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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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The summertime phenomenon that gives Kalamalka Lake its many colours
VERNON – If the vibrant colours of Kalamalka Lake have you checking the tint on…
‘I’M SCARED’: Okanagan woman fears loss of life-changing chronic pain treatment
VERNON – Anne Harvey spent years finding a pain management regime that allows her to…
‘People in places in time:’ A Vernon artist’s intimate portrayal of street life
VERNON – Peter doesn’t have much: a van, a plastic cooler, poster paper, pencils. The…
Why conservation officers in Kelowna want this popular type of fence to be banned
CONTENT WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES (Editor's note: images are well below the story. Most readers shouldn't…
SPCA says need for wildlife rehabilitation centre in the Okanagan is huge
OKANAGAN – If you find an injured bird, baby bear or other wild animal in…
Laughter needs no translation at Mandarin Mondays
KELOWNA – Adopted from China when they were babies, sisters Jamie and Kate Fisher never…
Specially trained dogs assist conservation officers after North Okanagan cougar attacks
LUMBY – Conservation officers euthanized a cougar in the North Okanagan after receiving reports of…
Why this year’s Adams River salmon run may not have been as impressive as you’d hoped
ADAMS RIVER – A slight change in fish behaviour could be why this year’s much…
Vernon drug checking service wants you to ‘know what’s in your dope’
VERNON – With a toothpick, the outreach worker picks up a few sand-sized specks from…
‘We’ve been waiting’: Family of Vernon man killed last year react to murder charges
VERNON – Teresa Bartz doesn’t know why anyone would want to hurt her brother, but…
North Okanagan’s new top cop on crime, community and why police can’t do it all on their own
VERNON – As a kid growing up in B.C.’s rugged Elk Valley, one of Shawna…
North Okanagan pilot project brings methadone, suboxone into RCMP cells
VERNON – Detainees at Vernon’s police detachment will soon be able to get more help…
At 52, Armstrong’s ‘Asparagus Lady’ is in the running to be on the cover of Maxim Magazine
ARMSTRONG – A well-known face at farmers’ markets around the Okanagan, Corinne Jeppesen, AKA the…
iN VIDEO: North Okanagan woman out of luck after thousands of ladybugs invade her home
NORTH OKANAGAN – At first, Danielle Shetler thought the mass congregation of ladybugs at her…
The heartbreaking reasons many B.C. children with addictions aren’t getting help
'I CAN'T AFFORD TREATMENT FOR MY DAUGHTER… IT'S NOT FAIR: ONLY PEOPLE WITH MONEY CAN…
Vernon judge reduces fentanyl dealer’s jail term so he can get into treatment faster
VERNON – A Vernon man who admitted to trafficking cocaine, heroin and fentanyl will get…
Residential treatment in the Interior has actually declined through the overdose crisis
“WE HAVE KIDS DYING. KIDS WE KNOW, THAT WE'VE HELD HERE, AND THEY'RE DYING BECAUSE…
Vernon landlord says she’s out of rental business after nightmare tenant
VERNON – Lisa Mazurek was standing at the front desk of the Vernon courthouse, trying…
Cancer battle won’t stop Vernon city councillor from doing what she loves
VERNON – It was halfway through her first four-year term as a Vernon city councillor…
Former baseball hopeful developed addiction after sports surgery; convicted for drug trafficking in North Okanagan
VERNON – A former baseball player with a scholarship to a U.S. college was handed…
Vernon RCMP commend group of men who came to Mountie’s aid during difficult arrest
VERNON – Police in the North Okanagan are thanking four people who came to the…
Woman from ‘Make Canada Great Always’ video says Vernon really was the right choice
VERNON – Cassandra DeSanti never thought a video of herself coming out of anesthesia would…
VIDEO: An up-close look at how ‘danger trees’ pose risks to B.C. firefighters
As if smoke and flames aren’t enough, firefighters also have to watch out for another…
Viral video captures dad’s hilarious prank on daughter at Vernon hospital
VERNON – A highly medicated woman coming out of surgery at Vernon Jubilee Hospital is…