New Law Requires Operator Permits for Young Minnesota Boaters

Issue #295

27 Jun

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

⛅ Marshall, MN Weather - Mostly cloudy with a high of 77

🗞️ New Law Requires Operator Permits for Young Minnesota Boaters

🗞️ History Comes Alive Again in Walnut Grove with Summer Pageant and Village Fair

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📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

New Law Requires Operator Permits for Young Minnesota Boaters

Starting Monday, July 1, a new Minnesota law goes into effect requiring certain boaters to hold a valid watercraft operator’s permit. The legislation aims to enhance safety on state waterways by ensuring that boaters—particularly younger ones—are properly trained before operating motorized vessels.

The new permit rule applies to individuals born after June 30, 2004, and will gradually expand to include older age groups by 2028. Those who already hold a valid operator’s permit are not affected by the change.

Under the law:

Anyone born after June 30, 2004, must have a valid permit to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC).

Children under 12 are not allowed to operate personal watercraft or motorboats with engines over 75 horsepower.

They may, however, operate smaller boats under 75 horsepower if accompanied by a qualified adult.

Watercraft rentals are restricted to individuals 18 and older who possess a valid permit.

Exemptions to the law include certain maritime professionals, temporary out-of-state visitors, and emergency operations.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages eligible boaters to begin the certification process as soon as possible to comply with the new law. The operator course can be accessed online at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us.

History Comes Alive Again in Walnut Grove with Summer Pageant and Village Fair

The beloved Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant returns to Walnut Grove this July, offering audiences a fresh take on a timeless story. This year’s show, Faith in the Dream, marks the first chapter in a new trilogy that brings to life the Ingalls family’s early years in Walnut Grove during the 1870s.

Performances are scheduled for July 11-12, July 18-19, and July 25-26 at the Walnut Grove pageant grounds. As rehearsals ramp up and set pieces are completed, the cast and crew are preparing to debut several new scenes and character portrayals that deepen the historical narrative.

Faith in the Dream begins with the Ingalls family's arrival near Plum Creek and follows their journey as they settle into a dugout home, face harsh prairie conditions including blizzards and fires, and ultimately construct a new house. Inspired by Laura Ingalls Wilder’s On the Banks of Plum Creek, the pageant expands beyond the original book’s events to explore even more of the family's early Minnesota years.

Among the new additions to this year’s show is a dramatic scene featuring Pa Ingalls caught in a blizzard, which prompted the design and construction of a new mobile dugout set. This moment is one of several updates aimed at giving longtime fans something new to experience.

The show also welcomes fresh faces to the cast, including a new actress in the role of Laura, who joins the production from Tyler. The mix of returning performers and newcomers continues to breathe new energy into a community tradition that dates back to 1978.

Outside the pageant grounds, the town of Walnut Grove will offer additional activities on Saturdays during the performance weekends. The Walnut Grove Village Fair will feature live music, mini pageant skits, historical demonstrations, and the return of guided bus tours exploring the area’s rich pioneer history.

On July 19, the town will also host Hometown Day, adding attractions like a bounce house, archery, axe throwing, and more family-friendly fun.

For tickets and a full schedule of events, visit walnutgrove.org.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Friday, June 27th

  • Marshall Area Stage Company's 2025 Summer Musical "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" at 7 PM

Sunday, June 28th

  • Marshall Area Stage Company's 2025 Summer Musical "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" at 2pm

Sunday, June 29th

  • Marshall Area Stage Company's 2025 Summer Musical "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" at 2pm

Thursday, July 3rd

  • Makers Market in Granite Falls from 5-8 PM, with live music

Friday, July 4th

  • 4th of July Celebration at Independence Park in Marshall starting at 5:30 PM

  • St. John Cantius 4th of July Celebration in Wilno, MN

    • Wilno is located 3 miles north of Ivanhoe on County Hwy 5 & 1/2 mile east on County Hwy 17.

    • The day begins with Mass at 10:00am, a delicious Turkey Dinner will all the trimmings will be served from 10:30am to 1:00pm.

    • Live music by the Midwest Cowboys, Bingo, outdoor games,

    • Lunch stand with Lingen's Dairy Ice Cream. Pie + More auction at 1:30pm, Kiddie Tractor Pull at 2:30pm, Cash Raffle at 4:30pm.

Thursday, July 10th

  • Ivanhoe Community Pork Chop Feed Fundraise at Gilson Field in Ivanhoe

    • Serving from 5 to 7:30 PM or until gone

    • Free Will Donation

    • All proceeds will go to Lincoln County Relay for Life & American Cancer Society

    • Menu: Pork Chops, Baked Beans, Macaroni & Cheese, Ice Cream, Pop & Water

Friday, July 11th - Sunday, July 13th
Thursday, July 17th
Tuesday, September 30th and Wednesday, October 1st

  • Tall Cop Says Stop Event - September 30, 2025 from 6:15–7:30 PM at Pipestone Performing Arts Center in Pipestone

  • Tall Cop Says Stop Event - October 1, 2025 from 6:15–7:30 PM at Marshall High School Theater in Marshall

  • RSVP by contacting Jennifer Nelson at [email protected] or 507-532-1243

Special Community Events

  • SAIL: Stay Active & Independent For Life brought to you by A.C.E. of SW MN

    • a total of 24 classes every Tuesday and Thursday

    • from April 29 - July 17 from 9:30 - 10:30 AM at the YMCA in Marshall

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