Franklinton Ready for Bush Arrival

Franklinton, N.C. — President George Bush is scheduled to visit the Novozymes plant in Franklin County Thursday to promote his energy policy. On Wednesday, the town of Franklinton prepared to roll out the red carpet for their special guest.

Officials said the town of 2,300 has prepared for an influx of people expected to arrive with Bush. Franklinton Mayor Jenny Edwards said special pre-spring cleaning was done to get ready. The town’s police chief, Ray Gillium, has been working with state and federal agencies to keep the visit safe.

“No stone is unturned,” said town manager Sharon Garner. “Just making sure that everybody's ready for his visit.”

Thursday’s event is Franklinton’s first presidential appearance. Bush is expected to tour Novoenzymes, which develops enzymes used to produce alternative fuels. The plant is a mile from downtown, and it’s possible that Bush won’t see the town. However, Edwards said that wouldn’t be an unexpected outcome.

“His schedule has been kept quite private,” Edwards said.

WRAL will have complete coverage of the President's visit to North Carolina on Thursday, starting with his arrival around 11 a.m. WRAL-TV will have live coverage on WRAL News at noon, and a recap of the events beginning at 5 p.m. WRAL.com will also have updates throughout the day and will feature a photo gallery of Bush's visit.