Attack briefs

Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2001 | 11 a.m.

Soldiers operate security checkpoint

Twenty Nevada Army National Guard soldiers are beefing up security at Hoover Dam, running two security checkpoints, one on either side of the dam.

Until further notice, traffic across the dam will be restricted to passenger cars.

Buses, trucks and trailers will be detoured via U.S. 95 and State Route 163 to Laughlin and Kingman, Ariz., a Nevada Department of Transportation spokesman said.

The dam's parking garage and lots will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, but the visitors center will remain closed until further notice.

Washington Ave. tribute planned

A Las Vegas woman is organizing a human chain this Saturday to give children a chance to honor the victims of last week's terrorist attacks.

Lea Jennings said she came up with the idea after her children told her they wanted to help.

"Can't we just go and give the people in New York a hug?" Jennings' 5-year-old son, Donnie, a first grader at Robert Lunt Elementary School, asked after the attacks.

"He thinks that this is something that can be healed with a kiss," Jennings said Monday. "And with a lot of love and unity, it will be healed."

The chain will go along Washington Avenue between Hollywood Boulevard and Main Street. The event begins at 10 a.m. For more information, call (702) 437-3127.

Events canceled as alert continues

Although Nellis Air Force Base is on a lesser level of heightened security, things are not quite back to normal. The base has announced cancellations of two events popular with visitors.

All public and private tours of the Thunderbird Hangar have been canceled in the wake of the terrorist attacks. The Thunderbirds are the Air Force's demonstration air squadron.

Officials also announced that the Nellis Air Force Base Retiree Appreciation Day on Oct. 13 has been canceled.

The base is requesting that retirees, their families and families of active-duty airmen combine trips to the base facilities whenever possible. Visitors are warned to expect long waits at the gates for identification checks and vehicle inspections.

Nellis remains on Forced Protection Charlie Alert, one step down from Delta, the highest level of heightened awareness.