I think we've entered that part of the ice season in Nebraska where a lot of lakes have "X" inches of ice on them (in my area, about 14), but only "Y" of those inches are providing structural support with any integrity. I generally don't give out "the ice is safe at this lake" because who knows? It might change significantly overnight.
But a spud bar will generally tell the truth about what's going on with ice. I don't go without one this time of year.
Nate