East Central Schools fourth-grader hospitalized after stadium light pole accident

An East Central Schools fourth-grader was hospitalized on Friday after coming into contact with a "hot" stadium light pole.

According to a notice from superintendent Stefanie Youngberg, the accident occurred during Friday’s high school football game.

The game was canceled at halftime after the pole was determined to be “hot” and unsafe.

"We are relieved to share that the student is in good spirits today and is recovering," Youngberg wrote in Saturday's notice.

Youngberg said the impacted area of the stadium is cordoned off, and the community is asked to stay out of the district’s football/track complex in the meantime.

An electrician's assessment determined that a failed ballast and grounding issue caused the light pole to become energized rather than triggering the circuit breaker.

"The master power switch will remain off until the issue is fully addressed," the notice reads.

Initial repairs and inspection of the three remaining poles was slated for Sept. 17.