Janis Stein is a freelance writer, author, and editor who has a passion for preserving local history through writing and storytelling. Janis joined The Lakeshore Guardian in 2001 as a contributing writer, and her writing, as well as her roles behind the scenes, grew with each passing year. The majority of her in-depth articles focus on local and Michigan history, with articles both true and fictitious. In addition, her heartfelt stories take readers back to a simpler time with reminiscences of growing up in rural Huron County, and her biographical sketches of Great Lakes sailors and veterans celebrate the people who built this region.

Janis’ columns include Schools of Yesteryear, A Great Lakes Sailor, Guardians of Freedom, and Countryside Yarns. Schools of Yesteryear documents the histories of one-room schools in Huron County, Michigan, while A Great Lakes Sailor features the biographies of past sailors as well as those currently working on the lakes, sailors who quite literally move the economy. In addition, her Guardians of Freedom column offers biographical sketches of veterans who served during a span of wars, as well as the stories of peacetime veterans – all gave something to fill the ranks; she also writes memorial tributes, with the help, in part, of veterans’ families, to piece together the contributions of those who have already passed, detailing their sacrifices and the service they gave to our great nation. Countryside Yarns is a unique column with the caveat of “Tall Tale or Truth? You Decide!”. Janis loves spinning yarns that bring history to life, and sometimes the stories she shares are true – even when they sound unbelievable!

When Janis isn’t writing, she’s performing additional behind-the-scenes tasks and fills the roles of assistant editor and copy editor. In addition, she also serves as the Guardian’s sales representative for all of the advertisers who support your favorite “Good News” newspaper. Janis thoroughly enjoys communicating monthly with business owners and marketing directors to ensure they are well-represented in each issue.

Janis Stein is the owner of Stein Expressions, LLC, a business dedicated to writing memoirs and preserving history, one story at a time. She is the author of five books: Schools of Yesteryear, Vol. I and Vol. II; Countryside Yarns, Tales of Tragedy & Triumph, and Hometown Heroes: World War II Veterans Share Their Stories. In 2009, Janis served as a contributing author and served on the Huron County Historical Society’s book committee for their self-published, state-award winning book, Celebrating 150 Years ~ Huron County, Michigan (1859-2009), and in 2014, Stein earned a State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan for one of her titles, Schools of Yesteryear, Volume II, a comprehensive study of 14 rural schoolhouses in Bingham, Paris, and Sheridan Townships in Huron County, Michigan. In addition, she also served as a contributing writer and editor for Robert McGreevy’s illustrated history of Lost Legends of the Lakes. Janis’ books are available for sale at www.steinexpressions.com.

Janis Stein grew up in the Ruth area, and she and her husband, David, continue to call this region home. For those wishing to share story ideas or comments, please reach out to Janis by using our “Contact” page.