Winter weather takes a toll on drivers Kelly Falish uses an ATV with a plow to clear Wednesday's snow (photo by H. Marc Larson). Minor accidents reported News-Chronicle Green Bay police reported 15 traffic accidents, or incidents where vehicles had slid into ditches, that occurred between 6 and 9 a.m. From 9-3:30 p.m. an additional 36 traffic accidents took place. According to Lt. Keith Knoebel, several cars had slid into the ditch while traveling on the stretch of U.S. 41 between Lombardi and Velp Avenues. In Brown County, 35 accidents took place from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. On a typical day, about five accidents occur during the same time period. The sheriff's department was rescuing cars that had slid into ditches during the morning until 3 p.m. Wednesday. According to Lt. Kevin Wickman, shift commander at the department, a heavy crosswind and scattered slippery areas contributed to the amount of traffic accidents on Wednesday. Wednesday's weather also hampered the rescue of four males who were ice fishing on the Bay of Green Bay. They became stranded a half mile offshore in the township of Union, according to the Door County Sheriff's Department. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter transported the individuals to shore. No one was injured. The Brussels/Union/Gardner Fire Department, Sturgeon Bay Fire Department and Door County EMS also aided in the rescue.