Local News

Earl Smith Distributing, a family owned, independent beer distributor located in Port Huron, plays a role in the continued growth of Michigan’s beer industry.  According to a new report released by the National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Beer Institute, Michigan’s beer industry has a $10.2 billion impact on the state’s economy. Michigan’s beer distributors alone have an economic impact of more than $830 million and employ over 4,700 people in good-paying jobs with good benefits.  “This report leaves little doubt how much Michiganders love their beer, and it helps quantify just how much the state’s beer industry contributes to Michigan’s continued economic comeback,” said Erik Smith, Vice President of Operations at Earl Smith. “We’re proud to work with breweries big and small right here in Michigan, across the country and around the world to help them compete, grow and thrive on a level playing field.”   In 2018, the state’s beer industry, which includes brewers, distributors, retailers and supporting industries like agriculture, transportation and manufacturing, pumped nearly $10.2 billion into Michigan’s economy, employed over 62,000 people and paid more than $2.6 billion in wages.  “On all levels of the supply chain, the beer industry continues to have a positive impact on Michigan’s economy – from malthouses and hop farms to breweries and local retailers – and we expect this growth to continue,” Smith said. “Michigan is a Top 5 beer producer and home to some of the most innovative breweries in the country, making it not just the Great Lakes State but the Great Beer State, too.”  Earl Smith Distributing serves retailers in Michigan’s Thumb area including St. Clair, Tuscola, Sanilac and Huron counties.

The annual Rotary International Day Parade will once again be marching through downtown Port Huron this summer for its 99th year. The event will be on Wednesday, July 17 with a start time of 6:30 p.m. The parade has served as the opening event for Blue Water Fest for many years. This year’s theme is “Space” in observance of the 50th anniversary of the U.S. moon landing. McLaren Port Huron is the parade’s presenting sponsor. The Grand Marshall for this year’s parade is STARBASE Deputy Director Mark Muzzin. STARBASE is operated and located at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.  Registrations and sponsorships are currently being accepted online and via the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce office. The parade’s website is www.paradeday.net  Port Huron Rotary is a service club that will begin celebrating its 100th year as an active organization in our community starting in July 2019.

The Dementia & Alzheimer’s Resource Committee provides respite care grants to provide respite or relief, to the primary caregiver of an individual with a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.  This grant is available to residents of St. Clair County and there are no income requirements for program eligibility.  Approved local healthcare agencies will provide the care in the home or at an adult day program.   The agency will deliver services based on the individual’s needs, request, and aide availability.  This grant is made possible by the generous donations made to DARC throughout the year and during their annual walk & 5K run.  Limited funds are available, on a first-come, first-served basis, in amounts up to $1,000.00 per calendar year, and are paid directly to the approved agency.  For more information, or to receive an application, visit the website www.darcscc.org or call 810-990-9558.

Lake Huron Foundation’s Volunteer Organization is pleased to announce six (6) scholarships have been awarded to students enrolled in a community college or university who are studying for a career in the health care field.

The 2019 Healthcare Scholarship recipients are:

• Sara Green (St. Clair), will be attending St. Clair County Community College – Medical Assistant
• Emily Jurkiewisz (St. Clair), attending St. Clair County Community College – Practical Nursing Program (LPN)
• Zaina Kabaa (Fort Gratiot), attending Oakland University – Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN)
• Julie Markey (Fort Gratiot), will be attending St. Clair County Community College – Associate Degree Nursing Program (RN)
• Justine Morden (Port Huron), will be attending St. Clair County Community College – Practical Nursing Program (LPN)
• Armani Paulding (Port Huron), attending St. Clair County Community College – Practical Nursing Program (LPN)

The eligibility requirements and considerations included: students enrolled in a community college or university who are studying for a career in the field of health care, are currently enrolled, carrying a minimum of six (6) credits per semester and demonstrating satisfactory progress.   For more information on the programs and events at Lake Huron Medical Center, please visit www.mylakehuron.com.

Reports say that one man was shot and another is being sought by police following an early Friday morning dispute on Manuel Street.  Officials say officers were called to the 2500 block of Manuel Street shortly after 1 a.m. Friday to a report of shots fire.   Two 23-year-old Port Huron men were arguing,  when each of them produced a handgun.   One male was shot and was transported to Lake Huron Medical Center for treatment and then was released…the other male has not been located as of this writing.