President Bush plans to visit Aurora

AURORA, Mo. (AP) -- President Bush will stop Monday in the southwest Missouri town of Aurora, a city official said.

City Manager Glen Welden said Friday that the town of about 6,500 residents learned of Bush's visit when an advance team of Secret Service agents asked Thursday to meet with police and fire officials.

Welden said he was told Bush would arrive around noon. Initial plans called for him to tour the MFA grain plant and then speak at the high school, Welden said.

When asked why the president had selected Aurora, Welden said, "It's a wonderful place to visit. That's the only answer I can give."

Welden said the visit had come as a surprise. City officials were working to put together plans.

The White House did not immediately confirm the visit, and no other details were available.