I've never shopped local before.

To rephrase that, I've never made a conscious effort to spend my money only at locally owned shops with the intention of supporting the small businesses that make the community so interesting.

The New Year has officially arrived, and several local leaders are looking ahead to lay the groundwork for accomplishing important goals within their communities.

Holly Township's new supervisor, Jesse Lambert, said he'll be paying specific attention to a growing concern about police protection. Many residents in the Pulte subdivision, on the west side of the township, have shown particular concern for increased police protection.

"Our idea here would be to create a special assessment district for any area that might be interested in obtaining local police protection," he said. "Using this method, we can then target the areas of the community that need protection and also have the flexibility of adding protection as the residents need it."

GAINES TOWNSHIP, Michigan — Hanging on the wall of Trevithick household, among the stockings and other Christmas decorations, is a portrait of U.S. Army Spc. Richard Kennedy Trevithick -- a reminder of the missing family member during the holiday season.

Britney Spears made an amazing comeback in 2008.

Flint Journal extras: Vote for the biggest pop culture shock of the year in our poll below.

From Britney Spears' spectacular breakdown at the beginning of 2008 (remember when she shaved her head in February?) to her second, and more successful, comeback attempt with "Circus" (which debuted at No. 1 on the billboard charts in December), it felt like the troubled blonde was the only star making pop news headlines in 2008, but she wasn't really alone.

Robert Downey Jr., who had plenty of rehab stints in his past, found his way back into the good graces of Hollywood with his performance in the blockbuster "Iron Man" and his unusual and comic turn as an Australian actor playing a black man in a fake war movie in "Tropic Thunder."

Press Photo/Emily ZoladzJim Weiler, a manager at Westmaas Electric Company, screws in one of the 448 light bulbs on the Grand Rapids New Year's ball that will drop from a 200-foot crane over Rosa Parks Circle at midnight.

GRAND RAPIDS -- Downtown business owners are gearing up for extra foot traffic they hope will be generated by tonight's first-ever New Year's Eve ball drop and scores of other planned celebrations.

With the free public event planned for Rosa Parks Circle, downtown hotels booked to capacity, and restaurants rich with reservations, merchants could end the sluggish year with a bang.

"Last year, we did not sell out, but this year we've been sold out for over a week and a half," said Brian Behler, director of rooms at the JW Marriott. "We've just been inundated with calls."

"We expect the downtown area to be extremely festive," he said.

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If you're still making up your mind about where to spend the final minutes of 2008, here are a few suggestions of area parties. We probably didn't get 'em all, but it's a good start. Wherever you end up Wednesday night, have a safe and happy New Year:

What are you wearing to ring in the new year? There are a lot of cute outfits in stores right now that you can get for a pretty phenomenal price.

New Year's Eve is one of the greatest excuses to adorn a new outfit. With the super end of year prices, your better half is sure to let you purchase some new clothes in order to celebrate in style.

ardenb.comLeatherette Moto Jacket, $59, Arden B

Arden B knows how to make a great jacket for winter night parties like New Year's Eve. The store has two locations in Michigan, at the Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, and at the Somerset Collection in Troy.

Champagne and caviar may not be in your budget this New Year's Eve, but you won't need to resort to crackers and Cheez Whiz to keep the cost of the festivities under control.

There are plenty of options for foods that are as good to your wallet as to your guests. Consider making bite-size pizzas using purchased dough and sauce. Making the dough yourself is easy, and even cheaper.