2025 Vol 19, Issue 4 August Gem Lake News

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Gem Lake News Page 4 of 8 From Farm to Dairy via Gem Lake Jim Lindner, Gem Lake City Council Gem Lake residents who live along Otter Lake Road, and the short stretch of Scheuneman Road that connects with Hoffman Road, may notice tanker trucks labeled “Four Cubs Farm” passing through town on their way to Saputo, Inc. in White Bear Lake. Though the Gem Lake segment of these trucks’ journeys is short, it is the penultimate part of a trip that initiated about three miles east of Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Four Cubs Farm, named after a mother bear and her four bear cubs that took shelter in an oak tree in the farm’s front yard a long time ago, milks approximately 975 Holstein cows three times daily. Saputo buys the milk and processes it into the products they make. Three members of the dairy herd. Photo by author June is dairy month in Wisconsin and many dairy farms sponsor “dairy breakfasts” and on a warm June Saturday morning, I had the opportunity to attend one such breakfast at Four Cubs Farm and tour their facilities. They have an interesting story. A devastating fire in 2017 burned the original barn dating to 1895, but the fire proved to be a blessing in disguise. Rebuilding allowed the farm to embrace technology and fully mechanize its milking operations. Robotic milkers efficiently milk the cows, eventually filling the trucks. According to farm staff, depending on the day of the week, one company-owned truck, and one contractor’s truck make multiple trips from Grantsburg to White Bear Lake, passing through Gem Lake enroute. At the dairy breakfast I was greeted by owner Gary Peterson, who purchased the farm from family in 1973. Gary and wife Cris have been expanding and improving ever since. The Petersons not only own the dairy farm but grow most of their own feed, plus they own the cattle breeding facility, and established Brickfield Brewing and Market in Grantsburg. Four Cubs is a massive operation that takes many family members and staff to run it, but when I spoke with various people, including Gary, I was impressed with the sense of pride everyone has for the farm. Learn more about Four Cubs Farm at https://fourcubsfarm.com/. Four Cubs milk truck on Otter Lake Road. Photo by author The Importance of Stormwater Management, Part Three Jim Lindner, Gem Lake City Council (portions of this article were generated by AI) Our multi-part stormwater education continues this month focusing on the economic benefits of stormwater management. Economic benefits go beyond Gem Lake’s borders and serve our greater regional community and even important state-wide industries such as tourism. Economic Benefits Investing in stormwater management infrastructure and practices yields significant economic benefits. Although the initial costs may be substantial, the long-term savings and value provided by these investments are considerable. Cost Savings Preventing flood damage through effective stormwater management can save millions of dollars in repair and recovery costs. Additionally, reducing water pollution can lower the expenses associated with water treatment and environmental restoration. Clean water is essential for industries such as tourism, fishing, and agriculture, which contribute significantly to local economies. Property Value Enhancement Green stormwater infrastructure, such as green roofs, rain gardens, and urban forests, not only manage runoff but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban areas. These improvements can increase property values and attract businesses and residents, fostering economic growth and revitalization. Stay tuned for Part Four on Public Health and Safety in the next newsletter.