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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2016 VOL. 120 NO. 28 www.presspubs.com $1.00
DISTRACTED DRIVING: Crackdown nabs offenders PAGE 7A
Learning the value of our water resources
Bill to address lake challenges introduced ST. PAUL — A bill that searches for answers to White Bear Lake’s water issues was introduced in the Minnesota Senate April 21 by Sen. Chuck Wiger (DFL-Maplewood). The bipartisan bill — co-authors include Sen. Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) — will study the effectiveness of an augmentation system. In a press release from his office, Sen. Wiger said the bill is a demonstration of all parties coming together to work towards a sustainable remedy to the issues that have been plaguing the lake for a decade. The $3.63 million bill includes a $1.5 million appropriation to evaluate the long-term water supply and sustainability in the north and east metro area. The bill also dictates that the study will examine how water quality could be maintained under an augmentation system or any other potential impacts to the ecology of White Bear Lake. The other major component of the bill requests $1.7 million to perform augmentation planning and preliminary engineering tasks. This includes collecting soil samples and determining the need for a tunnel. “I’m really proud that so many different stakeholders in this issue have come together to support this legislation. It’s important to me that we find a sustainable and affordable solution to the White Bear Lake water issues that also enjoys local support. These studies will give us the credible, scientific evidence we need to proceed down a longterm path to finding a sustainable solution,” said Sen. Wiger.
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Above: Students hold up placards spelling out responsibility during an Earth Day related H2O for Life presentation at Willow Lane Elementary School Tuesday, April 19. The event focused on conservation and preservation of water resources both locally and around the world. At right: Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton and other visiting dignitaries tried on student-designed shirts with a wise water usage message during the event. As part of a research project assessing local water usage, White Bear Lake Area High School students have also posted a brief online survey at: www.race2reduce.org/water-use-survey/.
SEE AUGMENTATION, PAGE 9A
South Campus physics teacher named 2016 Teacher of the Year BY SARA MARIE MOORE VADNAIS HEIGHTS EDITOR
WHITE BEAR LAKE — Philip Wacker is White Bear Lake Area High School’s 2016 Teacher of the Year. Wacker was nominated by high school student Grant Loehlein, who lauded Wacker for genuinely caring about his students in his physics class. “Mr. Wacker is more than an educator,” said Loehlein. Loehlein also noted Wacker's fun teaching style and how he helps students after class. “Mr. Wacker brings energy to the classroom when no one has any,” he said. “He is always there to encourage us when we think physics is just too hard.” Wacker began employment with the
White Bear district as a physics teacher in 2013. He has worked for several other districts. “Being in White Bear is by far my favorite,” he said. Wacker teaches at South Campus and the Area Learning Center. Wacker cited empowering students as his teaching motivation. “They [students] really deserve the best we have to offer them,” he said. Wacker received a $1,000 gift from the White Bear Lake Lions Club, which the club hopes each Teacher of the Year will use to continue their education. Wacker will also ride in a float in the Manitou Days parade. The Teacher of the Year program is also sponsored by PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
SEE TEACHER OF THE YEAR, PAGE 9A
South campus physics teacher Philip Wacker, left, was nominated to be 2016 Teacher of the Year by student Grant Loehlein, right.
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