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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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Wine delivery truck flipped in Penticton crash
PENTICTON – Wine is flowing down the street following a collision between a delivery truck…
Draft bylaw may restrict rights for medical marijuana patients in the ’emerald triangle’ of Columbia Shuswap
‘I BELIEVE WE OWE IT TO THE PEOPLE OF THIS AREA TO NOT MOVE TOO…
Unstable conditions hinder investigation into devastating Vernon house fire
VERNON – The cause of a vicious and fast-moving house fire yesterday in Vernon remains…
Vernon man can’t stop smiling after winning $5 million
VERNON – A Vernon man will be treating his friends to dinner after becoming the…
UPDATE: Third school trustee resigns in North Okanagan; encourages remaining board members to do the same
‘I BELIEVE THERE IS CLEARLY A GREAT DEAL OF DYSFUNCTION WITHIN THE BOARD’ NORTH OKANAGAN…
UPDATE: Police investigate shots fired at Vernon home
VERNON – Police are investigating after shots were fired at a home with three children…
Parents call for resignation of North Okanagan-Shuswap school board, superintendent over money transfers
SALMON ARM – The entire board of education in the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District, and…
Tiny home project to house Vernon youth at risk of homelessness takes off
VERNON – Tiny homes are proving to be a big hit in Vernon. As part…
‘I can no longer in good conscience maintain my seat on the board’: School trustee
NORTH OKANAGAN – Two trustees in the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District no longer feel they…
UPDATE: Car crash near Enderby claims a life
ENDERBY – A fatal car crash just north of Enderby last night is under investigation.…
93-year-old Vernon woman spends two hours a day picking up garbage to ‘keep busy’
VERNON – If you’ve ever walked or biked along Bella Vista Road which hugs the…
Fire at North Okanagan high school believed to be arson
ENDERBY – A fire inside a North Okanagan high school is being investigated as an…
Why not everyone is so cozy with Airbnb rentals
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – With its lakes, wineries and attractions, of course homeowners in the B.C. Southern…
10 local Airbnb rentals that will make you dream of a staycation
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – From luxury condos on the lake to ‘glamping’ in a teepee, the Southern…
Date set for murder trial into North Okanagan teacher’s death
VERNON – A North Okanagan man accused of murdering a local school teacher will stand…
HELSTON: Satisfy your wanderlust within 100 miles
My friends and I often grumble about not being able to travel more. It’s too…
Vernon businesses encourage owners to stop leaving dogs in hot cars, bring them inside instead
VERNON – Some Vernon businesses are making it easier for dog owners to keep their…
Have you explored this 5,500-hectare provincial park near Vernon?
VERNON – Mention Silver Star and the first thing most people think of is the…
Lumby looking ahead after Hockeyville win
VERNON – Hockeyville voting may be over, but the momentum is still going. The Village…
From horses and bells to state of the art; Vernon Fire Department has come a long way in 125 years
VERNON – Things have come a long way at the Vernon Fire Department since it…
Search for rightful owner of war medals still going strong
VERNON – A former Vernon man has received plenty of interest from museums wanting to…
HELSTON: Frustrated with school cuts and closures? Here’s who you should talk to
While school trustees across the Okanagan have been bearing the brunt of the blame for…
UPDATE: Man badly burned after climbing electrical equipment at Armstrong substation
POWER WAS OUT FOR 7,700 VERNON – A large power outage yesterday evening in the…
Vernon frustrated at being left out of national homelessness strategy
VERNON – With a significant homelessness issue on its hands, the City of Vernon is…