Vernon Secondary…
Dangerous driver tracked from downtown Vernon to Westside Road
VERNON – Members of the public played an instrumental role in catching a dangerous driver…
UPDATE: Vernon crash sends two people to hospital
VERNON – Two people were taken to hospital after an early morning crash in Vernon.…
Pot brownies at North Okanagan high school weren’t laced, ‘just very, very powerful’
ARMSTRONG – A person who claims to have first-hand knowledge of a pot-related incident at…
Customers ‘didn’t want to see it:’ Vernon woman alleges boss discriminated against her over pregnancy
VERNON – A Vernon woman alleges she was discriminated against by her employer due to…
Mother of teenage boy struck in North Okanagan hit and run appeals for tips
'I JUST CAN’T BELIEVE THAT THEY LEFT… WHAT IF HE WAS CRITICALLY INJURED?' ARMSTRONG –…
Vernon student thanks police for ‘protecting the world’
VERNON – Mounties at the Vernon RCMP detachment have received a heartfelt thank you note…
Police unable to test marijuana consumed by North Okanagan students
ARMSTRONG – Testing if marijuana brownies consumed by a group of high school students in…
Vernon judge slams police over ‘egregious’ strip search
VERNON – The violation of a man's rights by police was so egregious, a Vernon…
Slippery conditions contributed to two weekend crashes in North Okanagan
NORTH OKANAGAN – There were a couple crashes over the weekend attributed, at least in…
Two 15-year-old boys hit by car while crossing street in Armstrong
ARMSTRONG – Police are investigating a hit and run that left two teenage boys in…
North Okanagan RCMP investigating after young boy offered ride in Armstrong
ARMSTRONG – Police are canvassing for information after a young Armstrong boy was offered a…
Pet supply shop owner in Salmon Arm won’t have a record for sexual assault
SALMON ARM – A Salmon Arm pet supply shop owner whose staff are all women…
Students treated for ‘severe reaction’ to marijuana at North Okanagan high school
ARMSTRONG – School officials are encouraging parents to talk to their kids about drug use…
Man accused in Vancouver murder case also facing sexual assault charge out of Vernon
VERNON – The man accused of murdering a Japanese ESL student in Vancouver now faces…
Clean, medical-grade heroin for drug users? B.C.’s chief coroner thinks it’s worth considering
VICTORIA – As the number of illicit drug deaths remains on a steady pace, the…
Car blows through stop sign, collides with Vernon building
VERNON – Drivers in Vernon are being reminded to slow down and watch for ice…
Lumby man remembered for working hard, dreaming big and helping others
LUMBY – Ray Smyth put his heart into everything he did, whether it was volunteering…
Driver couldn’t see much, but police in North Okanagan noticed him right away
VERNON – A man driving with nothing but a small peephole on his windshield was…
Witnesses describe hearing gunshots on day of Polson Park shootout
VERNON – The manager of the Green Valley Hotel was at home with his wife…
Okanagan municipality wants review of RCMP staffing system
OKANAGAN – A municipality in the Okanagan wants to make sure it’s getting a fair…
Trio facing slew of charges for Valentines Day robbery in Armstrong
VERNON – Three people accused of robbing the Armstrong 7-Eleven on Valentine’s Day aren’t feeling…