from the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Assn.

Okemos, MI — The home belonging to Jan and Bill Darnell, Sports Creek race office staffer and Owosso area trainer, was heavily damaged in a mid-day blaze on Tuesday (Jan. 4).

Corunna-Caledonia Township fire officials report that the fire may have started in or near the garage and spread through about half the house before being brought under control. The remainder of the home sustained severe smoke damage and Bill’s car was also destroyed. Thankfully, no one was injured in the blaze.

Jan is a long-time staffer in the Sports Creek Race Office and Bill has trained for many years out of Owosso. Our hearts go out to Bill and Jan during this stressful time.

Horsemen will be taking up a collection in the paddock at Sports Creek this weekend to help with some of the couple’s short-term needs. If you would like to assist the Darnells, please contact Leslie Daniels-Yoder at 810-814-3083, who is helping to coordinate support and relief efforts.