There’s no better time to get involved with the 4-H program in Arapahoe County, where local youth are raking in state and national awards! 4-H offers a wide spectrum of projects to interest kids ages 5-18 in the metro area, and it brings an array of events where youth can compete and receive recognition for their talents.

Most recently, 19 Arapahoe County 4-Hers took home prizes from the 2009 Colorado State Fair for award-winning projects and top-notch performances. More than 100 local youth were invited to the state fair to show projects after earning nods at the Arapahoe County Fair in July, where 4-H competitions have become the heart of the festivities. The following County youth won champion or reserve champion placements at the State Fair in contests that required an active demonstration of skills:

Cake Decorating: Reserve Grand Champion, Unit 3 Intermediate, Brianna Osborn

Creative Cooks: Reserve Champion, Colorado Specialty Senior, Julia Gaffney

Fashion Revue: Most Creative Modeling Award, Nicole Justice

Instrumental/Performing Arts: Grand Champion, Senior Keyboard/Piano Solo, Byron Gray

Team Demonstration: Grand Champion, Intermediate, Abby Hanouw & Allison Judy

Theatrical/Performing Arts: Grand Champion, Senior Master of Ceremonies, Edwin “E” Gaffney

An estimated 500,000 deer-vehicle crashes occur on U.S. roadways each year, resulting in thousands of injuries and multiple deaths. Most of these crashes occur between October and November during the deer-breeding season.

Most deer-related crashes occur in the country. But a growing number of these accidents are also taking place in or near residential areas, as new subdivisions are built closer to deer habitats.

Deer-vehicle crashes are often unavoidable, but here are a few defensive driving tips to minimize your chances:

Stay alert, pay more attention to the road and roadside — and actually look for deer. Be especially alert at dawn and dusk, the peak movement times for deer and when visibility is low.

Exercise special caution when moving through a posted deer crossing zone; the signs are there for a reason.

If you see a deer on the road, brake firmly and blow your horn. Deer often fixate on headlights, so it may not be effective to just flash your lights.

If you are unable to stop, do not swerve. It can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and hit a tree or another car.

Look for other deer after one has crossed the road. Deer seldom run alone.

Always wear your seatbelt. Most people injured in deer- vehicle crashes were not buckled.

If your vehicle strikes a deer, contact the authorities. You may be legally required to report an accident with significant vehicle damage, depending on state laws. Also contact your insurance company to report your claim.

Collision with an animal is covered under the comprehensivesection of your auto insurance policy.