WHO: Kristine Robertson
WHAT: School bus driver
LIVES: Eau Claire
IN THE CITY FOR: 52 years

Kris has been a bus driver in the Eau Claire Area School District for nearly 17 years. You can find her at the Student Transit building on Menomonie Street most days of the week. She enjoys drawing and painting (and has a few commissioned projects) and is a member of the Chippewa Valley Watercolor Artists. Maybe Eau Claire Transit will let her decorate her bus.

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What makes you popular with the kids? I try to be firm and fair, and treat them like I would my own kids. I think a sense of humor really helps, too. A treat once in a while doesn’t hurt, either! Of course, they don’t receive it until they arrive at their stops, so they won’t EAT ON THE BUS!

What is your pet peeve in terms of bus behavior? One of my pet peeves is hard candy. Hard candy, small children, and a moving vehicle do not mix.

What place in town considers you a regular? The China Buffet

What is one of the best cultural experiences you’ve ever had in the Chippewa Valley? I love attending concerts at Eau Claire Regional Arts Center, especially the Chippewa Valley Symphony concerts. The Holiday Concert, I would say, is my favorite cultural experience.

Death bed, one meal from a local restaurant, what would it be? Either sushi from Shanghai Bistro, hot ham from Ray’s Place, (with lots of hot mustard, of course!), or a turkey pita from Acoustic Café.

What’s something not many people know about you? I was an avid scuba diver in my younger years, and would love to return to the water someday!

Water Street or Downtown? Downtown. It has Wildwood Boutique. Oh wait, Water Street has The Goat!!! Oh, how can I choose?

Right turns or Louies? Louies. How boring would life be without Louies?

Otto from The Simpsons or Ms. Frizzle from Magic School Bus? Ms. Frizzle. She kind of reminds me of me ....

What book, TV show, or movie would you recommend to the members of city council? Population 485 by Michael Perry.

Has a student ever made or given you a treat of some sort? Yes, many times. Usually brownies or cookies, but, once I received some fresh hot egg rolls, and boy, was that hard waiting until I got back to the bus garage to eat them!

Who is your favorite band? Lucy Creek

What is your favorite type of music to listen to while driving? I like to mix it up from classical to polka, blues to rock, and country to hip-hop.

What sort of economic development would you like to see in our area? I would like to see more emphasis put on jobs to improve our environment, or to step up the recycling process in our community.

What’s the best spot in town to take a scenic drive? Riverview Drive is pretty. You get a glimpse of the river (though you should watch out for deer) to the North Crossing across the bridge and up Old Wells Road you get a glimpse of the Paper Mill along the river. It’s very nostalgic!