According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.

Holiday house fires can be prevented.

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires

Christmas Tree Fire Hazards
A live Christmas tree can become fully engulfed in flames in seconds. Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.

Selecting a Tree for the Holiday
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.

Caring for Your Tree
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

Disposing of Your Tree
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or woodburning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Holiday Lights

Maintain Your Holiday Lights
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.

Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.

Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended

Holiday Decorations

Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.

Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace
It can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers and may result in a chimney fire.

Artificial Christmas Trees
If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
Candle Care

Avoid Using Lit Candles
If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.

Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or matches.

Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.

Washington, D.C. – As the holidays approach and toy catalogs arrive in the mail, shoppers can become overwhelmed with all the choices. To keep kids safe, make sure to choose age appropriate toys and look for labels with safety advice. For young children, avoid toys with small parts, sharp edges, and electric toys that can heat up.

Always purchase safety gear in addition to sports-related gifts or ride-on toys, such as bicycles or skateboards.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has put together the following list of things to consider when buying a toy for a child.

When Buying Toys

Choosing toys with care. Keep in mind the child’s age, interests and skill level.

Look for quality design and construction in all toys for all ages.

Make sure that all directions or instructions are clear — to you, and, when appropriate, to the child. Plastic wrappings on toys should be discarded at once before they become deadly playthings.

Be a label reader. Look for and heed age recommendations, such as “Not recommended for children under three”. Look for other safety labels including: “Flame retardant/Flame resistant” on fabric products and “Washable/hygienic materials” on stuffed toys and dolls.

When Maintaining Toys

Check all toys periodically for breakage and potential hazards. A damaged or dangerous toy should be thrown away or repaired immediately.

Edges on wooden toys that might have become sharp or surfaces covered with splinters should be sanded smooth. When repainting toys and toy boxes, avoid using leftover paint, unless purchased recently, since older paints may contain more lead than new paint, which is regulated by CPSC. Examine all outdoor toys regularly for rust or weak parts that could become hazardous.

When Storing Toys

Teach children to put their toys safely away on shelves or in a toy chest after playing to prevent trips and falls.

Toy boxes, too, should be checked for safety. Use a toy chest that has a lid that will stay open in any position to which it is raised, and will not fall unexpectedly on a child. For extra safety, be sure there are ventilation holes for fresh air. Watch for sharp edges that could cut and hinges that could pinch or squeeze. See that toys used outdoors are stored after play — rain or dew can rust or damage a variety of toys and toy parts creating hazards.

Sharp Edges

New toys intended for children under eight years of age should, by regulation, be free of sharp glass and metal edges.

With use, however, older toys may break, exposing cutting edges.

Small Parts

Older toys can break to reveal parts small enough to be swallowed or to become lodged in a child’s windpipe, ears or nose. The law bans small parts in new toys intended for children under three. This includes removable small eyes and noses on stuffed toys and dolls, and small, removable squeakers on squeeze toys.

Loud Noises

Toy caps and some noisemaking guns and other toys can produce sounds at noise levels that can damage hearing. The law requires the following label on boxes of caps producing noise above a certain level: “WARNING — Do not fire closer than one foot to the ear. Do not use indoors.” Caps producing noise that can injure a child’s hearing are banned.

Cords and Strings

Toys with long strings or cords may be dangerous for infants and very young children. The cords may become wrapped around an infant’s neck, causing strangulation. Never hang toys with long strings, cords, loops, or ribbons in cribs or playpens where children can become entangled. Remove crib gyms for the crib when the child can pull up on hands and knees; some children have strangled when they fell across crib gyms stretched across the crib.

Sharp Points

Toys which have been broken may have dangerous points or prongs. Stuffed toys may have wires inside the toy which could cut or stab if exposed. A CPSC regulation prohibits sharp points in new toys and other articles intended for use by children under eight years of age.

