diff --git a/settings.py b/settings.py
index 4a63f6c..01d6fda 100644
--- a/settings.py
+++ b/settings.py
@@ -123,4 +123,8 @@ REDDIT_PASSWD = ''
 
 HR_STAFF_GROUP = 'HR Staff'
 
-from settingslocal import *
+# try and import local settings
+try:
+    from settingslocal import *
+except:
+    pass