Youth ATV Safety Course Offered

I've always wanted to buy an ATV; they look like a lot of fun. I've been told the Tri-County ATV Park located by the Cannon River Wilderness Area and Rice County Landfill is a nice place to ride. Unfortunately I've only ridden a four-wheeler once and I had to go slow because the trail was a narrow path, cut through trees, on a friend's property and my young daughter was riding with me. At the rate I'm going, I probably won't be able to buy one until my grandkids are teenagers. At that time I will insist that they take a rider safety course. Did you know that in Minnesota, ATV operators born after July 1, 1987, and OHM riders younger than 16 are required to complete an approved safety course before riding on public lands?

If someone in your family falls within these age parameters, then the following information is for you. The Rice County Sheriff's Department is hosting a Youth ATV Rider Safety Class on Saturday, August 6, at 9AM at the Rice County Fairgrounds. Meet at the southwest side of the grandstand for check-in. To attend, go online at the MN DNR website, to the ATV safety training section and register. Interested youth will have to complete the online safety class first. They'll also be asked to provide the certificate of completion for this online segment at the start of class, which is limited to 25 students. There is a fee of $30 for the online portion, but no fee to attend on August 6. If you have any questions, contact Joe Yetzer at jyetzer@co.rice.mn.us.