Sewage disaster leaves over 700 gallons of human feces in Kingston woman’s home

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Posted: 2:09 PM Jun 16, 2008
Last Updated: 2:09 PM Jun 16, 2008
Reporter: Robin Beal
Email Address: robin.beal@kxii.com

94 comments

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KINGSTON, Okla. -- A Kingston woman came home earlier this week to see personal belongings buried in inches of raw sewage. It sounds like a bizarre nightmare, but that scenario is a sickening reality for one Marshall County woman.

It is something you really have to see to believe. The stench coming from the home of Tonya Riley in Kingston is almost unbearable, even from several feet away.

Riley says she came home from work on Tuesday and knew something was terribly wrong before she even got inside. What she saw oozing down her hallway was inches of raw human waste.

Experts say it is the result of an apparent city sewer blockage.

"This was completely flooded with feces and water and pee, and of course I smelled it. When I came in and I called the city guys and it’s estimated at 786.24 gallons of human feces got backed up into my house," Riley says.

Ms. Riley is single and lives alone. Of course, she cannot live in her home now. She says her trailer has been condemned because there is no way to completely clean up the mess. City crews vacuumed away the worst of it, but it is likely inside the walls and floor ducts.

So how could this happen?

Nobody at Kingston City Hall would talk to us. The mayor would only say it’s still under investigation and public works officials never returned our calls.

Tonya’s homeowners insurance won’t cover sewage damage. Her agent wouldn't even sit down with us for an interview, but did have a tidbit of advice as we were leaving.

"Everybody should check their policies."

A local plumber say's he has seen this before only twice in 19 years, and while they are not required, he says a $45 attachment may have made all the difference.

"If you're installing a new house or something, there ought to be provisions, a backflow preventer to keep that from happening."

Tonya didn't have one on her home, but says the house next door does. It was installed after the same thing happened to her neighbors a few years back.

Tonya is now staying with her mom and has no idea what will become of her house. A hammock out back is the only thing that hasn't been tainted by the smell.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Uncle Bobby B Location: Enos on Jun 25, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Who was that plumber they had on the news, why didn't they ask him who's fault it was. He should have been able to say its the city's job or the home owner. Maybe he the one who done the job in the first place. The video they showed on the news looked like about four to five inchs, someone said it was just a little sh** in the floor, if the sewer backs up into your house it all sh** just find a city worker and go take a look at a lift station and see what going into it.

Posted by: Milly Location: TX on Jun 23, 2008 at 07:22 AM
Actually, I meant the city put the sewer pipes in for the mayor.

Posted by: Milly Location: TX on Jun 23, 2008 at 07:21 AM
I had something similar happen to my house in Howe about 30 years ago. The city would do NOTHING! So I sold the house. It happens the mayor bought the house for his daughter and new sewer pipes were put in immediately. That's how Howe was then. May still be like that for all I know, I don't live there anymore.

Posted by: Me on Jun 22, 2008 at 11:38 PM
I can't believe that I'm making a comment on this . . . but, can't just sit by and watch the City of Kingston and some of its residents blasted. I personally know Mayor Ophelia Cooper and know that she will always go above and beyond in every situation to make sure that the right thing is done. I can honestly say that my life has been blessed and is richer because of her. I have not even visited with her regarding this horrible, misfortunate accident but know that she is doing everything in her power to make things right. Please STOP bad mouthing someone that you obviously don't know. Tonya - I am terribly sorry for your loss but know that you will be taken care of.

Posted by: Humm interesting Location: Kingston on Jun 22, 2008 at 10:52 PM
umm no-you should take note of the part that says sewer backflow is not all poop That is an obvious exaggeration to bring out the bleeding hearts and open wallets, in my honest opinion. I think it is interesting the neighbors have seen no sign of Tonya trying to save her home or belongings she claims to so dearly loves. I own my home and have had "homeowner problems". I paid for the repairs myself. First, I made sure to stop the damage from getting worse, and second,remove items that could get damaged. But, I did not get all of my belonging from the Goodwill. I wish Tonya what she deserves - no more, no less. Just ask the people in New Orleans, damaged floors can be torn out, walls and furnishings replaced. I agree with "what a guy". Look to the lender (if there is one) to pay part of the bill. After all, a hand is a hand out. I made a point to drive by that trailer today, there is *no* condemned notice on the property. What is the difference in an egaggeration and a lie? Nothing.

