diff --git a/tailbone/grids/search.py b/tailbone/grids/search.py
index 95341207..c3051f31 100644
--- a/tailbone/grids/search.py
+++ b/tailbone/grids/search.py
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 ################################################################################
 #
 #  Rattail -- Retail Software Framework
-#  Copyright © 2010-2014 Lance Edgar
+#  Copyright © 2010-2015 Lance Edgar
 #
 #  This file is part of Rattail.
 #
@@ -20,11 +20,12 @@
 #  along with Rattail.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 #
 ################################################################################
-
 """
 Grid Search Filters
 """
 
+from __future__ import unicode_literals
+
 from sqlalchemy import func, or_
 
 from webhelpers.html import tags
@@ -294,17 +295,16 @@ def get_search_form(request, filter_map, config):
 
 def filter_query(query, config, filter_map, join_map):
     """
-    Filters ``query`` according to ``config`` and ``filter_map``.  ``join_map``
-    is used, if necessary, to join additional tables to the base query.  The
+    Filters the given query according to filter and sorting hints found within
+    the config dictionary, using the filter and join maps as needed.  The
     filtered query is returned.
     """
-
     joins = config.setdefault('joins', [])
     for key in config:
         if key.startswith('include_filter_') and config[key]:
             field = key[15:]
             value = config.get(field)
-            if value:
+            if value != '':
                 if field in join_map and field not in joins:
                     query = join_map[field](query)
                     joins.append(field)