Sheriff warns to stay off ice

Anglers on the ice just off North Dam on Banks Lake try their luck through holes in what one said was about 4-inch-thick ice Tuesday, just back from open water. As his companions were carefully making their way out on the ice, testing it with a hatchet, he said he thought it might be their last day ice fishing for the season. The Grant County Sheriff's Office on Monday posted a warning on Facebook to stay off Banks Lake, where ice fishers have persisted daily for weeks. "Warning: the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has begun the lowering of the water level at Banks Lake," the warning said. "It is highly recommended that everyone stays off the lake. Staying on the water may leave you stranded and it's probable that emergency responders will not be able to rescue you. For your safety and to avoid having a bad day, please stay off of Banks Lake." - Scott Hunter photo