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Snowmobile youth certification instruction in January and February concluded recently with the field test, shown in photo. Chisago County Sheriff's Program Coordinator Sgt. Mary McCarthy said the classes were offered to 120 students and they all received their snowmobile certification.

Wild River Snowmobile Club, the DNR and Lakes Region EMS were also involved in providing the instruction.

McCarthy also thanked Lindstrom Fire Department for use of the fire hall for holding class. "Students started their day at the hall in a large group," she explained. Students were greeted by the 24/7 Sledhead winner, Karina, who presented safety tips, McCarthy added.

Students were divided into three groups and classrooms and spent the day rotating between six educational segments. John Schmalz and Brad Rapp of Wild River Snowmobile Club and Jerry Carlson, EMS; Todd Langevin, DNR Conservation Officer and Reserve Deputy Ricky Weiss were instructors. After a written exam students took the field test on a course at Ki-Chi-Saga Park.

McCarthy said the snowmobile club donated use of machines, set-up and conducted the driving tests.

The instruction for the certificate concluded with presentation of temporary certificates.

"Seeing the look of satisfaction on the faces of the students as they left with certificate in-hand and knowing that safe and responsible driving was impressed on their minds," said McCarthy, "was the reward the group was looking for. Mission accomplished for another snowmobile season."

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