From the Bismarck Tribune

First lady visiting today

10-02-2008: news-local

First lady Laura Bush's visit to the Bismarck area today probably will be unnoticed by most residents.

She will arrive in Bismarck late in the morning. Then, she will visit two sites: Sims Scandinavian Lutheran Prairie Church and Riverside Elementary School in Bismarck. First, she will visit the church at about noon; then, she will visit the elementary school at about 2 p.m.

At the church, she will see the restoration work completed through grant funds from Save America's Treasures. She is an honorary chairwoman on the committee for the preservation program.

She will visit a classroom at Riverside, and talk about the Picturing America program through the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Picturing America program provides copies of artwork to schools to teach about history. All Bismarck School District elementary schools participate, as well at Simle Middle School, Century High School, St. Mary's Central High School and Dakota Adventist Academy.

Most of the first lady's visit will be occupied with visiting at the church and school. She does plan to address students, staff and some invited guests at the school.

Bismarck police do not anticipate any road closures as Bush's motorcade travels through Bismarck, Deputy Chief Dan Donlin said. He said her schedule does not include any stops besides her planned visits.