By By JAN GRIFFEY / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- George W. Bush, the 43rd president of the United States, is scheduled to speak today, early afternoon, at Niles High School.
Niles Mayor Mike McCauslin is expected to be in the receiving line, helping to welcome the president when he arrives.
The planning for security and details for the president's visit to Niles has been "incredible. The police and fire department and city administration have been working all week with the Secret Service, administration officials in Washington, with (U.S. Rep. Fred) Upton's people. There's not enough time to tell you all of the things going on here," McCauslin said.
The curious have watched goings on at the high school all weekend, including the many semi-trailers parked on school grounds. By early afternoon on Sunday, every piece of City of Niles street department equipment was lined up in the parking lot at the high school. The equipment will be used to block roads surrounding the high school campus before the president's visit.
Billed as a major campaign event, the president will address about 1,000 Berrien County residents, who will attend the event by invitations coordinated by area elected Republican officials and the Berrien County Republican party, along with Niles area city officials and Niles Community Schools officials, as well as 80 Niles High School senior honor students.
Doug Law, Niles High School superintendent, along with many other school administrators, teachers and other employees, have had a whirlwind, exciting week, working with Bush Administration officials preparing for the visit.
Law said the president is expected to speak about jobs and family values and, billed as "Ask the President," is expected to take questions at the event.
Doors to Niles High School for ticket holders open at 11 a.m. The president is expected to arrive early afternoon and will be in the high school for about an hour.