 The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce wishes to inform local students participating in the National Civics Bee that the essay deadline has been extended. The new deadline for essay submissions is now February 19th. This will not affect the second phase of the competition, which is scheduled for April 25th at the Mountain Arts Center. So the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has decided to extend the deadline to February 19th because of we got all this snow and inclement weather right after a busy holiday season. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce decided to give the sixth, seventh and eighth graders who are eligible to submit their essays a little more time to do so. This won't impact the future of the competition. The live competition at the Mountain Arts Center is still scheduled for April 25th. We're just adding a little more time to get more essays submitted. At Audiology Associates of Prestonsburg, you can live your life the way you want and find the freedom of better hearing. With 40 years of being in the hearing care industry, you'll experience patient care that is specific to you with exceptional follow-up care that ensures your hearing and balance needs are being met. Audiology Associates at 1428 Northlake Drive in Prestonsburg. Now with more time available, the number and quality of essay submissions is expected to increase. The Chamber is also seeking additional judges to review said essays. We have received a number of essays already, but we want to increase that number. We want to increase civic participation in our community, and we're also looking to recruit judges for the National Civic Speed Essays. Any adult who's interested in reading a student's essay and judging it, it can really help them move forward in the competition. Students who have the highest scoring essay, the top 20 finalists with the highest scoring essay will go on to the live competition at Mountain Arts Center on April 25th. Reporting from Mountain Top News, I'm Nick Colum.