Res Life: Herrig arson costs split among residents

Students on the third floor of Herrig Hall found out last week everyone on the floor will have to share the cost for the damage caused by a minor arson fire on Jan. 24.

Several papers on the wall in the third floor hallway were set on fire, causing $170 worth of damage, said Herrig Residence Hall Director John Johnstin. Each student living on the floor will be charged $2 to help cover the costs of fixing the wall.

“I saw it, and it definitely didn’t look like $170 worth,” said Berkley freshman Robert Cameron. “There was a little discoloration around the room number sign, but nothing major.”

Johnstin said the $170 is just an estimate.

“We have to cover the cost of the custodial workers who cleaned it up and for the fresh paint,” he said. “The money won’t be due until the end of the year.”

Freshman Lauren Cetnar of Fraser lives in room 308, which is where the damage occurred.

“The night of the fire the wall outside our door was charred, but by the morning it was wiped off and it looked like a coat of paint would cover all of the damage,” Cetnar said.

Cameron was down the hall in room 315 that night and he agreed the damage seemed minor.

He also said a simple paint job would correct any of the remaining discoloration.

Most third floor residents didn’t seem too upset about the $2 fine they will all be required to pay.

“During the meeting about the arson, there was talk of someone not even from the third floor having caused the fire to begin with,” Centar said. “I think it is better that we all just cover the fine because then it’s not all pegged on one person.”

A reward still is being offered for information about who started the fire. The incident remains under investigation by the Central Michigan University Police. Anyone who may have information is urged to contact the CMU Police Department at 989-774-3081.

university@cm-life.com