HANDI-BUS

by Francis Brown

Entry T63 from the History of Hooker County Nebraska
with permission of the Hooker County Historical Society

The Mullen County Handi-bus had its
beginnings in the bureaucratic era of the
1970's when the U.S. Government tried to be
all things to all people. One of the depart-
ments organized under this operation was the
Area Agency on Aging. This department
received federal funds to improve the life
style of the senior citizens of the area. The
Hooker County Commissioners appointed
Henry Cox as their representative to this
agency sometime in 1977 or 1978.

The one program that caught his attention
was the possibility of obtaining a Handi-bus
to be used for the transportation of the senior
citizens and handicapped persons of Hooker
County. Mr. Cox was instructed by the
Hooker County Board to procure bids for a
vehicle of this type and on September 27,
1978 the bid of Milander Motors was accept-
ed and on February 12, 1979, title was taken
to a 1979 GMC Van with a wheel chair lift.
Mr. Cox operated the bus for a time, but then
decided that the county should hire a regular
driver. On May 1, 1979, Lee Isom became the
regular driver. He continued in this capacity
until January 1983. At that time Tilbert and
Marjorie Wright became the drivers and
continued until April 1984 at which time
Francis "Buck" Brown started driving. Mr.
brown continues in this position at this time.

The operating funds for this bus continue
to be subsidized by the Federal and State
Government at the rate of 75 percent.

The Handi-bus has proved to be a real help
to this county. It serves to transport Senior
Citizens to medical and dental Dr. appoint-
ments. It also serves enjoyment to the Rest
Home patients an opportunity for an outing.
The bus affords others a way to "get around"
who otherwise couldn't because of no drivers
license or some other reason.

The Handi-bus is also used to operate the
"Meals on Wheels" program which takes hot
meals once a day to persons in the community
who want this.