Trial set in suit (01/30/2009)

A Jay Circuit Court jury trial has been scheduled for this summer for a suit involving Jay School Corporation and the parents of a student.

James and Vicky Lochtefeld, parents of Joshua Lochtefeld, are suing the Jay School Corporation, the board of trustees, and former school corporation superintendent Barbara Downing. The suit was filed in Oct. 17, 2007.

The trial is scheduled to begin July 22 at 8:30 a.m. Three days have been allowed for the proceedings.

The parents claim that on Feb. 2, 2007, school policies were not followed, causing their son to be injured. Joshua Lochtefeld fell 15 to 20 feet from the edge of a balcony at the Jay County High School, during wrestling practice. He suffered arm and foot injuries that required surgery. His parents claim his injuries may have long-term effects.

Lochtefeld fell when he allegedly was hit by wrestling mats that were being hoisted onto the balcony. His parents claim that students were operating the mechanical hoist, and that the required number of adult employees were not present during the moving of the mats. The suit also contends that the safety railing on the risers had been removed and that Lochtefeld was not told to move far enough away from the moving mats.

The parents are seeking unspecified damages.

Downing's retirement was effective Jan. 2, 2007. Tim Long has officially served as superintendent since then.[[In-content Ad]]