ELY – More than a dozen area youth recently participated in a two-day snowmobile safety training class sponsored by the Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the class was split over two days.
Students were required to take an online safety course prior to attending classroom instruction at First Lutheran Church led by Conservation Officer Sean Williams and Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club members Dave Marshall and Mike Banovetz.
Last Saturday morning, the group headed outside to the Vermilion Community College football field for the field portion of the class, involving a pre-trip snowmobile check and operation of a snowmobile through a driving course.
Volunteers assisting in this portion of the training included Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club members Dave Marshall, Mike Banovetz, Alan White, Gavin Marshall, Bria Marshall, Dave Johnson and groomer operator Corey Keen. Ely firefighter Scott Polyner helped set the course and guide students through various turns and stops.
“All 14 students demonstrated proficiency in snowmobile operation and learned some great tips on how to enjoy the sport safely,” Dave Marshall said.
Students from Ely included Blake Hegfors, Madison Jonas, Gretta Lowe, Ruby Lowe, Owen Marolt, Sean Merriman, Dawson Murphy, Brecken Sandberg, Lydia Shultz, Molly Vetos, and Julia Zgonc. Jack Anderson and Ian Sunsdahl came from Soudan, and Hannah Swanson traveled from Hinckley to participate.
“Special thanks go out to the instructors and volunteers, the Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club for sponsoring the training, and First Lutheran Church for hosting the class,” Dave Marshall said. “Be sure to congratulate these young snowmobilers when you see them out on the trail.”
The online course can be found at www.snowmobilecourse.com. Students must be at least 11 years old to obtain certification, and must ride with an adult until age 14.
For more information, contact David Marshall at d.marshall@vcc.edu, or call 218-343-1711.