Over 100 Lamers school buses damaged by tornado in Fox Cities: Will it impact service?

Lamers Bus Lines expects to have its normal service ready for the school year, just one month after a tornado damaged nearly all its buses and destroyed its building. Aug. 14, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online

MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Lamers Bus Lines has a monumental task ahead preparing for the school year, just one month after a tornado ripped apart its terminal and damaged nearly its entire school bus fleet.

The terminal visible from HWY-441 in Menasha is Lamers’ Fox Cities hub, serving the school districts in Appleton, Menasha, Kimberly, Stockbridge and Hilbert.

Out of 180 buses it keeps at the lot, at least 50 are totaled and many have significant issues. Just two escaped with no damage. Some were even hit by the roof after it ripped off the terminal building.

“When we escaped the building, we were worried about the rest of it collapsing in on us,” said Alex Eisch, Lamers Regional Manager. “It was still basically a tornado outside. We went to grab a bus for cover and we just, bus by bus, (said), ‘This isn’t going to work, because windshields were blown out, doors were smashed in.”

Some buses have roofs caved in, many are missing windows and nearly all have glass damage to either the windows or windshield.

Here’s the good news — Lamers depots from around the state are sending temporary replacement buses, so service will carry on as usual.

“This shouldn’t change any of our bus routes,” said Eisch. “Again, we’re still shooting for the first day of school. We just ask parents to be patient as we get that information out.”

Eisch said the information with routes should be sent a week before school starts, which is about a week later than is typical.

Lamers also expects to avoid delays even with a shortage of drivers, as office staff and mechanics will drive the routes in the meantime. It hopes to fill as close to the 20 drivers as it can by the end of the month. Eisch said the part-time gig commonly attracts retirees and stay-at-home mothers, as you can bring your child along with you on the bus.

Over 100 Lamers school buses damaged by tornado in Fox Cities: Will it impact service?

Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Current Weather »