Bus drivers in short supply.

Byline: Erin Elaine Mosely

Jan. 24--WETUMPKA -- Bus driver Renee Butler wanted a slower pace, so she quit working for Montgomery Public Schools and signed on as a substitute for Elmore County.

But life in the job has been anything but laid-back since a cold bug -- combined with an ongoing lack of applicants -- has depleted the small reserve of substitute drivers employed by Autauga and Elmore counties. Even the bus mechanics are being pressed into service.

"I've done Millbrook, Wetumpka," Butler said. "Really, I've driven everywhere."