PORT CLINTON, Ohio – As Lake Erie begins to freeze, Ohio authorities are making changes following last winter’s stranding of 130 fishermen on an ice floe.

The rescue operation cost the Coast Guard more than $245,000 on Feb. 7, after a huge chunk of ice broke away in the lake. Local agencies dealt with about $20,000 in costs.

Ottawa County Sheriff Bob Bratton said rescues from lake ice will now be coordinated by fire departments, and they will decide whether any fishermen will face civil penalties – effectively billing them for the local services.

The sheriff’s department will determine whether any criminal charges are in order.

A Coast Guard spokeswoman said it does not seek to recover costs related to rescues.

Sheriff Bratton said he wants people to use common sense when ice may be thin.