School bus driver suspended for helping hunter

ULYSSES, Ky. – The driver of a school bus carrying 10 children was suspended without pay for giving a ride to a squirrel hunter toting a 20-gauge shotgun.

Driver Kathy Laney stopped on her route to school two weeks ago to give the 67-year-old man a ride past some threatening dogs that were in the road, Lawrence County School Superintendent Jeff May said. The rules forbid drivers from allowing anyone on the bus.

Laney said she recognized hunter Ralph Music and was certain he wouldn’t do anything to endanger the 10 youngsters – a group that included her own children and the hunter’s grandson.

“I know I made a mistake,” Laney said. “I didn’t realize he had a gun. I knew he was holding something. I thought it was a cane.”

The suspension sparked heated debate in the rural county in eastern Kentucky where squirrel hunters are a familiar sight this time of year. Many residents are known to take home a mess of the furry creatures to skin and fry up like chicken.

Ronnie Blevins, the parent of three children who ride the bus, said the incident has been blown out of proportion.

“I’ve known Ralph all my life. He’s a good man, a churchgoing man and he would never hurt anyone,” he said. As for Laney, “I’d like to get her back on the bus. She’s a good driver and everyone likes her.”

Not all the parents are so forgiving.

Beth Chapman, who had three children on the bus, said she is upset with the driver and surprised that others don’t share her feelings.

“She should have known better than to pick up a hitchhiker,” Chapman said.

The superintendent is still considering what to do next.

“Ninety-nine percent of the parents and community members have voiced their support for her and are asking me to bring her back,” said May.