Now, a word for our sponsors

As always, we encourage you to shop at home in the Berkeley Springs-Hancock area this Christmas season.

Driving off to those 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.

After all, the local businesses are the ones that hire people right here at home and keep our economy alive. The 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.

We've found you can make a fun shopping day by going to stores in our area. You'd be surprised at the gifts you might come up with – things with a local twist and a personal touch.

Give it a try.