This time, they discovered at least a half dozen buses that couldn't pass inspection.

It led to a hectic day, lots of rumors and at least a temporary solution.

At Wetzel County's school bus garage, buses sat idled with red stickers on the windshields.

They read, "State of West Virginia, Department of Education, School Bus Inspection, REJECTED."

WTRF's news crew was not warmly welcomed.

In fact, they greeted us by slamming down the garage doors.

As word got around town, everyone had a strong opinion about the buses failing inspection.

John Hawkins of New Martinsville said it was a disgrace, saying school officials get plenty of money and should not scrimp on school bus maintenance.

Dean Fitzsimmons, formerly of New Martinsville, said school officials need to do whatever they can to fix the buses, since the safety of children comes before any other consideration.

Meanwhile, the superintendent met with the bus inspector and learned what the problems were.

He said most of them had oil leaks, and he said he said he is pleased that they were discovered in an inspection rather than on the road.

Superintendent William Jones said rumors were flying, indicating they had to borrow buses from Tyler County, just to take the children home at the end of the school day.

He said that's not true.

"Tyler County is not in school today," he said. "I couldn't have gotten hold of those folks if I had to."

Actually, he says the approximately six grounded buses were replaced with the six spare buses they keep for emergencies.

So will they step up routine maintenance so they don't fail inspection again?

"I'm not going to speak for the transportation director," Superintendent Jones said. "But I will be talking to him. So yes, we'll probably be making some changes."

The superintendent says he'll be calling in mechanics to work on the buses during the week and the weekend.

He hopes they'll be fixed and ready to pass their next inspection on Monday.