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

John Ratzenberger is this month’s special speaker at Port Huron Town Hall, beginning at 10:30 a.m.,  this morning, Monday, November 12, at McMorran Theatre.  Ratzenberger has been successful in films and theatre for over three decades. He portrayed Cliff on the long running series Cheers and is the only actor to voice a character in every PIXAR film.  John, an outspoken advocate for American manufacturing and trades, works with legislators to bring back trades training and apprenticeship programs for students and returning veterans. One of his latest endeavors includes developing and founding companies such as ECOPACK, the shredded accordion paper used for packing and TheGiftBox.com, a subscription box online store which benefits 3 charities.    Town Hall continues in December with Caroline Goulding, virtuoso violinist, followed in February by author and journalist Denise Kiernan and rounding up the season in March with Mike Emrick.