SCHOOL TRUSTEES WEIGH IN PAGE A4
WILD HORSES OF THE CHILCOTIN PAGE A15
LACROSSE SEASON OPENER PAGE A20
OBSERVER QUESNEL - CARIBOO
SINCE 1908
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Residents resist backyard tower
VOL. 99 NO. 71
www.quesnelobserver.com
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AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter After TELUS proposed a 60-meter tower, residents are speaking out. “As soon as I got the letter I thought ‘this is not cool,’” Mel Dunleavey Jr. said. The tower, approximately 80-metres north of the north end of Spruce Road, is still in the proposal stages. But Dunleavey, who lives about 180 metres from the proposed tower, wanted to ensure residents were prepared if/when TELUS decided to proceed. “I did my research,” he said. “The towers emit radio frequencies, a form of electromagnetic radiation, up to two and a half miles.” Dunleavey, who has a three and a five-yearold, said he asked his electrician friend who said “that’s pretty much like living in a microwave.” “I’m not an extremist,” Dunleavey said. “I’m not some crazy hillbilly. But the research suggests it’s unhealthy. And I don’t want my kids to be guinea pigs.” Resident Lori Freeman is also opposed to the tower, saying it’s essentially “right in my backyard.” “I hate to step on technology,” she added. “But why here when there’s so much room?” Freeman added health concerns are her biggest concern. “Studies have shown low levels of radiation has caused damage to cell tissue and DNA,” Dunleavey said. And that’s why he took matters into his own hands. A petition is now available for residents to sign. So far, approximately 400 people have signed it; Dunleavey says his goal is 500. “The deadline for the petition is May 21.” The petition is available at Karen’s Health Foods and Green Tree, or pop by the Farmers’ Market where Dunleavey has a booth. “We’re not saying don’t build it,” he said. “We’re just saying don’t build it there.”
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Open for the season Vendors and customers flocked to the Helen Dixon grounds for the first Farmers’ Market of the season Saturday. Artisans, producers, non-profit groups, value added vendors and others filled the grounds on one of the warmest spring days so far. For more photos See PAGE A3. Autumn MacDonald photo
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Hardeep Bhangu Optometrist 15 years of experience as an Optometrist and has now returned to his hometown. Call and book your appointment today.
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