 While you have probably noticed signs around advertising for school bus drivers as many local and nationwide bus companies are in desperate need of drivers. Reichert Bus Service in Baxter has been dealing with the shortage for a while, but not until recently labeled it as urgent. All employees with commercial driver's licenses, including office workers and mechanics, have been asked to drive school bus routes due to the shortage. This is all kinds of reasons, but the biggest one is the one that's always been is the fact that it's a part-time job that has a five-hour donut hole in the middle of it. You know, there's a couple hours in the morning and then a couple hours in the afternoon. But for some drivers like Lon who is semi-retired, this schedule is ideal for him. The company has increased to nearly 81 daily routes, transporting 5,000 to 6,000 kids per day. It's a fun job and it's rewarding. It can be difficult. I think driving a bus is not for everyone, but I think a whole lot of people would qualify for the job that they think they might not qualify for. Reichert Bus Service currently has about 90 bus drivers, including all of their subs driving full-time. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.