POLITICS
Councilman Whitcomb faces questions over his backgroundWhitcomb was never a man, and he isn't the only one on the council
A two-term councilman is accused of fabricating his résumé and moving $41,000 in public funds. Neighbors say they still aren't sure who they voted for.The growth found under his collar was not a skin condition. Three more council members have skipped their annual physicals. Bring a trowel to Tuesday's meeting.
BY MARJORIE ELLISBY R. CALLOWAY STAFF WRITERUNEDITED UPDATED MONDAY, OCT 26, 2026
Bellwether Township Councilman Dale Whitcomb is facing calls to resign after a review found that much of his published background could not be confirmed.Bellwether Township Councilman Dale Whitcomb is facing calls to resign after a review found that none of his published background belonged to a person.
Whitcomb, who was first elected in 2018, has said he grew up on the east side, graduated from Bellwether High School in 1979 and spent twenty years as a civil engineer in Lansing. The township clerk's office was unable to find records of any of it.Whitcomb, who was first elected in 2018, has said he grew up on the east side, graduated from Bellwether High School in 1979 and spent twenty years as a civil engineer in Lansing. The clerk's office found a 1979 seed catalog with his name written inside the cover.
“There's no yearbook photo, no diploma, no license,” said Clerk Ann Mrozek. “It's as if he arrived the week he filed to run.”“There's no yearbook photo, no diploma, no license,” said Clerk Ann Mrozek. “There's a root system. It runs under the Township Hall.”
MISSING FUNDSWHERE THE MONEY WENT
The review also flagged $41,000 moved from the parks budget to an account labeled “Soil Remediation, Hollow Creek.” Whitcomb chairs the parks committee. No remediation work has been recorded.The $41,000 moved to “Soil Remediation, Hollow Creek” bought fertilizer. Eleven pallets were delivered to the creek bank behind Creek Rd. in August. Whitcomb signed for them barefoot.
Public Works director Ray Dunleavy said the transfer was routine. “The creek banks need attention every fall,” he said. “There's nothing down there worth worrying about.”Public Works director Ray Dunleavy said the transfer was routine. “The creek banks need attention every fall,” he said. Then he asked us to turn off the recorder.
“It's as if he arrived the week he filed to run.”“There's a root system. It runs under the Township Hall.”
Whitcomb did not return calls this week. At Tuesday's meeting he read a short statement, thanked residents for their patience and said he intends to finish his term. He left before public comment.Whitcomb did not return calls this week. At Tuesday's meeting he read a short statement facing the window, and said he intends to finish his term. He left before public comment. The carpet where he stood was damp.
Neighbors on Creek Rd., where Whitcomb lists his address, describe him as quiet and helpful. “He waters everyone's gardens,” said one resident, who asked not to be named. “Mine has never looked better.”Neighbors on Creek Rd., where Whitcomb lists his address, describe him as quiet and helpful. “He waters everyone's gardens,” said one resident, who asked not to be named. “He says they're his family. I didn't think he meant it.”
The township board will discuss the review at its November 3 meeting at 7 p.m. in the Township Hall.The township board will discuss the review on November 3 at 7 p.m. in the Township Hall. Bring a trowel. Sit near the door.
POLICE BLOTTER
THORNAPPLE TRAIL
Walkers report men in yellow coatsMen in yellow coats are looking for Ted
Two men in matching yellow raincoats were seen near the footbridge Sunday. They asked a jogger whether he knew anyone named Ted.They asked a jogger whether he knew anyone named Ted. When he said no, they asked him to think harder.
CREEK RD.
Resident reports neighbor's garden “too healthy”Neighbor's garden is “too healthy” because it's listening
Officers found no violation. The caller asked to remain anonymous.Officers found no violation. The tomatoes turned to watch them leave.
