Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Inside the Frat Party that Caused $75,000 of Damage at a Ski Resort [pictures of damage]
yahoo.com ^ | January 23, 2015 | MICHAEL CAPPETTA and TAYLOR DUNN

Posted on 01/23/2015 10:28:51 PM PST by grundle

Students from the University of Michigan, including members from six fraternities and sororities, are accused of causing thousands of dollars' worth of damages during a weekend stay at two northern Michigan ski resorts.

The students, which included members of the Sigma Alpha Mu, Pi Kappa Alpha and Chi Psi fraternities, as well as members of the Sigma Delta Tau, Alpha Phi and Delta Gamma sororities, are being accused by resort operators of trashing hotel rooms and hallways, including ripping off cabinet doors, destroying ceilings and rugs, and busting up tables, during a Jan. 17-18 weekend stay at the Treetops Resort and Spa in Gaylord, and the Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs.

University of Michigan spokesman Rick Fitzgerald confirmed to ABC News the fraternities and sororities who are accused of being involved, saying in a statement, "We are very disappointed in the behavior of some of our students during a weekend visit to two northern Michigan ski resorts. I want to assure you that the organizations and the individuals involved will be held accountable for their actions."

"While we are still gathering information, we understand that the damage at Treetops Resort and Boyne Highlands is expected to total in the thousands of dollars," the statement continued.

The Treetops Resort gave ABC News exclusive photos of the trashed hotel rooms and hallways, which the resort claims totaled in $75,000 worth of damages.

Treetops general manager Barry Owens described the vandalism as “a malicious destruction of property,” adding that upon inspection, “The rooms were incredibly dirty, broken windows, broken furniture, ceiling tiles torn out of hallways, wall sconces broken off, doors kicked in.

“I mean it just kind of never ended,” he said.

Although the Treetops Resort touts itself as a family destination, Owens said college students and fraternity groups do visit, but there had never been any prior issues.

“I’ve been in this business for almost 30 years and I’ve never seen something even close to this,” Owens said. “We do cater to them [college students] but this one got completely out of hand.”

The Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, which is now facing suspension from its national chapter over this incident, issued a statement to ABC News, saying, “We are embarrassed and ashamed of the behavior of a few of our chapter members at Treetops Resort over the weekend of January 17-18. This behavior is inconsistent with the values, policies, and practices of this organization. Our chapter accepts full responsibility for this incident and we will be working with the management of the resort to pay for all damages and cleaning costs. We will work within our own organization and with university officials to hold those who are responsible accountable for their actions.”

Despite the fraternity’s apology, Owens voiced his concerns. “They said they were going to make good on this, however they also said they would behave themselves… we have concerns about the integrity of their word.”


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; US: Michigan
KEYWORDS:
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-74 next last
To: FredZarguna

“YOU’RE FINISHED AT FREEPER MISTER! “

I guess you know what that means?

ROAD TRIP!!!!


21 posted on 01/24/2015 1:28:50 AM PST by EQAndyBuzz (When the political winds turn ugly I will stand with Israel.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: grundle

Americas gross apathy has serious costs..
School admins have the morality of pigs themselves..

Top down anarchy.. and Obama is just punishment..


22 posted on 01/24/2015 1:51:24 AM PST by hosepipe (" This propaganda has been edited (specifically) to include some fully orbed hyperbole.. ")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: grundle

I agree!


23 posted on 01/24/2015 2:01:25 AM PST by kitkat (STORM HEAVEN WITH PRAYERS FOR OUR COUNTRY)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: grundle

Agreed.

Most college students are responsible, well-behaved and law-abiding young adults.

Young people who destroy others’ property should be held civilly and if necessary, criminally liable and expelled from their school.

We don’t want resort owners to see this as a reflection on all young people but this is simply is not acceptable behavior. This is not fraternity “fun.” This is willful, malicious and criminal destruction of property.

Not to mention the fact it inconveniences others who visit ski towns.


24 posted on 01/24/2015 2:21:40 AM PST by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives In My Heart Forever)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: grundle

25 posted on 01/24/2015 2:28:13 AM PST by SWAMPSNIPER (The Second Amendment, a Matter of Fact, Not A Matter of Opinion)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: leapfrog0202

If you’re like Anthony Melchiorri, you understand that this imposes a major burden on a hotel. Just a few bad reviews can sink a seasonal business like this.

But he deals with people who have no experience in the hospitality industry business and are often in over their heads. This on the other hand, is all customer damage. Now, hotels do anticipate a certain amount of normal wear and in their business but wanton destruction of property is something they aren’t prepared for.

