On Wednesday, November 21, Thanksgiving Eve, our region will be hosting a “Holiday Homecoming” event in Downtown Port Huron.  Thanksgiving Eve is traditionally one of the most popular days of the year for former residents to return, gather and socialize at local pubs, restaurants and area hot spots.  The purpose of the Holiday Homecoming event is to potentially recruit those who have left the region to return home to their roots where workforce talent is desperately needed and the region’s low cost of living and quality of life is very desirable.   Job opportunities in the region have never been more plentiful.  It’s time for talented individuals and families to rediscover Port Huron…not the City You Remember…and we are excited to show you why.   “To keep our businesses healthy, strong and in a position for growth, we must recruit more workforce talent to the region,” said Dan Casey, CEO of the Economic Development Alliance.  “We believe that starting with individuals who already have roots in St. Clair County, may be our best opportunity for talent attraction and recruitment.”  Sperry’s Dinnerhouse will serve as the hub of Holiday Homecoming, with a social event planned from 6-8 pm, featuring prizes, appetizers, drinks and the opportunity to scope out hot jobs with local employers.  Activities such as a mini escape room will be hosted in The Underground at Sperry’s as well.  Optional Loft Tours will be open to attendees following the event.  When the event concludes, we encourage everyone to continue to enjoy the rest of their evening at the many local bars and restaurants downtown.    The Blue Water Young Professionals will be the event host, and other participating organizations include: City of Port Huron Downtown Development Authority, Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County, Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce, Community Foundation of St. Clair County and EBWTV.

 Event Details:

Holiday Homecoming – Returning College Students, Grads, Alumni & Professionals
Grab a drink, enjoy some appetizers and rediscover Port Huron… not the City You Remember
Date:     Wednesday, November 21
Time:    6-8 PM
Where:  Sperry’s Dinnerhouse
Prizes:  $1,000 Cash Prize, Dining & Retail Gift Cards, Free Tickets & VIP Package to Drew Jacob Concert with special guests Alex Shier & Brent Mireau
Winners Drawn and Announced @ 7:30 PM
Free Drink Ticket for the first 50 hometown returning attendees & cash bar

Free Holiday Appetizers
On-Site Optional Activities:  The Escape Room (15 Minute Escape Sessions)
Off-Site Optional Activities: Loft Tours
Opportunity to Scope Out Hot Jobs with Local Employers
Prizes are limited to individuals currently residing outside of the region

Visit: http://www.downtownph.com/holiday-homecoming/ or text homecoming to 474747

Having observed Veterans Day on Sunday and Monday, Earl Smith Distributing is taking special steps to honor all of its employees who have served in the U.S. armed forces.  “Our veterans, who have bravely defended our country, bring a unique skillset to the job as employees of Earl Smith Distributing, including self-discipline, a commitment to teamwork and a willingness to take on any task from day one,” said Erik Smith Sr., VP of Operations for Earl Smith Distributing. “These skills help our warehouse run smoothly and efficiently while ensuring local retailers and our beer and wine suppliers throughout the state and around the world are poised to succeed today and in the future.”  Michigan is home to more than 670,000 veterans, according to 2015 data from the U.S. Census Bureau. There are more than 21 million veterans across the U.S.  “We are proud to hire veterans and are committed to ensuring those who have served our country have access to a rewarding and high-quality career when they return to civilian life,” Smith said. “Veterans possess skills that don’t always show up on a resume, like sense of honor, integrity and service. These skills are invaluable in an environment that thrives on efficiency, being squared away and attention to detail.”  Earl Smith Distributing is a family owned, independent beer distributor located in Port Huron, serving retailers in Michigan’s Thumb area including St. Clair, Tuscola, Sanilac and Huron counties.

The St. Clair County Community College Potters Market returns for its 16th consecutive year on Thursday, Nov. 15, in the SC4 Welcome Center.  The annual event gives visitors the opportunity to explore and purchase one-of-a-kind pottery crafted by the college’s students, alumni, faculty and staff, as well as guest artists. This year’s event will feature ceramic work from 24 different potters that is either hand-built or wheel-thrown.  The market offers a valuable networking opportunity for students and a unique shopping experience for members of the community. Students have the chance to meet with professional potters to discuss their processes and learn strategies to market their work, while others can get a jump on holiday shopping by browsing the jewelry, holiday ornaments and functional and structural pieces that will also be on display.  The Potters Market was started in 2003 by former student Celeste Skalnek, who now serves as director of college, cultural and alumni relations at SC4. Skalnek has been key to the event’s continued success for the last 16 years.  “In our first year, we sold just over $3,000 in pottery. Last year’s total was near $12,000,” Skalnek says. “The offerings are as varied as the local artists who make them, and the artists are donating 15 percent of their sales to support the arts at SC4, so it’s a great way to help bring unique cultural opportunities to our community.”  The Potters Market runs from 3 to 7 p.m. on its opening day and from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, through Sunday, Nov. 18. The event is free and open to the public.  If you have questions or would like more information, contact Celeste Skalnek at cskalnek@sc4.edu.

The Port Huron Police Department is investigating the death of two people inside a home in the 2800 block of Stone Street.  According to police Captain Marci Kuehn, on Saturday, November 10 at 12:59 p.m. a family friend had been called to the resident’s house on Stone Street in Port Huron.  The family friend arrived and found the resident, a 53 year old female, deceased inside the home lying next to her 79 year old mother, believed to be a Burtchville Township resident. Port Huron Police were immediately called to investigate.  Preliminary investigation shows evidence that a handgun was used in what appears to be a murder suicide.  The Port Huron Police Criminal Investigative Division and members of the Major Crimes Unit continue to investigate.  They were assisted at the scene by Tri-Hospital EMS