Propelled Objects

Projectiles — guided missiles and similar flying toys — can be turned into weapons and can injure eyes in particular. Children should never be permitted to play with adult lawn darts or other hobby or sporting equipment that have sharp points. Arrows or darts used by children should have soft cork tips, rubber suction cups or other protective tips intended to prevent injury. Check to be sure the tips are secure. Avoid those dart guns or other toys which might be capable of firing articles not intended for use in the toy, such as pencils or nails.

All Toys Are Not For All Children

Keep toys designed for older children out of the hands of little ones. Follow labels that give age recommendations — some toys are recommended for older children because they may be hazardous in the hands of a younger child. Teach older children to help keep their toys away from younger brothers and sisters.

Even balloons, when uninflated or broken, can choke or suffocate if young children try to swallow them. More children have suffocated on uninflated balloons and pieces of broken balloons than on any other type of toy.

Electric Toys

Electric toys that are improperly constructed, wired or misused can shock or burn. Electric toys must meet mandatory requirements for maximum surface temperatures, electrical construction and prominent warning labels. Electric toys with heating elements are recommended only for children over eight years old. Children should be taught to use electric toys properly, cautiously and under adult supervision.

Infant Toys

Infant toys, such as rattles, squeeze toys, and teethers, should be large enough so that they cannot enter and become lodged in an infant’s throat.

Our Responsibility

Under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and the Consumer Product Safety Act, the Commission has set safety regulations for certain toys and other children’s articles. Manufacturers must design and manufacture their products to meet these regulations so that hazardous products are not sold.

Your Responsibility

Protecting children from unsafe toys is the responsibility of everyone. Careful toy selection and proper supervision of children at play is still — and always will be — the best way to protect children from toy-related injuries. To report a product hazard or a product-related injury, write to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C., 20207, or call the toll-free hotline: 1.800.638.2772. A teletypewriter for the deaf is available at 301.595.7054.

About the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: www.saferproducts.gov, call CPSC’s Hotline at 800.638.2772 or teletypewriter at 800.638.8270 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

Counce’s Patriots battled continuously in a struggle between unbeaten teams in the state championship. The game was tied 14-14 at the half with both teams displaying great defense in the second half that was scoreless until late in the fourth quarter. Powell made a great defensive stand, keeping Henry County out of the end zone on a fourth and goal from the one yard line early in the fourth quarter.

The Patriots scored the winning points with a game-winning 32-yard field goal by Kyler Ainley with 1:57 remaining in the game, giving Henry County a 17-14 lead. Counce’s Patriots were able to secure their championship by recovering a Powell fumble caused by a sack and strip with :31 seconds remaining in the game.

“Our team did a great job,” said Counce. “This is a great community with great support and everybody is on cloud nine.”

Lennies McFerren, principal at Henry County, offered high praise for his head coach!

“Since Coach Counce set foot on campus, only great things have happened,” said McFerren. “He is probably one of the best coaches I have ever been around in my 37 years in education. Coach is tough and a man among men.”

Through the Titans Foundation, team owner K.S. “Bud” Adams, Jr. will make a $2,000 contribution to the Henry County High School football program in Coach Counce’s honor.

“High school football enjoys a great tradition in Tennessee,” said Adams. “That tradition is based not only on the outstanding quality of play but on the devotion of their coaches who continue to develop high school football players into young men of strong character. I’m very pleased to underwrite this program that recognizes the efforts of so many talented high school coaches across the state!”

Coach Counce will receive his grant and be recognized Sunday prior to the Titans-Saints game, where the Titans will also recognize the 10 weekly 2011 Titans Coach of the Week winners. The Coach of the Year and all 10 Coaches of the Week will be will be available for interviews / photos in the Titans post-game interview room at 10:45 am Sunday!

Now in its 13th season, the Adams has awarded more than $149,000 from the Titans Foundation to football programs across the state in honor of the Coach of the Year and Coach of the Week winners.

The criterion for selection includes the coach’s impact on his team, school and community. A statewide media panel votes each week to determine the weekly winner. All high school football coaches in Tennessee, regardless of their school’s size, league, or division, are eligible to be selected each week. The program is designed to recognize high school coaches who transform, through their hard work and dedication, student-athletes into the best possible football players and citizens in their community.

