Tammy911.com Remembers Don Bens
January 25th, 2010
One of things we've asked people to do throughout our time here is to write articles and various other things to help us document the aspects of our cause.  In the Fall, Don Bens offered to document the many dispatches that have been sent out following 9-1-1 calls and all the errors and problems that have travelled over the police band.  Unfortunately, Don didn't get the opportunity to finish his article and it's too bad because it would have been a very interesting read.  Don passed away on Friday due to complications that followed a bite from a hobo spider.  He is survived by his wonderful wife, Rosie, and was a great friend to our administrator, Gord.  Don will be missed.

Well, We're Still Here....!
December 28th, 2009
Nothing like getting surprises!!  We're going to regroup and take some time to give some thought to what we're going to do since we expected this domain to not be renewed.  At the moment, we don't know who renewed the domain or why....but we'll continue to support this.  We'll get back to you in a bit....

Remembering Tammy - December 17th
December 14th, 2009
With the second anniversary of Tammy's death also comes the reminder of her birthday on January 1st.  Had Tammy lived, she would be turning 42.  Here we are two years later and she is still missed by those that knew her.  He family is still devastated and their lives may never heal.  Please keep her family and friends in your prayers this holiday season as it has become an extremely difficult time for them.

Almost Two Years Later & All Is Still Not Well
December 12th, 2009
This is just a little note...yet again....to let everyone know that we're still hearing complaints regarding the quality of our 9-1-1 service. The only problem is no one is telling our MLA, Bill Bennett, or properly submitting stories to us to publish and pass on. Talking with one of us about your experience is not good enough unless you're willing to write it down and stand behind it. For change to truly happen, Bennett has to hear from those who actually had the problems and then he'll pass them on to Victoria and the Kelowna call center. Scroll down to the bottom of this page for Bill's contact info.  If you truly want change, you HAVE TO talk to him OR submit your stories to us and we'll pass them on for you.  Real change requires real action.  We're prepared to shut this down because no one seems to want to make the necessary effort and actually do what's needed to help.  We're starting to believe nobody cares.  Please prove us wrong.

If you or someone you know in the East Kootenays has had an unacceptable experience with the 9-1-1 service since May of 2008, visit this website and submit the story.  Click "9-1-1 Stories" on the left hand menu for instructions on how to get the story to us.  If you wish to be anonymous on this website that's fine but please include your real contact info for the copy we give to Bennett.  Real name = real complaint.

Apology Received From Emailer
November 26th, 2009
To say the least, we're pleasently surprised this morning; we received a letter from the anonymous, young attorney who sent us the much talked about email from last month.  Don and Betty wish to thank the individual for offering the apology and it is accepted and appreciated.  Thank-you.  The BC Law Society has been contacted and asked to discontinue any action on our behalf. This matter is done with.

Learn Sentenced To Life
October 27th, 2009
Judge Joel Groves read his decision in the sentencing of Cheyene Learn today: life with ineligibility of parole for 16 years.  Although not quite the 20 years the jury recommended, Tammy's friends and family appeared relieved by the judge's decision and the knowledge that Learn would never be a free man ever again. Judge Groves made it clear to everyone in the courtroom that a life sentence lasts a lifetime and Learn would never be free of the justice system and would suffer the consequences of his crime for the rest of his life.  Even if Learn does manage to get some degree of parole at some point, an application for parole can take up to five years from the time when eligibility begins and Learn will be in his 70's by the time any kind of parole would be granted - if it ever is.  Although the Crown is not expected to appeal the verdict, the defence most likely will.  With the closing of this chapter, it's too soon to speculate over whether or not this is truly the justice Tammy's friends and family were looking for, but it is what it is, and they're going to have to find a way to live with it and hopefully find some level of peace.  The new "make due until I get better footage" version of "Don's Video Diary" is finished and the updated article on the full trial is once again available via the link below. On behalf of the Michalsky's, thank-you for your support through this time.  It is most definitely appreciated!!
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Learn Found Guilty Of 2nd Degree Murder
October 16th, 2009
Cranbrook, BC : Nearly 24 hours after the start of deliberation, the jury returned with a 2nd degree murder conviction for 48 year old Cheyene Manual Learn in the murder of Tammy Ellis.  The verdict carries a standard 25 year sentence with the chance of parole in 10.  The jury re-entered deliberation following a talk from the judge to decide if the 10 years before parole was adequate. The jury returned a short time later with a minimum 20 year recommendation.  Although the judge is not required to follow the jury's recommendation for sentencing. we're hopeful his request that the jury take another look at it may mean he will consider it.  Don, Betty and Lynn really wanted a first degree conviction but may ultimately have to live with the justice that was served today.   The full article on the trial is once again available via the link below.  The latest "Don's Video Diary: The Murder Trial: Part One" and the Global TV news broadcast can be found via the "Watch Videos" link to the left.  
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If you come across one of these cards circulating around the area, we encourage you to please pass it on so we can further the gathering of support for Tammy's family and friends through the murder trial. We don't want anyone to forget what happened on December 17th, 2007, or how it might have been prevented.