NHTSA and ODOT Reminding Motorists April is "Distracted Driving Awareness Month"

April is "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" and it's an important reminder to drivers everywhere that they should practice safe driving habits at all times. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as any activity that diverts attention away from driving including talking on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, or fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system -- anything that takes your attention away from the road. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, 26,264 crashes reported in the state from 2017-2021 were caused by distracted drivers. During that same time period, 125 crashes involved drivers between the ages of 16 and 18 who were using a cell phone. The NHTSA's latest research does show one promising statistic: passenger vehicle drivers talking on handheld phones decreased from 2.5% in 2021 to 2.1% in 2022. This shift in driver behavior is likely attributed to increased usage of hands-free technology and "do not disturb while driving" features on smartphones. However, there is progress to be made to keep drivers safe and as many drivers fail to utilize these options or do not know how to use them properly. ...Read more

RCC Small Business Development Center Receives Award to Improve Local Services

Business Oregon is pleased to announce an award of $3 million to 15 currently operating Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to improve their services. The Rogue Community College SBDC is among the recipients. SBDCs assist clients with business plan preparation, financial management, personnel management and marketing. They also help facilitate capital by bridging the gap between small businesses seeking capital and lenders seeking qualified buyers. The SBDCs are hosted by Oregon's 17 community colleges, Southern Oregon University, Eastern Oregon University and the Columbia Economic Team. They are embedded in places across the state where collaboration is at a premium. Business Oregon released a Request for Grant Applications in December that was targeted at Oregon's 20 SBDCs. Twenty-three requests for assistance were received and 21 met the eligibility criteria laid out in the application. The RCC SBDC is a valuable resource for small businesses in Josephine and Jackson counties. To learn more about the local SBDC in Grants Pass, visit "roguecc.edu." ...Read more

Enthusiastic HVHS Students Participated in "Day of Caring" Event This Week

Hidden Valley High School students -- in collaboration with the Josephine County Foundation and Pacific Power -- demonstrated their commitment to community service and spirit during a "Day of Caring" event held earlier this week. The event was aimed at spreading positivity and fostering community engagement. There was enthusiastic participation from HVHS students and volunteers from JCF and Pacific Power. Together, they embarked on various initiatives to uplift and enhance not only the Hidden Valley campus but other Three Rivers District schools including Madrona, Fruitdale, Lincoln Savage and Applegate. Activities during the "HVHS Day of Caring" spanned a wide range, from cleanup efforts to beautification projects. Students rolled up their sleeves to pick up litter, repair and paint sports facilities, plant flowers and spread bark mulch. The event also included refurbishing stadium bleachers and preparing the courtyard for a future fundraiser to support a new Veteran's Memorial. ...Read more