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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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Kelowna man goes from shooting shorts at film school to acting with Anthony Hopkins
OKANAGAN – It’s any actor’s dream to walk into their first-ever audition and land a…
Vernon soup kitchen sees dramatic upswing in demand
VERNON – A non-profit organization that provides meals, shelter and support to those in need…
The ‘badger hotline’ and why Thompson-Okanagan residents are being asked to use it
AN ‘INCREDIBLY CUTE’ SPECIES WITH A BIG ATTITUDE AND A SHRINKING POPULATION THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – While…
Early Okanagan growing season a set of moving goal posts for local farmers
OKANAGAN – Out of country workers are proving invaluable this year as the Okanagan experiences…
Interior Health cancels water advisory on Shuswap Lake due to low contamination levels
SALMON ARM – A water advisory put into effect following a contaminant spill into Shuswap…
As city announces crackdown, one Vernon panhandler shares his story
LEARNED TO SURVIVE ON HIS OWN SINCE AGE 12 VERNON – James Gautreau has panhandled…
‘Goldilocks’ summer predicted for Thompson-Okanagan
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – Meteorologists are predicting a break from scorching Okanagan heat this summer. A new…
Okanagan researcher’s appeal nets thousands of bobcat and lynx photos
KELOWNA – A study of bobcat and lynx distributions in B.C. is already yielding some…
Vernon set to crack down on panhandling activities
VERNON – Vernon council is taking steps to reduce the amount of panhandling happening in…
Firearms charge laid against Vernon teen
VERNON – A Vernon boy suspected of involvement in a recent escalation of violence in…
Memorial will honour Lumby woman killed two years ago
VERNON – The community is making sure a Lumby woman killed two years ago is…
Stolen property, drugs and other crimes occupy Vernon RCMP over past three months
VERNON – A marijuana grow-op take down and a stolen property investigation are among several…
Man and woman stealing lottery tickets from North Okanagan businesses: RCMP
VERNON – Police are investigating a series of lottery ticket thefts from Vernon businesses. In…
Parent of North Okanagan-Shuswap student sues School District 83 over breach of duties
SALMON ARM – The North Okanagan-Shuswap School District is being sued by the parent of…
North Okanagan woman urges safety after sister and niece thrown from bikes
COLDSTREAM – A North Okanagan woman who says her sister "came within an inch of…
Strawberry harvest so early in the Okanagan, some crops are already finishing
“GET YOUR JAM POTS OUT, IT’S TIME TO SNAP INTO ACTION” OKANAGAN – Strawberry farmers…
Armstrong hiker reported missing was ‘having a great time in the mountains’
VERNON – An Armstrong man on a solo hiking expedition in Monashee Provincial Park was…
Teen arrested on firearms charge during investigation into Vernon shooting incidents
VERNON – Police have arrested a Vernon teenager believed to be involved in a recent…
Blooming out of control: North Okanagan gardener admits abundance of irises an ‘obsession’
'I THINK I HAVE ONE OF THE BIGGEST COLLECTIONS AROUND' FALKLAND – North Okanagan gardener…
UPDATE: Armstrong man located in Monashee Provincial Park
VERNON – An Armstrong man who was reported missing after heading out to hike in…
Pair dead in Anglemont murder-suicide three years ago were teen and step mother
** CONTENT ADVISORY ** ANGLEMONT – The motive behind a murder-suicide three years ago in…
Extra RCMP resources deployed to Vernon after three shootings in the city
VERNON – An escalation of violence in Vernon has the RCMP calling in additional resources.…
Fire rips through North Okanagan lumber mill
NEAR SPALLUMCHEEN – A witness says a fire at a North Okanagan lumber yard this…
Identity of man who died in Vernon rock-climbing incident released
VERNON – The identity of a man who died in a rock climbing incident in…