Dave Guenther was preparing to leave school Wednesday for some late-afternoon fishing with his wife on one of his favorite crappie lakes. It was nearly 3:30 p.m. — when he had planned to be en route to the lake. But that could wait. There’s always time to chat when it comes to Guenther’s true winter passion.
That would be snowmobiling — and snowmobile safety. He broke away from talking about the crappie bite Wednesday as one student, snowmobile helmet in tow, also prepared to leave school for the day.
“He rides in (on his snowmobile) every day,” Guenther said of eighth-grader Evan Hayes.
For 15 years, Guenther, a visual arts instructor at Pequot Lakes High School, has taught snowmobile safety. And a snowy winter to remember for snowmobilers was capped with a major award for Guenther and accolades for his student.
Last month, Guenther was given the DNR’s 2010 Volunteer Snowmobile Safety Instructor of the Year award. Hayes, of Breezy Point, received the Youth Snowmobiler of the Year award from the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association. Guenther also said that Brothers Motorsports of Baxter received an MnUSA dealers award.
“By day he’s a much-loved art teacher who allows students to use their creativity painting snowmobile helmets and hoods, as well as making posters for snowmobile safety and other sled events outside the classroom,” Lt. Leland Owens, DNR enforcement recreational vehicle coordinator, said of Guenther. “He even encourages students who are old enough to ride their snowmobiles to school, allowing them to store their gear in his classroom.” And, in the school parking lot, a “Pequot Lakes High School Snowmobile Parking Only” sign greets visitors.
Guenther, of Pequot Lakes, received the award from Gov. Mark Dayton and DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr at the MnUSA Rendezvous in Alexandria last month.