Titans Name Counce 2011 High School Coach of the Year.

Previous Titans Coach of Year Winners

• 1999 Jim Wilson, Glencliff High
• 2000 Tom Weathers, Red Bank High
• 2001 Ralph Potter, McCallie High
• 2002 Robert Lassiter, Gallatin High
• 2003 Jeff Morris, Milan High
• 2004 Buck Coatney, Knoxville Fulton High
• 2005 George Quarles, Maryville High
• 2006 Philip Shadowens, Smyrna High
• 2007 Ralph Thompson, Maplewood High
• 2008 Scott Blade, Hillsboro High
• 2009 Anthony Crabtree, Beech High
• 2010 Gary Rankin, Alcoa High

Nashville, TN – Winter weather in Tennessee can change quickly and leave residents dealing with the dangers posed by snow, ice and sub-freezing temperatures.

As part of our ongoing efforts to encourage emergency preparedness, the Tennessee Department of Health, Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency are urging Tennesseans to prepare now to stay safe and healthy during wintry weather.

“The best time to plan for an emergency is before an event occurs, so we and our families are prepared to cope with a winter storm or any other emergency that may keep us home without power or leave us on the road for hours longer,” Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, said. “Create emergency kits for your home and your vehicle with food, water and other supplies you will need, keep your gas tank half full and if you have to use a generator or emergency heat, beware of the serious danger of carbon monoxide.”

Officials say it is also a good idea to make plans for child care if schools or daycare centers are closed, and check on elderly neighbors and relatives who may need assistance and are more at risk for health problems from the cold.

Snow building up on a limb can cause it to break and fall on power lines, cars, etc.

Staying warm and safe can be a challenge during extreme winter weather. Winter storms may leave your home without power, and even working heating systems may be inadequate during extremely cold weather. Make sure your home is equipped with working smoke detectors. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for all space heaters. If using a fireplace, make sure the flue is open and ventilating properly. Teach children to stay away from fireplaces, space heaters and any other open heat sources such as wall heating units, and keep any cords out of the way to prevent tripping. Never use an outdoor grill indoors for heating or cooking.

Snow and ice on the roads.

Winter precipitation can create treacherous conditions for driving. Tennesseans are strongly encouraged to avoid driving on slick roads if at all possible. Talk with your employer about options for working from home when roads are dangerous. If you must drive, use extreme caution and try to take streets that have been treated with salt or brine to remove ice. Make sure you have plenty of fuel in your vehicle, and that tires are properly inflated. Drivers should also be prepared with emergency supplies in their vehicles, including blankets, water, a windshield scraper and a first aid kit. Be sure to wear seat belts as always and make sure children are properly restrained any time they’re in a vehicle.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of being prepared before you hit the road this winter. In addition to an emergency kit, if possible, take a cell phone and charger with you. If you encounter problems on the roadways, dial *THP to directly contact the Tennessee Highway Patrol. State troopers are ready to assist motorists who may need help on roadways,” Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons said.

Precautions should also be taken to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning when using a generator as a power source during weather emergencies. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced by burning materials such as gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, coal or wood. The gas can build up inside your home, garage or camper and poison the people inside. Generators should only be used outside in a well-ventilated area, and individuals using them should follow all instructions for safe and proper use. Never use generators inside your home, basement, garage or camper, or even outside near an open window, door or vent.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers tips on winter health and safety, including checklists to help you prepare for winter weather at Before the Storm.

The State of Tennessee also has many resources available to help keep families safe during winter weather.

• TEMA winter storm preparedness tips
• TDOT tips for safe winter driving
• Department of Safety and Homeland Security tips for road emergencies

Tennesseans can find more resources to help plan for winter weather at the following links:

• FEMA winter storm & extreme cold preparedness
• National Weather Service winter safety tips
• Red Cross winter storm safety checklist

Paris, TN – The Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and Paris Landing State Park are ready to “Light Up the Lake” with a drive through lighting display for Henry County residents, businesses, schools and organizations.

