2000: Shepard students hospitalized after bus accident

Dec. 20, 2000: Twenty-one Alan Shepard Elementary School students were briefly hospitalized after a bus they were riding in slipped off an icy road and overturned near Cody and East LeClaire Road. The driver encountered a snowplow and attempted to move further over to the side of the roadway when the accident occurred. Another bus driver, who happened to be nearby, as well as residents in the area helped evacuate students from the overturned bus as the Eldridge Fire Department and Medic EMS responded. The students were all taken to the hospital for evaluation, though no serious injuries were reported. School counselors also visited with the students at the hospital to help calm some nerves and fears. District officials said they were pleased with the response from the driver and emergency personnel.