Letters to the Editor published in the April 10, 2024 issue of the Tomahawk Leader.
Cell tower placement
A 5G cell tower is coming to a location near you!
Many of you are aware of the new 5G cell phone technology and the increase construction of new 5G cell towers. The way these towers are being located should be of concern to all of us who live here.
I won’t dispute the fact that we all want and need cell phone service, but the process that is being used to place these towers is nothing short of government over reach.
Wisconsin statute 66.0404 sec (5) sums up the effects of this law. The carriers and its contractors get a blank check in locating them where ever they can negotiate a lucrative lease agreement with a land owner. We the public have to abide by all local zoning laws and restrictions but cell contractors and cell carriers don’t because of this state legislated law.
Because of this law, zoning administrators are exempt from notifying adjacent landowners, do not need approval of local town boards and county land use committees. Whats next to be legislated away from our local control? Just the lack of the need for a comprehensive health and environmental study should have raised a big red flag.
The results of this legislated law causes us all to end up with a cell tower in a location that is not always in the best interests of its residents. Health and safety concerns, environmental considerations and property values, are not being considered. The locations are being selected based on the economics of electric power and accessibility and not always placing them in the location that best serves the residents that live in the area around the tower.
The newness of 5G makes us all a part of a big experiment with the long term effects of RF-EMF not being known. One comforting thought is that these towers are designed to collapse on themselves allowing minimal set backs to adjacent property, residences, power lines, and roads.
Recently, the residents in the town of Tomahawk were faced with this problem with a purposed 285’ three legged latticed tower to be built along State Hwy. 86, near a wetland and located 700’ from the Tomahawk Town Hall. To the best of my knowledge, no one but the landowner was ever contacted by the cell tower contractor. The only formal notice was a small legal notification placed in the Tomahawk Leader on Feb.14. This notice gave residents a D.C. address to file an environmental pleading to the FCC.
This lack of information and transparency allows cell carriers a much easier and cheaper path to compete their projects with little or no public awareness or input.
Thayer and Judie Davis
Tomahawk
Volunteer Appreciation Month
Dear Editor,
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and I want to attest to the incredible impact that caring volunteers make in the lives of others in our community.
Compassus is an organization that cares for individuals experiencing life-limiting illnesses, and the kind words, warm smiles and other efforts of the volunteers who generously give their time to bring comfort to others is something we should all take time to recognize and celebrate.
Volunteers are an essential extension of the Compassus hospice care team. From directly interacting with patients and families to working with care team members behind the scenes to help operations run smoothly, they provide a vital service.
The nationwide impact of hospice volunteers is just as significant. According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Association, volunteers care for more than 1.5 million hospice patients each year, totaling millions of hours of care annually.
This month and every month, we are thankful for volunteers. Please join us in showing gratitude for the people who give of themselves to improve the lives of patients, families, teammates and our community. We are grateful to have their support and proud to recognize their efforts.
If you’re interested in becoming a hospice volunteer, please call our office at 1-800-234-3542 to learn more about this rewarding role.
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen Kaminski
Volunteer Coordinator
Compassus – Arbor Vitae and Rhinelander
I support building the GLITC Adolescent Recovery and Wellness Center on tribal lands
Recently, the Oneida County zoning committee voted in opposition to a conditional use permit for an Adolescent Recovery and Wellness Center sought by the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council (GLITC). While I wholeheartedly agree with the committee’s decision, I also support the mission that GLITC is embarking to fulfill.
It’s no secret that addiction has ravaged many communities, including our own. The prospect of a facility dedicated to recovery presents a beacon of hope for those struggling with addiction.
I recognize the urgent need for resources to aid in their recovery journey. Therefore, while I stand by the decision to reject the permit in its current proposed location, I urge GLITC to persist in their efforts for a high-risk facility on tribal lands. GLITC acknowledges the facility will focus on Native American youth, and consequently, they should build such a facility on tribal lands.
Furthermore, I remain ready to assist the tribes with securing federal funding through grants and ongoing programs to support this initiative. By working together, we can ensure that the vision of an Adolescent Recovery and Wellness Center on tribal lands becomes a reality, providing healing to those struggling with addiction.
Representative Tom Tiffany
Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District