Good ice awaits sturgeon spearers on Winnebago, but local emergency responders are ready to go if needed

Just in time for sturgeon spearing season, The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office has a new rescue airboat that will be stationed at and manned by the Neenah/Menasha Fire Department.

The boat is one of three acquired through federal funding, that will be added to Winnebago Counties fleet of emergency vehicles. The airboat features advanced technology, including a thermal imaging system, radar, and a state-of-the-art GPS, which will allow rescuers to locate and respond to incidents quickly and effectively.

Fire departments throughout the Winnebago and up lakes region will be ready to go should a water rescue be needed during sturgeon spearing season. While experts are saying the ice on Winnebago is the best they’ve seen in years, thanks to a recent cold spell, they say Lake Poygan still has open water due to wind keeping the water from freezing. As is always the case, no ice is ever 100% safe.