We hope that as you consider making your holiday purchases this winter you keep local merchants in mind.
They are, after all, among those who employ our friends, relatives and neighbors. They are the folks we turn to throughout the year when we need something quickly. They are the folks who contribute to local charities and causes. They are the folks who sponsor youth baseball, softball and soccer teams.

So don't forget that that large-screen, high-definition television can be bought locally. Don't forget that local stores sell toys. And don't forget that local stores sell jewelry, shoes and a myriad of other products and services that are on your gift list.

Merchants have special activities planned for the season:

--Seymour Main Street offers the annual Downtown Seymour Christmas at One Chamber Square starting at 5 p.m. Monday.

-- Brownstown Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a Hometown Christmas celebration at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Jackson County Courthouse. For information, contact the chamber office at 358-2930.

-- And Medora is planning its Medora Christmas Festival Dec. 6-7. For information, contact Bill Drees at 592-4234.

Give local retailers and service providers a chance - whether along Seymour's avenue of commerce - Tipton Street - in its downtown - all lit up for Christmas - or in Brownstown, Crothersville, Freetown or Medora. You just might save yourself some drive time and gas money.