Create a lighting display in a 20 x 20 space in the picnic area near the pavilion. Cost is $50.00 and there’s lots of room. The display will be open throughout December for everyone to drive through and see, so let’s light up the lake.

Call the Chamber at 642.3431 for more information!

The event rules are:

1. Light Up the Lake is a drive through lighting display opportunity open to Henry County residents, businesses, schools and organizations. This event is designed to encourage visitors to Henry County. The brighter the better!!
2. All participants must have their entry forms and entry fee turned in no later than Friday, November 18th to the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, 2508 East Wood Street, Paris, Tennessee.
3. Cost to display is $50.00. Signage recognizing each sponsoring entity will be provided by the Chamber. No other signage will be allowed.
4. Spaces, approximately 20′ x 20′, will be provided on a first come, first serve basis, but final determination of placement will be made by Joan Williams, Paris Lake State Park, based on traffic flow, safety and other concerns.
5. All participants must have their display up and completely decorated no later than 4 pm, Friday, December 2, 2011, when we will cut a ribbon to welcome guests. 
6. All displays must be removed by January 6th, 2012, but may not be removed until after January 1, 2012.
7. All displays must be appropriate to the venue and spirit of the event. Any style, presentation or decorations that are not in keeping with the family-friendly intent of the event will be disqualified prior to display, as determined by the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s tourism committee.
8. Any questions or clarification may be addressed to Joan Williams, Paris Landing State Park, 731.641.4465, or Jennifer Wheatley, Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, 731.642.3431.
9. Light up the Lake will be open for viewing from 5:00pm – 9:00pm from December 2nd, 2011 through January 1st, 2012.
10. Neither the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce nor Paris Landing State Park will be responsible for any theft or damage to property.

Application Form

 
Business Name: _______________________

Contact Person:__________________

Address: _____________________________________

Phone: ________________

Email:______________________________________

Return with $50.00 fee to:

Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce
2508 East Wood Street
Paris, TN 38242

Buchanan, TN – Prevacid pro Dan Morehead of Paducah, KY, weighed a five-bass limit totaling 19 pounds, 5 ounces Sunday to win the EverStart Series Championship on Kentucky Lake with a four day total of 20 bass weighing 61 pounds, 4 ounces. For his victory, Morehead earned $50,000 plus a 198VX Ranger boat with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard motor.

Dan Morehead celebrates his victory in the EverStart Series Championship with his family. (Photo by Rob Newell)

“I’ve been waiting since 10:30 to weigh my fish,” said an overzealous Prevacid pro Dan Morehead who was looking for his first championship title. “I am tickled to death with what I did. A lot of people thought this tournament would be won down south, but Kentucky Lake is Kentucky Lake and I had to go north to my home waters.

“I caught most of my fish with the Alabama rig,” Morehead continued. “Let me tell you, nothing triggers suspended fish quite like this rig. I have never felt the bass strike the way they do as on an Alabama rig. I had three rods on my deck. Two had the Alabama rig. One had four, 4 1/2 inch Berkley Hollow Belly Swimbaits surrounding a 5 1/2 inch swimbait. On the other I had five, 5 1/2 inch Berkley swimbaits and would switch to the bigger bait rig after I had caught my limit and wanted to go for the bigger bass. On the first day when the weather was so nasty I caught two of my better fish using a Zara Spook. But for the rest of the tournament it was all Alabama rig.

Dan Morehead shows off his winning fish caught on an Alabama rig. (Photo by Rob Newell)

“This is just awesome to be able to win in front of all my friends and family,” Morehead added.

