Skip to content
You are here: Home Area News Archive
Vehicles Through Ice On Lake Reno
Pope County Tribune - Starbuck Times
Written by Zach Anderson - Starbuck Times New Editor   
Tuesday, 05 January 2010 13:40

About one hour after emergency crews were on scene, a second vehicle went through the Lake Reno ice about 500 yards west of the first vehicle.

The truck's front end went through the ice, but did not sink, and the truck's plow was hung up on the ice. Theron Bartos, of Lowry, owns the vehicle and he reportedly was not injured.

Anglers who regularly fish Reno said the ice is anywhere from 7-12 inches thick all over the lake. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recommends a minimum ice thickness of 12-15 inches of new, clear ice for a medium size truck to travel.

Pope County Sheriff's Office, Glacial Ridge Ambulance, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Glenwood Fire Department were dispatched to the lake.

Glenwood Fire Chief Dave Orlowski said his crew checked to be sure everyone involved was safe. "The two individuals were lucky to get out and stay dry and that was only a few seconds before the truck went down," Orlowski said.

"We had a good start to the lakes making ice. With the snow, that has all changed with layers of water, slush, and snow that are usually not visible beneath the snow.

"If you do go out on the ice, stay on the beaten paths. With the variation in ice thicknesses and snow amounts, consider not driving a vehicle in areas you're unsure of," the fire chief said.

Deputy Thesing added, "Remember that ice is never safe - you still need to check the ice thickness even if it's January. Be sure to stay on the well-travelled roads out there and don't make your own path."

Goebel has 30 days to remove his truck from the lake.