IT’S THE law. Ohio residents who are 29 years old and younger this year and planning to operate boats with motors of greater than 10 horsepower must comply with a mandatory boater education law.

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District will host several classes this year to assist boaters with meeting the education requirements. The cost of the course is $5 per person and registration is handled through the MWCD main office at New Philadelphia.

According to state law, all boaters born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, must show proof that they have successfully completed an approved boating safety education course if they operate any powered watercraft great than 10 horsepower on a state waterway, including any MWCD lake. The law includes those who operate personal watercraft, rental powercraft and persons 18 years old and older who supervise youth powerboat operators.

The MWCD will host three upcoming classes that meet the Ohio boating education requirement, including Tappan Lake in Harrison County, at the following dates, times and locations:

– March 22-24, 6 to 9 p.m. each night MWCD main office, 1319 3rd St. NW, New Philadelphia;

– April 16 , 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pleasant Hill Lake Park activity center 3431 Rt. 95, Perrysville; and,

April 29 – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tappan Lake Park activity center , 84000 Mallarnee Rd., Deersville. Participants must attend both sessions to meet full education requirement.

For registration, contact Stacie Stein at the MWCD office by calling toll-free 877-363-8500 Ext. 2201, or by sending a message to sstein@mwcd.org.

As a reminder: According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Watercraft, the number of boating-related deaths in Ohio has declined 26 percent during the period of 2001-2010 since the law was enacted in comparison to the previous decade of 1991-2000.

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THE CHURCH of Christ, 139 North Main St., Cadiz, will host a spaghetti dinner on March 4, beginning at 4 p.m. All proceeds from the donation only meal will benefit the Elkhorn Valley Christian Youth Camp.

Those living within the corporation limits of Cadiz may choose to have their meals delivered by calling 740-942- 2235.

But those attending the event will not only be able to enjoy a great meal, they will also be treated to music provided by Cody Barcroft, the son of Billy and Joy Barcroft.

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THE HARRISON Central Boosters Club will host a Golf Bash on April 10 at Sally Buffalo Park, Wallace Lodge, Cadiz.

Doors are set to open at 1 p.m. with prize drawings scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. According to organizers the drawings will continued until 7 p.m. with the final drawing being for a golf trip or the winner may take the cash option.

Tickets, $10 each, are available by calling 740-942-2626 or 740-942-4191.

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TICKETS are being sold for the initial annual dinner and fund raising event for the Harrison County Ducks Unlimited to be held March 26 at the Scio American Legion.

To obtain tickets, or additional information, call 740-381-5875 or 740-381-5872. Only 200 tickets will be sold. Doors will open that night at 5 p.m. with dinner being served at 6:30 p.m. An auction will follow at 7:30 p.m.

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A SPORTSMAN’S Feast will be held April 9 to benefit the Lucas D. Sedgmer Memorial Scholarship Program which has awarded scholarships to several local high school graduates over the past few years.

The event will be held at the New Athens Volunteer Fire Department with doors scheduled to open at 3 p.m. Food service begins at 4 p.m. along with the awarded of door prizes which will continue at 15-minute intervals.

A wide variety of food will be available including wildgame, fish, stews, ham, turkey and numerous side dishes.

A 50/50 raffle will be held and numerous chances at a variety of hunting items and other goods will be available. A live auction will be held along with a silent auction.

Tickets are available from any committee member or by calling 740-968-4419.

Sedgmer may be reached at ksedgmer@timesleader online.com