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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.
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Vernon homeless survey finds more people sleeping outside due to housing, wage issues
VERNON – An in-depth homeless survey found 33 people sleeping outside in Vernon this week.…
Vernon School District working to improve employee safety following asbestos contamination
VERNON – The Vernon School District has taken steps to improve employee safety following a…
Cuts at wildfire base ignite housing concerns in the Shuswap
SALMON ARM – Cutbacks at the Rapattack base in Salmon Arm are driving up concerns…
RCMP conclude sexual assault investigation in North Okanagan, assure residents there is no threat
NORTH OKANAGAN – Police have completed a sexual assault investigation in Coldstream and determined residents…
Shortage of ultrasound techs having an impact at Vernon Jubilee Hospital
VERNON – A province-wide shortage of ultrasound technologists is being felt in Vernon. An ultrasound…
Vernon School District fined for putting workers’ health and safety at risk
VERNON – The Vernon School District has been slapped with a hefty fine for not…
‘It’s pretty traumatic’: Vernon man has been first on scene of two fatal accidents
VERNON – Being the first person on the scene of a bad accident is an…
UPDATE: North Okanagan car crash claims a life
VERNON – A man is dead following a car crash this afternoon in Vernon. Police…
Woman approached, pushed to the ground by lone man in North Okanagan
VERNON – Police are investigating what they believe to be a sexually motivated assault in…
Judge sides with North Okanagan man who stabbed driver trying to save girlfriend in bizarre case
VERNON – A man who punched through a car window and stabbed the driver with…
Here’s how much Vernon’s infamous Stickle Road ‘odyssey’ is costing taxpayers
"BY THE TIME THIS RIDICULOUS ODYSSEY IS OVER THESE MOUNTING CONSULTATION EXPENSES MAY BE MORE…
Vernon woman takes the lead in gruelling race the length of five Ironmans
"SHE'S STRONGER THAN MOST WOMEN AND SHE'S STRONGER THAN MOST MEN" VERNON – Unstoppable may…
Vernon woman acknowledged for nearly 30 years of picking up litter
VERNON – A Vernon woman earned heartfelt applause this afternoon at city hall as she…
Suspect breaks into Vernon love boutique, steals four bottles of discounted lube
VERNON – A downtown Vernon business isn’t feeling the love today. Barbara Harvey, the owner…
Don’t rush the bus: North Okanagan school bus drivers frustrated by ‘nonchalant’ drivers
NORTH OKANAGAN – Drivers blasting past school busses is becoming an increasing concern in the…
Nearly 30 deer killed at North Okanagan game farm due to compliance issues
ENDERBY – A North Okanagan farmer is outraged after provincial authorities arrived at his property…
Jobs on the horizon as new owners reveal plans for former Lavington glass plant
LAVINGTON – They won’t be creating glass, but the new owners of the long-shuttered Lavington…
Illegal and improper dumping blamed for spread of invasive plants in the Shuswap
SALMON ARM – If you thought it was a good idea to dump the contents…
Vernon man ordered to stand trial for 2015 murder
VERNON – A Vernon murder case is going to trial. Tal Kalum La Riviere faces…
Okanagan Indian Band sues government for neglecting to remove unexploded military bombs from reserve land
VERNON – The Okanagan Indian Band is taking the federal government to court over dangerous…
Thompson-Okanagan Soldiers of Odin: Are these the guys you want protecting your streets?
LANGUAGE ADVISORY THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – They call themselves the Soldiers of Odin and say they are…
Local business owners will redevelop North Okanagan glass plant
LAVINGTON – The old Lavington glass plant is getting a new start. After sitting empty…
Fire consumes North Okanagan barn
SPALLUMCHEEN – A North Okanagan barn went up in flames Friday. The fire started around…
‘It’s like a rebirth’: First tenants move in to new low-income housing in Vernon
VERNON – A lot of changes are taking place at an old motel downtown Vernon.…