News briefs for May 2, 2003

Friday, May 2, 2003 | 10:05 a.m.

No motive found on dam incident

The 29-year-old Las Vegas man who drove through a security checkpoint at Hoover Dam Thursday and then led police on a 60-mile chase was held overnight at the Las Vegas jail at Mojave Road and Stewart Avenue.

Hoover Dam Manager Gary Bryant said that Bureau of Reclamation Police and officials still didn't know much about David Hamer, but said that it does not appear his motive was terrorism.

"He just drove over the dam at 50 mph, but he didn't throw anything out or stop," Bryant said. "When he was stopped, nothing was found in his car. We don't really know what he was doing."

Hamer was scheduled to make an appearance in federal court today.

Lawmakers visit Agassi academy

Rep. Jon Porter, R-Nev., was to escort Education Subcommittee Chairman Howard "Buck" McKeon on a tour of the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy this morning.

Porter, who authored Nevada's charter school legislation when he served in the state Senate, is also a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee. The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a resolution authored by Porter recognizing the contributions charter schools have made to the nation's public education system.

Independence celebration set

Israel Independence Day will be celebrated 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Hall G.

The celebration, sponsored by the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas, will include singing, dancing, celebrity appearances raffle prizes, youth activities and shopping. Admission is free.