Kingston woman’s house flooded with raw sewage, says city won’t help
Save Email Print
Posted: 6:45 PM May 11, 2009
Kingston woman’s house flooded with raw sewage, says city won’t help
KINGSTON, OK -- It's stuff that's only supposed to be found in a toilet, but for Vera Lytle it flooded her entire house. Less than two weeks ago, Lytle says raw sewage at least three inches deep overtook her home after a sewage pipe in front of her house broke. Now she's left with the mess, and she says the city isn't helping. Shelby Levins has more.
Reporter: Shelby Levins
Email Address: shelby.levins@kxii.com
Font Size:

KINGSTON, OK -- Last summer we told you about a Marshall County home that flooded with hundreds of gallons of raw sewage. Less than a year later another resident is cleaning up after a similar, smelly mess. Shelby Levins has more.

It's stuff that's only supposed to be found in a toilet, but for Vera Lytle it flooded her entire house. Less than two weeks ago, Lytle says raw sewage at least three inches deep overtook her home after a sewage pipe in front of her house broke. Now she's left with the mess, and she says the city isn't helping.

“Absolute total hell for son and my little Pomeranian,” Lytle says.

After living in Kingston for 32 years, Vera Lytle’s chores are still the same, but not much else is. What used to be a fully carpeted and furnished home is now just a barren house with cement floors for the widower.

“Not only did I have my sewage in here, I had the whole neighborhood's in my house, on my carpet, in all the bedroom, the hallway, my refrigerator was standing in it, and yet they've declined the claim because of a pair of panties,” she says.

The city's insurance adjuster told Lytle a pair of women's underwear caused the backup and the consequential damage.

“People should be aware that if you live in Kingston, Oklahoma, and you have sewage problems you are on your own. Not one city official has been to my house.”

So we went to city hall to talk to Leonard Nail, the water and sewage supervisor for the City of Kingston, but were told he wasn't in today.

Lytle says she still living in chaos and doesn't understand why the city won’t help.

“If some lady down the street accidently dropped her panties in the commode, and it caused all the sewage back up in my house, how can they not be responsible? It's still the sewage line that backed up and broke.”

Lytle says it's her sons, and her Pomeranian that have gotten her through this far, but as a cancer survivor, she says can't handle the additional bacteria exposure, and on a fixed income she can't pay for the damage, especially she says since she’s not to blame.

“My sewer line was clear from my house to the street. I did absolutely nothing wrong. I just want the city of Kingston and their insurance company to accept the liability and replace what needs to be replaced and help me out.”

The City of Kingston tells us their insurance provider is Travelers, but again both the sewage and water supervisor along with the mayor were unavailable for comment Monday.


Doppler 12 Radar
AP Video on KXII
In The Community
Tickets on sale for Denison playoff game
Last Updated: 4:41 PM 11/17/09 - Tickets to the Denison Yellow Jacket Area State Playoff game against Dallas Conrad go on sale Tuesday morning at the Denison ISD Administration Building, the Denison High School Athletic Office, and Parks Drugs at 1926 W. Morton Street. (Full Story)
Turkey Give-a-way

Last Updated: 7:47 AM 11/17/09 - Always Better Care is sponsoring their second annual Turkey Give-a-way. They want to provide an extra special gift for needy families this year. (Full Story)
Legends of Bluegrass Concert

Last Updated: 7:21 AM 11/13/09 - It is time for the Legends of Bluegrass Concert at the Choctaw Event Center. Its coming up Saturday November 14th. The Doors open at 6:00pm. (Full Story)
Fannin County Walk and Roll

Last Updated: 7:18 AM 11/12/09 - If you want to get some good exercise and support a good cause at the same time, Northeast Medical home Home Health is calling on you. (Full Story)
Veterans honored across Texoma

Last Updated: 7:20 PM 11/11/09 - The outpouring on Wednesday at Veterans Day ceremonies across Texoma was both moving and powerful. Across the area local veterans received many thanks and words of gratitude for their service. (Full Story)
More Headlines