Wisconsin youth learn snowmobile safety

By BRENDA MOSELEY

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Hurley - After completing three November classes in snowmobile safety, students who benefitted from the instruction now are just waiting for enough snow to hit the trails.

The White Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club hosted the course taught by Kayla Hemming, Brodie Erickson and apprentice instructor Tia Hiller in the club's classroom and garage on County Road C.

Hemming is certified by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Open to youth aged 11 and one-half or older, the instruction covered first aid, safety equipment, winter clothing, hand signals and the safe operation of sleds.

Certified safety courses are required before anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1985, can drive a snowmobile legally on trails and roads in Wisconsin.

Adults can meet the requirement by taking an online course, but youth between the ages of 12 and 16 must take an in-person course.

Students who successfully complete the course are rewarded with legal access to hundreds of miles of Iron County trails.

Eight students enrolled this year, and Hemming expects more students next year after an adjustment to scheduled class times.

Hemming has been helping with snowmobile safety for 20 years and is also the club's secretary and membership chair.

Founded in 1970, the club currently has 250 members and 60 commercial sponsors dedicated to making snowmobiling a safe and enjoyable sport.

Volunteers maintain and groom the trails and share continuing education opportunities.

The club also supports a new youth snowmobile club, the "Iron County Little Rippers."

For more information and trail maps, see websites of the club and the WDNR.