Posted on 03/04/2005 10:38:02 AM PST by SmithL
DOVER, Tenn. - With black bows attached to the front of every school bus, all Stewart County drivers ran their usual routes Thursday morning, one day after a beloved co-worker was shot and killed while picking up students.
The drivers completed their routes without incident, said transportation director Francis Carson, but some were worried about getting back behind the wheel.
"I have small children, and they have been asking: 'Do you have to do this?' " substitute bus driver Michele Etherton said.
The black bows had the number "22" on them, a reminder of the bus Joyce Gregory drove for two years. Police say a 14-year-old high school freshman fatally shot Gregory with a .45-caliber handgun, apparently one day after he was reported for using smokeless tobacco on the bus.
Veteran bus driver Brenda Byrd said that while some drivers may have felt some hesitation about returning to work, such feelings were quickly put behind them.
"It makes all of us so sick because you think it will happen anywhere else but here," she said. "It never crossed my mind that one of my students would hurt me. It probably never crossed Joyce's mind either."
The shooting happened just outside Cumberland City, about 50 miles northwest of Nashville. The 47-year-old married mother of two daughters was picking up students and taking them to Dover Elementary and Stewart County High School.
The 14-year-old has been identified as Jason Clinard. Police released no new details Thursday about the shooting and would not comment on a motive or where he got the weapon. He is charged with first-degree murder in Juvenile Court and he is being held without bond. He could face adult charges later.
Many students were absent Thursday. Phillip Wallace, director of the school system, said he waived attendance requirements, understanding that children and parents were still in shock and grieving.
C,
You're not kidding- I scratched my head about that for awhile.
Best as I can figger, it seems the black bows are wearing school buses.
I am so sick of all these bows, and ribbons, and bracelets, and candlelight vigils. Enough already!
As for the 14-year-old murderer, he should be executed.
I'd rather see armed security guards than black bows, but in an ideal society neither would be necessary.
AAlllrrriiigggghhhhttteeee then, we got alotta black bows running around with school buses adangle.
Must be that "New School of Journalism"
Professional journalists, not bloggers.
That's right, exactly what the headline states. I guess they are too busy brainwashing the journalism students in socialism to teach writing and English!
I want to know why this "don Stewart" guy doesn't capitalize his own first name. Must be low-self-esteem or something.
I see nothing wrong with ribbons or bows as that expression.
As for executing the little rat.....perhaps in jail!
LOL! (The dog thought I was nuts). Very good!
AP moron! probably meant 'adorn' vice don, but didn't have the sense to get his work checked before sticking it into the 'publish-er-ation-ator!'
Woe is I
Train and arm bus drivers! Train and arm all the womenfolk! train and arm EVERYONE and society would be MUCH more polite!
...and free of the odd occaisional dirtbag wanting to prove 'hisself!'
Top sends
I agree. We seem to overly obsessed with public displays of grief in this country. No tragedy is complete unless somebody is seen crying and placing flowers at the scene of the tragedy (or black ribbons wearing school buses).
Must be submissively-oriented. (/smile)
I say school bus drivers should be armed.
And we danged sure shouldn't have any bus drivers who can't pass the background check to get a concealed carry permit!
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