Ice on area lakes continues to claim victims despite cold temperatures

Emergency responders continue to respond to calls of people and vehicles through the ice on area lakes.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025, a man driving a UTV broke through ice while driving on Lake Poygan about 100 yards out from Spruce Street on the southern part of the Lake. Emergency responders from both Winnebago and Waushara County were called to the scene, where the man, who took precautions and was wearing a floating suit, was able to stand on the back of the UTV until rescuers were able to safely get him off the ice.

Farther north in Shawano County, a van was found broke through the ice on Shawano Lake yesterday morning. Rescuers responded to the incident but found no one with the vehicle. It was learned the driver was able to self extricate the vehicle and walk to shore. When the driver was eventually found, he said he was delivering food out to someone that was ice fishing on the lake. Authorities there say they are devising a plan on how to safely remove the van from the ice.