The Rest of the Top 10

2nd: Jeff Hippert, Hamburg, NY, 20 bass, 56-14, $16,800

3rd: Lendell Martin Jr., Nacogdoches, TX, 19 bass, 55-12, $8,450

4th: Kellogg’s pro Jim Tutt, Longview, TX, 20 bass, 55-2, $7,600

5th: Koby Kreiger, Okeechobee, FL, 20 bass, 54-14, $6,750

6th: Chad Prough, Chipley, FL, 20 bass, 52-13, $5,900

7th: Brad Knight, Wartburg, TN, 20 bass, 52-7, $5,050

8th: Jess Caraballo, Danbury, CT, 18 bass, 51-6, $4,200

9th: Todd Castledine, Nacogdoches, TX, 20 bass, 51-2, $3,400

10th: Mike McDonald, Randleman, NC, 18 bass, 46-11, $2,600

Troy Anderson of Galesville, WI, won the Co-angler Division and a Ranger boat with an Evinrude or Mercury outboard motor plus $5,000 with a three-day total of 15 bass weighing 42 pounds, 3 ounces.

Troy Anderson of Galesville, WI, wins the Co-angler Division of the EverStart Series Championship with a three-day total of 42-3. (Photo by Rob Newell)

Rounding out the top 10 co-anglers were:

2nd: Richard Peek, Centre, AL, 14 bass, 35-6, $4,200

3rd: Hale White, Franklin, TN, 14 bass, 35-2, $2,950

4th: Beecher Strunk, Somerset, KY, 10 bass, 34-2, $2,100

5th: Russell Lohman, Pineville, LA, 11 bass, 33-10, $1,875

6th: Eric Richey, Paradise, TX, 13 bass, 30-12, $1,675

7th: Vince Denina, Willis, TX, 12 bass, 30-8, $1,475

8th: Doug Caldwell, Kane, PA, 11 bass, 29-1, $1,275

9th: Jeff McCarnan, Henderson, KY, 11 bass, 28-2, $1,075

10th: David Underwood, Waco, TX, 10 bass, 27-4, $875

The EverStart Series consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Southeast, Texas and Western. Each division consists of four qualifying events. The top 40 pros and co-anglers from each respective division qualified for this championship event and were fishing this week on Kentucky Lake.

Troy Anderson of Galesville, WI, weighed in 18-pounds, 4 ounces today to come from fifth place and claim the Co-angler Division title. (Photo by Rob Newell)

Coverage of the EverStart Series Championship on Kentucky Lake will be broadcast in high-definition (HD) on VERSUS. “FLW Outdoors” will air December 18th from 1:00pm to 2:00pm ET. “FLW Outdoors,” hosted by Jason Harper, is broadcast to more than 500 million households worldwide.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWOutdoors.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the EverStart Series on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWEverStartSeries and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWOutdoors.

About FLW Outdoors

FLW Outdoors is the best in fishing, on and off the water. Anglers worldwide can compete for millions over the course of 191 tournaments in 2011. FLW Outdoors has taken fishing mainstream with the world’s richest fantasy sports game, FLW Fantasy Fishing presented by Straight Talk, where competitors can play for free as well as sign up for Player’s Advantage to gain an edge. For more information about FLW Outdoors and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com.

Nashville, TN – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner John Schroer today announced more than $16.2 million to support highway safety in Tennessee.

The funds support the mission of the Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO) to save lives and reduce injuries on Tennessee roadways through leadership, innovation, coordination and program support in partnership with numerous public and private organizations.

“We continue to work with local and state agencies to make our roadways safer,” Haslam said. “These grants will support the efforts of highway safety agencies and advocates to reduce the number of people killed and injured in traffic crashes in Tennessee each year.”

There are multiple elements that contribute to a sound and safe roadway system. Some of those aspects are an accurate traffic safety data collection and analysis system; well-trained and well-equipped law enforcement personnel; and effective emergency medical and trauma systems. A major part of roadway safety is educating motorists about laws and good driving behaviors.

“These grants help fund a variety of enforcement, legal and educational initiatives across the state including speed enforcement, first responder equipment purchases, DUI prosecutors and child passenger safety training,” Schroer said. “These grants will make a difference in the effectiveness of our highway safety partners.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides the funding for GHSO grants.

The grants are awarded to agencies that successfully applied for funding based on a defined problem and statistical need. Each year, the GHSO accepts applications from agencies across the state for available highway safety funds. Applications are reviewed and scored by the GHSO and external highway safety advocates. The agencies that meet the criteria for funding received awards.