In this case, the damage goes well beyond have to renovate the place. It means they have to be closed, lay off staff that work and they loose bookings that bring in revenue. I’d double or even triple the loss estimate. The hotel has insurance but it won’t cover everything.

And if the hotel has to deny young people rental privileges, those young people will have to thank young punks who should have known better. Its a sad situation all around and no one really wins.


26 posted on 01/24/2015 2:31:42 AM PST by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives In My Heart Forever)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 13 | View Replies]

To: grundle

Now it looks like a frat house.


27 posted on 01/24/2015 2:45:23 AM PST by ArcadeQuarters ("Immigration Reform" is ballot stuffing)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: BinaryBoy

They thought it was their frat house.

Respect for private property is a given. What values have their parents taught them?

Youthful folly is an understatement here.


28 posted on 01/24/2015 2:48:14 AM PST by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives In My Heart Forever)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 27 | View Replies]

To: fella

Look on the bright side....lots of employment to fix this...lower unemployment...pass the wealth around...they are good boys trying to help their fellow man...isn’t that perfectly clear?


29 posted on 01/24/2015 3:03:40 AM PST by jennings2004 ("What difference, at this point, does it make!"!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: cherry

I’m sure there was no underage drinking either.


30 posted on 01/24/2015 3:20:25 AM PST by driftdiver (I could eat it raw, but why do that when I have a fire.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: DesertRhino

“Why were the cops not called as it was occurring?”

Of we don’t know how the place is set up, but it looks like a normal hotel. I don’t see how you can do that much damage without making an awful lot of noise, so I too don’t understand why this wasn’t stopped while it was in progress.

I mean, what did they do, just gleefully start trashing the place? It looks like there was a major brawl. Nobody got hurt? Nobody got arrested? They just all checked out and went home and this was only discovered later?


31 posted on 01/24/2015 3:32:08 AM PST by jocon307 (Tell it like it is.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: hondact200

Almost 60 years ago, my family would stay overnight in Gaylord. The motel was a log cabin, if I recall correctly. It was a great place to stay! We vacationed at Glen Lake every Summer.


32 posted on 01/24/2015 3:43:54 AM PST by Dr. Bogus Pachysandra (Don't touch that thing Don't let anybody touch that thing!I'm a Doctor and I won't touch that thing!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: FredZarguna

“You Frat House guys are under double secret probation.”


33 posted on 01/24/2015 3:58:32 AM PST by duckman
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: hondact200

The entitlement generation. Can’t wait until one of them runs for office.


34 posted on 01/24/2015 4:02:24 AM PST by fivecatsandadog (OBAMA - IMPEACH HIM NOW. Worry about it later.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: Springman; cyclotic; netmilsmom; RatsDawg; PGalt; FreedomHammer; queenkathy; madison10; ...
These young "adults" need to be thrown out of school.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Michigan legislative action thread
35 posted on 01/24/2015 4:31:19 AM PST by cripplecreek ("For by wise guidance you can wage your war")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: fivecatsandadog
The entitlement generation. Can’t wait until one of them runs for office.


36 posted on 01/24/2015 4:35:49 AM PST by kinsman redeemer (The real enemy seeks to devour what is good.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 34 | View Replies]

To: grundle

Every last One should be in jail.


37 posted on 01/24/2015 4:55:30 AM PST by BigCinBigD (...Was that okay?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: DesertRhino
Why were the cops not called as it was occurring?

They were.....

They say police had to escort the students out after they wreaked havoc in these rooms and hallways.

While I'm familiar with the Highlands, I don't know which law enforcement agency responded, either Harbor Springs, the county sheriff or maybe even the State Police.......According to their website, Harbor Springs only has 5 full time officers so the responders were most likely the sheriff or state police.

Considering it was at night, there's also the question of how long it took for the cops to respond. The Highlands are out in the boonies

38 posted on 01/24/2015 5:04:26 AM PST by Hot Tabasco (Man of "non-color" and proud of it)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: BigCinBigD

Do you suppose the media lionizing the Ferguson-related looters had anything to do with their choice to trash the hotel? Did the think that they, too, would get away with it?


39 posted on 01/24/2015 5:05:13 AM PST by Kanzan
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 37 | View Replies]

To: grundle

I would not hold the fraternities liable but the individuals. The hotel has their names and addresses. Send them a bill and if not paid quickly file criminal and civil actions.


40 posted on 01/24/2015 5:05:51 AM PST by R. Scott (Humanity i love you because when you're hard up you pawn your Intelligence to buy a drink)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-74 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson