Court documents: Man told minor to set play structure on fire

ALLEGAN, Mich. (WOOD) — A man now charged with arson told a minor to set fire to a large wooden play structure in Otsego, authorities allege.

Michael Kilbourn, 37, of Otsego, appeared in an Allegan courtroom via video linkup Tuesday to be arraigned on charges of third-degree arson and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The arson charge is a 10-year felony, but because Kilbourn is being charged as a fourth-time habitual offender, he could spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted.

The fire sparked shortly after midnight on Sept. 2 at Northside Park, destroying part of a large wooden play structure. No one was hurt, but authorities estimated the damage at more than $45,000. • A photo of the playground at North Side Park on fire on Sept. 2, 2025. (Courtesy Otsego Police D