2/1/13 - A $5,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a fire that destroyed a historic school building in Howell last week. The Fleming School building, built in 1880, caught fire early last Friday morning and was quickly determined to have been caused by arson as it appeared to have started on the outside of the structure. They also believe some type of accelerant was used. On Thursday, the Michigan Arson Prevention Committee offered the reward to try and solve the case. All that remained after the fire were the structureâs two side walls and the front of the school, while the entire back and roof were burned away. Located at the intersection of Fleming and Warner roads and Grand River Avenue in Howell Township, the white-frame building served as a school until 1957. After that the district used it as a warehouse, but in recent years was using it as a living-classroom to teach children about life and education in the 19th century. Officials with the Howell Public School district, which owns the building, say they plan to rebuild the structure, possibly in a new location closer to the districtâs main campus. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call either 1-800-44-ARSON, the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department at 517-546-2440 or the Howell Area Fire Marshal at 517-546-0560. Anonymous tips can also be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JK)
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