Bus driver dies in rollover crash

A driver at the wheel of an empty school bus died in a rollover crash Tuesday morning near Whitefish.

There were no students on the bus, according to Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry. Margaret Allers Juenke, 66, of Columbia Falls, was the only person on the bus.

The crash was reported at 7:06 a.m. to the Montana Highway Patrol.

Trooper Josh Nanna said the bus was traveling north on Dillon Road approaching a 90-degree turn onto Voerman Road.

Nanna said the small, handicap-accessible bus left the right-hand side of the roadway and overcorrected, causing the bus to roll.

Nanna said Juenke was not wearing her seat belt and was ejected from the bus. She died at the scene. Speed and intoxicating substances have been ruled out as possible causes of the crash.

The Whitefish School District sent a voicemail Tuesday morning to parents alerting them about the crash, Superintendent Heather Davis Schmidt said.

Seven students ride the bus, which is contracted through Rocky Mountain Transportation.

Davis Schmidt said the bus company and school district worked together to get students to school and devise long-term transportation arrangements.

“It’s so very sad,” Davis Schmidt said. “It is certainly felt throughout the community. Our thoughts and our prayers are with the driver’s family.”

Rocky Mountain Transportation Owner Dale Duff said Juenke had been driving for the company for two years.

 “This route was new to her,” Duff said. “She was heading to the school to pick up an attendant. It’s pretty tough. She was absolutely a wonderful person and a valued employee who was loved by us. She loved her job and we loved her.”

Reporter Megan Strickland may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.