 Governor Mark Dayton proclaimed today as Bus Driver Appreciation Day. This is the second year for the proclamation, but it's the first time at the Bemidji School District has celebrated the occasion. Drivers were greeted by a giant banner followed by a special reception in their honor. Special treats and gift baskets were prepared for area schools for the drivers. Even though the district continues to deal with a severe bus driver shortage, it felt it was a day to celebrate and honor those who spend many hours behind the wheel. And so we're trying to add people to our staff. We're short drivers as it is. We want to acknowledge the people that we've had, you know, brand new, and the people that we've had for many, many years thanking them for their service and recognizing their efforts, you know, and appreciating that they're here and so no more leave. If you would like more information about becoming a bus driver, you can visit the school district's website. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.