UP Gazette

State Rep. Dave Prestin and state Sen. Ed McBroom on Friday announced funding for the Gladstone Senior Center and Stephenson Area Public Schools within the state budget for next year. The Gladstone Senior Center is receiving $505,000 for facility renovations, while Stephenson Area Public Schools will get $400,000 to resurface its track.

“It’s a great feeling to know that all the talking that happens downstate finally brought about something good for a change,” said Prestin, R-Cedar River. “Between these two investments, we’re talking about nearly $1 million coming back to our community. This funding will mean our seniors will get the meals they need, and our high school students will have athletic facilities they can be proud of.”

“While I have problems with the budget as a whole, I am grateful some of the urgent issues I brought forward were able to get the attention they deserve,” said McBroom, R-Waucedah Township. “Certainly, it’s far less than the UP has been able to leverage in years past but such is the reality of politics. I appreciate that the budget chairs and the administration accepted my inputs and supported some of the most critical and urgent needs.”

The Gladstone Senior Center serves not only as a gathering place for seniors but also as a food bank and central hub for Meals on Wheels in northern Delta County. With this investment from the state, the senior center can replace its aging roof and windows, restore kitchen facilities, and bring restrooms into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“On behalf of the Gladstone Senior Citizen Nonprofit Organization, we would like to thank the State of Michigan for including our center in the 2025 budget,” said Carol Lauscher, board president. “This happened largely because of our U.P. representatives, Dave Prestin and Ed McBroom, who made our center’s needs known to the rest of the legislature, and Gov. Whitmer who approved the budget. The dollars will be utilized to renovate our existing center with much-needed improvements to ensure we will be here for many years to come. This will be such a benefit for our entire community!”

The Stephenson Area Public Schools track is open to both public use and other area schools lacking their own track facilities. The district also hosts Special Olympics events. Cracks, uneven surfaces, and general wear after years of use have begun to take their toll on safety.

“Due to dedicated efforts by state Rep. Dave Prestin and state Sen. Ed McBroom, Stephenson Area Public Schools will receive $400,000 in state funding for a new track,” said Susanne Carpenter, Superintendent of Stephenson Area Public Schools. “We are excited that this significant investment will enhance our athletic facilities and provide a valuable resource for our students and community members alike. We extend sincere gratitude to Rep. Prestin and Sen. McBroom for their unwavering support and commitment to improving our schools.”

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