Winnebago County updates ice ordinance

OSHKOSH - After the augur's put away, it gets quiet on the ice for the most part, but as long as vehicles keep their distance, Andrew Babineau is happy.

"Very close to the shanties or other places that guys have been working, it's a little frustrating for the anglers," Babineau told FOX 11.

And Don Herman told us getting too close can also be dangerous.

"You have to be safe on the lake. That's what you have to do. It's common sense. You use the same as you would on the road here and be courteous to the other people out there," explained Herman.

So the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office is enforcing a new ordinance for all motor vehicles on ice countywide to ensure this happens.

"Trying to keep speed down around fishermen and pedestrians out there," explained Lt. Steve Brewer.

According to Brewer, new regulations include slowing to 10 miles per hour within 100 feet of shanties and people. The speed limit is also now 25 miles per hour within 250 feet of shore. The cost for breaking the rules is about $188.

According to the sheriff's office, part of the new regulations came from noise complaints from people living along the lakes.

Brewer told us the new ordinance should hopefully cut down on racing close to shore, specifically off-road motorcycles, ATVs and snowmobiles.

"Just trying to make everybody be safe out there and be able to enjoy," said Brewer.

Which sportsmen like Babineau appreciate.

"They're not just founded to keep you from having a good time. It's there to keep you safe and keep other people safe too," said Babineau.