Word of presidential visit travels fast

AURORA, Mo. -- President Bush's planned visit to Aurora didn't stay secret for long.

"It's supposed to be a hush-hush deal, but everybody's talking about it," street department worker Richard Levingston said Friday as he pitched branches out of a drainage ditch, gussying up Olive Street in preparation for the big visit.

"We found out this morning," he said. "And since then, we've been working to get it all ready -- putting up flags, cleaning the streets. It's exciting."

Bush is slated to visit the Missouri Farmer's Association Aurora Feed Mill, where he will speak with local farmers and employees about the economy.

Jaime Canales -- who lives on Olive Street with his wife, Dora, and their children -- was told by police that he would have to move his car from the street by Monday morning for security reasons.

"This is such a small town. You'd never expect the president to be here. It's pretty cool," said Canales, a Bush supporter.

Aurora schools Superintendent Dale Slagle said he hopes the students will be able to see the Bush motorcade before the president speaks at the National Guard Armory.

"Right now, our students have a strong sense of pride for our country, patriotism and the flag," Slagle said, adding that the school's FFA team is scheduled to take part in the ceremony. "What an opportunity for these kids."

Sophomore Nick Parker, 16, said he hopes to catch a glimpse of the President. "I think he's a cool guy," Parker said. "I think he made some good decisions after September 11, and I respect what he's done."

The U.S. Secret Service, Missouri Highway Patrol, Lawrence County Sheriff's Department and Aurora police will be organizing security for the president.