“Grants awarded by the GHSO are provided in areas of need,” reported GHSO Director Kendell Poole. “Statistics show our problem areas and we strive to put the funding where it will be most effective. We are dedicated to saving lives across Tennessee and pledge to work with grantees statewide to accomplish our mission.”

Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO) Highway Safety Grants

Runners-up for the Miss Tennessee USA pageant were Brandy Whaley of Antioch (fourth) Rachael Todd of Nashville (third), LaShan Mathews of Murfreesboro (second) and Tara Zolfagharbik of Paris (first).

Miss Tennessee USA 2012 receives her crown from Miss Tennessee USA 2011 Ashley Durham (R) and Miss Tennessee USA Teen 2012,

Crowned earlier tonight was Miss Tennessee Teen USA, Samara Ham of Crossville. She accepted her new crown and title from the reigning Miss Tennessee Teen USA, Kaitlin White of Nashville.

Runners-up for the Miss Tennessee Teen USA pageant were Kaley Hollander of Franklin (fourth), Bailey Yoder of Fayetteville (third), Hannah Robison of Springville (second) and Shanese Brown of Madison (first).

The new title-holders, along with the runners-up received numerous prizes including scholarships. The 2012 Miss Tennessee USA and Miss Tennessee Teen USA will have the opportunity to represent Tennessee at the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA Pageants in the spring of next year.

The Miss Tennessee USA pageants, under the direction of Greenwood Productions, Inc., are a part of the Miss Universe organization. Information about all delegates can be found at www.misstennesseeusa.com.

Nashville, TN – The American Council of Engineering Companies of Tennessee (ACEC of Tennessee) is currently accepting applications from engineering and land surveying students in Tennessee for the 2012 national ACEC engineering scholarship program, which will award several scholarships totaling $20,000, and for the 2012 national Council of Structural Engineers scholarship program, which will award a $5,000 scholarship to a structural engineering student pursuing a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering.

In addition, ACEC of Tennessee will award up to two $1,000 scholarships to students at Tennessee universities or colleges – one to a student who is studying engineering or land surveying, and one to a graduate structural engineering student. The Tennessee scholarship winner will be announced in March 2012; winners of the national scholarships will be announced in October 2012. Applications for the scholarship programs must be submitted to ACEC of Tennessee by January 20th, 2012. Application forms and complete information can be obtained at www.acectn.org/Scholar.htm.

“ACEC of Tennessee is excited and proud to be a part of this national program,” said Everett Cowan, PE, AE Guidance, LLC, who chairs the committee that will review all scholarship applications submitted by Tennessee students. “It is another example of how ACEC of Tennessee is committed to education and the future of our profession.”

ACEC of Tennessee has awarded scholarships to Tennessee engineering students for the past ten years. Past winners were students at Tennessee Tech, Vanderbilt University, the University of Memphis, UT-Knoxville and UT-Chattanooga. In 2009, the winner of the Tennessee scholarship also won the national competition and received an additional $10,000 scholarship. Another previous winner of the Tennessee scholarship was runner-up in the national competition and received an additional $3,000 scholarship.

To qualify for a scholarship, a student must be a U.S. citizen pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctor of Philosophy degree in an engineering or land-surveying program in Tennessee approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Students must be entering their junior, senior, fifth or graduate year in the fall of 2012 to qualify. Candidates for the structural scholarship must be enrolled in a Master’s degree program for Structural Engineering in the 2012 fall semester.

A student’s interest and commitment to the business and management of the profession are factors that will be considered. The application process includes writing an essay on the role of the consulting engineer or surveyor in shaping and protecting the natural environment. Grade point average and college activities are also factors in the evaluation.

About ACEC of Tennessee

Founded in 1968, ACEC of Tennessee is a statewide organization, which represents more than 100 Tennessee engineering firms. ACEC of Tennessee has chapters in Nashville, East Tennessee, Southeast Tennessee and Memphis. The organization works to improve business practices of engineering firms and enhance public awareness and understanding of the value of engineering services.