The first issue of The Lakeshore Guardian was printed in July of 1999.  Co-founders Anita Bruderick and Julie Purdy saw a need for a monthly publication that would connect the shoreline residents of the "Thumb" area of Michigan.  Fifteen hundred copies of the free eight-page newspaper were distributed along the shore of Huron and Sanilac counties. 

It is interesting to note an area college instructor wanted his class to do a feasibility study to determine whether a newspaper of this nature could possibly succeed. The results of their study showed a paper of this caliber was not feasible and was destined to fail. These two inspired women pushed forward and did it anyway. The result: The paper was a hit and started to grow beyond their expectations! Shortly thereafter, a web edition was added as well.

October 2000 brought the tragic death of Anita Bruderick, and Julie Purdy continued on her own.  The Guardian has attracted a large list of writers, advertisers and readers.  Distribution numbers have grown to over 11,000 with up to 36 pages, and the paper is still free!  Each month, stacks of newspapers are delivered to over 200 businesses, hospitals and other designated locations, where residents can simply pick up their free copy. The website attracts over 24,000 page views monthly.  Still doing a majority of the work in her home office, Julie is excited about the growth with distribution now covering the counties of Huron, Sanilac, the shoreline of St. Clair, and a portion of Tuscola.

The publication dubbed "The Good News Newspaper" is rich with history of the area and its residents, ships and shipwrecks, environmental issues, humor, editorials and community events. 

Darren Hood, web designer, was part of a foundational team, which molded and shaped the Guardian’s presence on the internet. His creative talent has produced a site with second-to-none user friendliness and has drawn thousands of return readers from all over the world. The site is also a recipient of a Golden Web Award.

In March of 2001, Diane Ellicott brought her experience in sales and circulation to the Guardian. Diane has been in media ad sales for numerous years and knows her business well. She implemented and monitors our circulation, and gathers the listings for our Community Events.

Janis Stein joined the Guardian in 2001 as a contributing writer and is also the Assistant Editor. It is her belief everyone has a story, and she spends her time writing about Huron County’s one-room schoolhouses; adventures shared by Great Lakes sailors; honoring those who have served in the Armed Forces; and more recently she’s been spinning Countryside Yarns. Janis performs the duty of copy editor as well as serving as the Sales Director for all businesses located outside of Huron County.

Jenny Emming, Sales Director for businesses located within Huron County, joined the Guardian in 2003.  Jenny ensures her advertisers are well represented within each issue, and she also assists as copy editor.

We wouldn’t have a paper if it weren’t for our advertisers. To participate in the unique opportunity of sharing your business and service with our readers, you can reach us at ads@lakeshoreguardian.com.

The Guardian has been blessed with many individuals willing to share their talents, and wishes to thank all those who have contributed to the success of “The Good News Newspaper” over the years.