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Hunt's Transportation Services announces the driver of the year for the Chisago Lakes School District is Grant Clark, a Lindstrom resident. Clark was a new hire at the start-up of the private contract for the school district's busing in 2002.

Hunt's has also added three new Bluebird All American buses which means the entire fleet of 31, that Hunt's purchased when it became transportation contractor in 2002, has been replaced.

Heide Miller, Director of Business Services for Chisago Lakes Schools, said of the honored driver, "Grant has taught his students that if he says 'Safety On' over the intercom they must be completely quiet and sit in their seats facing forward. He instituted this drill so that in case of an emergency like a tornado or major accident (he) can hear the dispatcher on the radio and keep students calm and safe. It is truly amazing, you can hear a pin drop on a busload of 50-plus elementary students."

She continued, "The students demonstrate this drill for me when we arrive at Lakeside each year when I ride the bus. Grant uses his intercom as a tool to keep the students on his bus safe, he is a great driver," Miller concluded.

Pete Beberg, Hunt's Safety Director, said the driver of the year is voted on by his peers. The driving record, attitude, vehicle record keeping and any feedback from the public or school staff are also considered.

Receiving the perfect attendance award in Chisago Lakes is driver George Schluter, for the sixth year in-a-row; and for this year, driver Mary Laroue did not miss a day.

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