Protest today to be restricted

A group of anti-war activists who plan to protest Republican presidential candidate John McCain's visit to Lakeville today are unhappy that police plan to keep them across the street from the high school where McCain will appear.

"We're a peaceful group that just wants to exercise our First Amendment rights," said Ross Rowley, a protest organizer.

Lakeville police, consulting with school officials and the Secret Service, established a security perimeter along the west side of Jacquard Avenue, which borders Lakeview South High School, said police Capt. Kevin Manias. As a result, protesters will be allowed to demonstrate only on the east side of the street, he said.

Manias said school officials have expressed concern that doors will open for the 4 p.m. event at 1 p.m., while students are still in school.