Beat Black Friday

You know, there's a way to avoid the "Black Friday" shopping headache and all that running up and down the road during the holiday season. It's called: Shop Local.

Sure, you might say there's a bigger choice elsewhere, but you'd be surprised what you find close to home. We're talking about gifts with a local twist and a personal touch, including things made right here in the Morgan County area.

If you're one of those gift card givers, why not a gift certificate to a local store or restaurant so the recipient doesn't have to travel out of town to use it this winter?

Driving off to "Big Box" stores does nothing to keep jobs and dollars flowing in our community. You might save a buck in a distant town, only to find that a local store is forced to shut its doors, especially in these tough times. Plus you spent an hour or two on the road (and the gas) to get there and back.

Remember, local businesses are the ones that hire people in the Morgan County area and keep our economy alive. Local business people are the ones who give all those donations and door prizes for local charities and events. You can imagine how used they must feel if the only time they see you is when you're asking for something.

Instead of fighting the shopping mall crowd and taking your dollars out of county, try some leisurely stopping at local businesses. See how much of your gift list can be filled right here at home.

You won't regret it.