Fifty-six million trees are planted each year to be used for future holidays, and 30 million to 35 million families will buy a real Christmas tree this year, according to the National Christmas Tree Association.

After accumulating over 350 kinds of wild bird houses filling her business, one Elizabeth woman is ready to take it the next level.

One mother’s fight for her son was honored years later with an award she was shocked to receive.

The Outback Express is a public transit service provided through the East Central Council of Local Governments and is open and available to all residents of Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties. It provides an economical and efficient means of travel for the four-county region. The December 2009 schedule for Elbert County area is listed below. Call Kay Campbell at 719-541-4275 or the ECCOG office at 1-800-825-0208 to make reservations for any of the trips. For more information visit the Web site at http://outbackexpress.tripod.com.

Residents of Elizabeth will soon have an opportunity to benefit from more affordable prescription drugs.

Two new Elizabeth School Board members and one returning member were sworn in at the recent board meeting.

Last week, Elizabeth High School principal Greg Wieman presented a proposed idea to the school board concerning the high school schedule.