The first issue of The Lakeshore Guardian was printed in July of 1999. Co-founders Anita Bruderick and Julie (Purdy) Schmitt 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.
The Lakeshore Guardian co-founders Julie Schmitt (L) and Anita Bruderick (R).
October 2000 brought the tragic death of Anita Bruderick, and Julie continued on her own. The Guardian has attracted a large list of writers, advertisers, and readers. Distribution numbers have grown over the years to peak at over 12,000 with up to 56 pages. As other printed newspapers have disappeared, the Guardian has maintained a steady distribution of about 6,000 copies for the past eight years, and it is still free! Each month, stacks of newspapers are delivered to businesses, hospitals, and other designated locations, where residents can simply pick up their free copy. Still doing a majority of the work in her home office, Julie is excited about the consistent support for the paper from the local business communities.
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.
Janis Stein joined the Guardian in 2001 as a contributing writer, and she also serves as the assistant editor. Janis is passionate about preserving local history through writing and storytelling; her columns focus on the history of Huron County’s one-room schools, biographical sketches honoring our veterans, the adventures of Great Lakes sailors, and the intriguing tales she spins for her Countryside Yarns column. In addition, Janis performs the duty of copy editor and sales director.
The Lakeshore Guardian assistant editor, Janis Stein, holding her State History Award with Guardian editor/publisher Julie Schmitt.
Carol Roggenbuck, graphic designer for The Lakeshore Guardian.
Carol Roggenbuck has served as the Guardian’s graphic designer since 2007, and she looks at designing ads for our area businesses (often for friends and neighbors) as a great creative outlet – complete with spatial puzzles that are really satisfying to work out. Carol aims to give our advertisers a professional and eye-catching ad, and just like the rest of the Guardian team, she cares about our advertisers and community. Carol works hard to represent our advertisers by building their brands, complementing their other advertising media, and even providing a resource that has life beyond the current month’s issue – and our advertisers tell us they love the fresh look Carol gives to their ads!
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 email us at ads@lakeshoreguardian.com. You can also check out more advertising details here.
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.