Minor bus damage from accident

A school bus accident Oct. 4, in Elmer City, ended up with some students getting shook up, but with only minor damage to the bus, school officials said this week.

A number of middle school-age students from both Grand Coulee and Nespelem were checked out at Coulee Medical Center and released. The accident occurred shortly after 5 p.m., with an after-school bus near the old Tillman Store.

The bus was struck by a vehicle driven by Daniel Parks Conant.

School officials said that bus driver Stephanie Anderson saw that Conant’s vehicle was going to strike the bus and told students to brace themselves.

The bus suffered damage to the rear bumper and a bracket. Bus garage officials said there was about $500 damage to the bus.

Although two Washington State Patrol troopers were at the scene, the accident was investigated by the Colville Tribal Police. Calls to Tribal Police on the accident were not answered.

Lake Roosevelt High School Principal Brandon Byers, as well as transportation director Mark Arnold, were at the scene.

Officials said there were no skid marks from Conant’s vehicle.

Arnold stated that the bus lights were flashing and the exterior arms were extended. The bus was at a regular bus stop location when the accident occurred.

The bus was examined by the WSP but judged okay to drive.