WEST POINT, Miss. -- Young Mississippians eager to complete the safety course required for operating all-terrain vehicles on public lands can sign up for free classes offered during ATV Safety Week, June 6-14.

Instructors from the Mississippi State University Extension Service 4-H Youth Development Program will conduct two classes per day June 8-13 at the Jimmy Bryan 4-H Youth Complex in West Point. The classes are open to 8- to 16-year-olds on a first come, first served basis. Classes last about four hours, and each class must have six to eight participants. Morning classes begin at 9 a.m., while afternoon classes begin at 2 p.m.

Each participant who completes the course will receive a free helmet funded by a grant from the Brain Injury Association of Mississippi. Helmets will be available while supplies last. All the available helmets must fit properly; participants cannot receive oversized helmets.

All participants must preregister by contacting certified ATV safety instructor Brad Staton at 662-325-3350 or bvs27@msstate.edu.

The Jimmy Bryan 4-H Youth Complex is located behind the Mossy Oak Mall off of Old Starkville Road.

Other ATV Safety Week activities include a poster contest that is open to 4-H’ers and the general public. For information about the poster contest, contact Staton or the county Extension office.