By Drew Adams
Murray, KY – In light of the tough economy, Kentucky will avoid the cost of hauling in an official Christmas tree, opting instead to decorate an evergreen already growing on the Capitol's front lawn. Finance Cabinet spokeswoman Cindy Landham says Governor Steve Beshear's administration opted not to issue the traditional public request for a donated tree which state workers load and haul to Frankfort. Beshear is scheduled to lead the annual tree lighting ceremony on the Capitol's front lawn Thursday evening. The move is drawing kudos from environmentalists. Kentucky Heartwood Director Jim Scheff says decorating and honoring a living tree that can grow year after year is a beautiful act.