Opinion - Hometown shopping is important

The Colfax Christmas Parade ended with fireworks on Thursday. Santa Claus made multiple visits on Saturday to the various town festivals.

‘Tis the season.

This is the season a lot of money will be spent, too. Consumers open up their wallets more than at other times of the year.

Rural residents should be conscious of where that spending is done and make an effort to shop locally as much as possible.

Local merchants and economies depend on local shoppers. The effects of loyal support can last a year.

Local businesses generate sales taxes and property taxes. They employ local residents. All these...