Common Sense is Key to Ice Safety

Winter is here and skating, ice fishing and snowmobiling enthusiasts are eager to get on the ice, but is it safe yet?

Winter certainly felt like it was here last week and winter sports enthusiasts of all kinds are waiting to get out on the ice. But Hopkinton Fire Chief Ken Clark said outdoorsmen need to use caution when going on the ice. "We don't make any recommendations in regards to ice safety," Clark said. "There are just too many liabilities if something happens and we said the ice was safe." Clark did say that there are some things that you can do to be sure you are safe. "First off, if you are questioning whether the ice is safe or not it probably isn't," Clark said. "Even if the ice is thick in one place it might be different five feet away." It is often best to only skate on lakes and ponds that you are familiar with, Clark said. He also said to …

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Mary MacDonald

2:08 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013

My town (I grew up on a lake), had a neighbor who decided when it was safe. He'd go out and measure it in different spots. At the end of the winter, we always had ice fishermen who seemed to fall in, though.   more ›

Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 2

Christmas is arriving in Hopkinton this weekend.

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations. 1. The premiere of the Middle School play, New England Song, is tonight at 7. The play is a celebration of New England heritage and features a cast and crew of nearly 150 students. Tickets are available at the door and cost $8 for students and seniors, and $10 for adults. With a donation to Project Just Because's New Toy/New Book program, there is a $2 discount.  2. If you want to see a play and you're already in the holiday spirit, Enter Stage Left will perform A Christmas Carol tonight. This winter classic will be at 7 p.m. at the Hopkinton Historical Society. 3…

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