Danger: Thin Ice

Jan 6, 2012

By Bernie Hunhoff

The other day, a nice dog fell through the ice on the James River just east of Yankton. Rescuers were able to get him out alive.

We're  hearing stories like that every day. Debbie Hemmer of the Grant County Review reported this week that ice shacks are falling through the ice into Big Stone Lake, and huge parts of the lake are now open. Randy Stuckey, whose family ran the Bay View Resort for nearly 30 years, said he's neer seen anything like it.

Apparently, a husband and wife on an ATV fell through the ice on Goose Lake. They were also pulled to safety.

GF&P officials recommend that ice fishermen not venture onto the lake alone. The 50-degree January days can melt the ice in a hurry.

I just got off the phone with Gary Block of Waubay, a Day County commissioner and jack-of-all-trades. He was in an ice shack on Bitter Lake. He says the ice there is a foot deep so he thinks he's safe.

"Oh, I gotta go. A fat perch is biting," he said.

Enjoy the winter, everyone. But you might want to wear a life jacket instead of a parka.