Business owners, Museum reps speak out on 5G cell towers

CHELAN - The long awaited public meeting on 5G cell towers took form on July 24 evening at the Chelan High School Performing Arts Center (PAC) - more than two dozen participated in the discussion, shared their concerns, stories and had their questions answered.

As an initiative to educate Chelan residents on the negative impacts of 5G, community member Brogan Kelly organized the first of many public meetings regarding the concerning topic.

The cell towers on top of the Chelan Museum were updated by T-Mobile last June to have 5G capabilities. “T-Mobile is a renter, they rent the square footage  of our roof,” said Jane Lloyd representing the Museum board. Lloyd explained that T-Mobile is under a five year contract with the Museum and that they have been a renter since 2006. Lloyd mentioned that the Museum doesn’t have control over 5G and concerns should be made directly to T-Mobile. However, she said that Board members were present at the meeting “to listen and to learn” and they would take everything into consideration when it comes time to renew their lease with the company.

Museum Manager Ron McGaughey said that as a renter, T-Mobile “can do whatever they want.” At the same time, McGaughey made it clear that they understand the public’s concern. “We are also concerned for children and for adults in this community,” he said.

Dr. Nate Miller of Living Well Family Chiropractic presented an overview of 5G and the different health risks of it. “5G is crazy fast, high density, pulsed frequency and it’s going to be 24/7 frequency,” said Dr. Miller. The maximum 4G speed is of two gigabits per second and 5G’s maximum speed is 10 times that at 20 Gbps. “Right now we are at a low frequency one to three gigahertz, but this new 5G it will be 25 to 90 gigahertz. This is 90 billion electromagnetic waves per second,” Dr. Miller explained.

He mentioned that electromagnetic fields (EMF) can affect our body’s nervous system and can lead to chronic diseases over time. However, these do not develop immediately as “they take time, a little over 10 to 20 years,” said Dr. Miller.

Jacquelyn Dalton, Co-owner of Chelan Dance Centre, and Magnolia Polley of Heal Wellness Studio expressed their concerns on the 5G cells being located on the same building as their businesses. Dalton’s primary concern is the kids in the community, especially her 150 dance students. Dalton told the story of four elementary students in California who’s cause of cancer was correlated to the cell towers placed on top of their elementary school’s roof. She said that the company had to remove the towers immediately after the situation. “I do expect that our city keeps us informed as to when they anticipate they will be turning those towers on. It is up to us in the meantime to prepare ourselves to fight back if necessary. I love our home, our children and I love all my tiny dancers their health and safety comes first, always,” said Dalton.