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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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Police still on the lookout for armed and dangerous suspect wanted for Vernon shooting
VERNON – Police are renewing an appeal to the public for help locating a wanted…
Why courthouse security was beefed up for Matthew Foerster sentencing
VERNON – When Matthew Foerster was sentenced this week at the Vernon courthouse, there was…
B.C. doctors, patients fear uncertain future if pain management treatments are stripped
VERNON – The needle only dips into her spine for a few seconds, but the…
BREAKING: Foerster sentenced for 2011 murder of Armstrong teen
VERNON – Matthew Foerster will be 43 years old before he can even try to…
UPDATE: Foerster was impaired by mix of vodka, pot and magic mushrooms: Defence lawyer
VERNON – Matthew Foerster was drunk and high on a mix of vodka, pot and…
Man accused of rape granted new trial for 2014 North Okanagan sexual assault
VERNON – An Armstrong man previously convicted of raping a North Okanagan woman has won…
Armed and dangerous suspect tied to Vernon shooting
VERNON – A man described by police as armed and dangerous is connected to a…
Former Vernon man charged with wife’s murder will fight to prove innocence, lawyer says
VERNON – A former Vernon man accused of plotting to murder his wife more than…
North Okanagan farmer fined $1,000 over issues with game deer
ENDERBY – A North Okanagan farmer whose herd of game deer was shot by conservation…
North Okanagan woman fined under cruelty act for tying elastic band around dog’s scrotum
SALMON ARM – The owner of a dog boarding and training facility in the North…
What we know about the former Vernon man charged in 30-year-old murder case
VERNON – A former Vernon man accused of murdering his wife more than 30 years…
UPDATE: Man extradited from U.S. to face murder charge in Vernon
VERNON – Charges have been laid in connection with a 32-year-old murder case in the…
iN PHOTOS: Exploring what remains of Vernon’s historic Kin Race Track
VERNON – Weeds and graffiti have taken over the once thriving grounds of Kin Race…
North Okanagan amputee searching for perfect match for right foot shoe collection
VERNON – Amidst all the lifestyle changes, pain and discomfort of losing her right leg…
Parole board worried about Vernon woman’s plans to marry a high profile offender
VERNON – Having a romantic relationship with another offender isn’t helping a Vernon woman’s chances…
New Vernon art gallery and museum given $40M price tag
VERNON – The cost of a new cultural centre for Vernon’s museum and art gallery…
Missing woman found dead near North Okanagan campground
ENDERBY – An Ashton Creek woman reported missing last week has been found dead. Police…
It’s racist, it’s graffiti but here’s why the Enderby incident is likely not a crime
ENDERBY – Slurs about indigenous people spray-painted at a local skateboard park where a mural…
Some families just can’t borrow enough to get into the Okanagan’s pricey real estate market
OKANAGAN – The effects of Canada’s new mortgage stress test are being felt across the…
UPDATE: Mural for missing and murdered indigenous women in Enderby vandalized with racial slurs; RCMP investigating
ENDERBY – Shockwaves are going through a North Okanagan community this morning after a mural…
‘We heart nurses’ sign pops up across from Vernon Jubilee Hospital
VERNON – Kimberley Lee has some deeply personal reasons for placing a "We heart nurses"…
So, what exactly is a local state of emergency and what does it mean to you?
Chances are, you’ll be seeing the words ‘state of local emergency’ a lot in the…
Mother accused of assaulting son during violent tantrum in Vernon found not guilty
VERNON – A mother accused of assaulting her eight-year-old son during a violent tantrum in…
VIDEO: Two homes burn to the ground on Okanagan Indian Band reserve amid questions over fire hall
NORTH OKANAGAN – A pair of devastating fires last week on the Okanagan Indian Band…