Posted by: hummmm, interseting Location: Kingston on Jun 22, 2008 at 10:52 PM
ummm no-you should take note of the part that says sewer backflow is not all poop That is an obvious exaggeration to bring out the bleeding hearts and open wallets, in my honest opinion. I think it is interesting the neighbors have seen no sign of Tonya trying to save her home or belongings she claims to so dearly loves. I own my home and have had "homeowner problems". I paid for the repairs myself. First, I made sure to stop the damage from getting worse, and second,remove items that could get damaged. But, I did not get all of my belonging from the Goodwill. I wish Tonya what she deserves - no more, no less. Just ask the people in New Orleans, damaged floors can be torn out, walls and furnishings replaced. I agree with "what a guy". Look to the lender (if there is one) to pay part of the bill. After all, a hand is a hand out. I made a point to drive by that trailer today, there is *no* condemned notice on the property. What is the difference in an egaggeration and a lie? Nothing.

Posted by: umm Location: no on Jun 21, 2008 at 05:01 PM
since when is 1-2 inches of poop up in my home acceptable? you should move your nasty self up in a home like that

Posted by: Lauren don't speak the truth! Location: Kingston on Jun 20, 2008 at 03:25 PM
Lauren - let's get the fact straight! The City of Kingston's Insurance *IS* covering the damage- Tonya's house was NOT *full* of sewage- there was only 1 - 2 inches in parts of the house- if the city is telling her it is her responsibility to clean it up, then why did the city go to her home at *night* (not afternoon) and shop-vac the sewage out? (Tonya's own words! watch the video!!)- Insurance companies cannot have "fine print", per the Supreme Court (although banks can!!!)- so, no one from the insurance company told her to read what isn't there- If she ran over her dog - it should have been in a fence (per city regulation)or she was driving in the yard - You have only hurt Landmark Bank's reputation with me, are you an employee? You should think before you post such as this - it could cause Landmark to loose both 'small' household accounts and 'large' commercial accounts- When exactly was her house condemned? It hasn't been, not to my knowledge, and I drive by there almost daily.

Posted by: Lauren Location: Ardmore, OK on Jun 20, 2008 at 01:15 PM
Imagine coming home one afternoon to find your house full of raw sewage! This in fact happened to Landmark Bank customer Tonya Riley. She lives or at least lived in Kingston, Oklahoma. Her house was destroyed when 700 gallons of raw sewage came into the house form an apparent city sewage blockage. The city is telling her that it is her responsibility to repair and clean up. Yes, she has insurance but the insurance company has told her that it will not cover this type of disaster...to READ THE FINE PRINT in her policy. Tonya has lost many of her possessions and to make matters worse, she ran over her own dog this past week. The vet said the dog will recover but her house is another story, it has been condemned. You can read the story that the news reported at www.kxii.com . A benefit account CK #80048688, has been set up to help her with expenses. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. Tonya was in tears when she found out HER BANK cared enough to help during this horrific incident. Anyone in customer service or Charlotte will be happy to assist with donations. Just let them know you are donating to Tonya benefit account

Posted by: "Proud" Kingston Resident Location: Kington, OK on Jun 20, 2008 at 09:47 AM
"Susan" - why can't you let sleeping dogs lie? Why do you want to see Kingston drug through the mud over and over? You must have a pityful life.

Posted by: Kingston Resident #4 Location: Kingston on Jun 20, 2008 at 09:03 AM
To;Posted by: Kingston resident Location: kingston on Jun 18, 2008 at 08:39 PM - Do you drink or do drugs?? Or do you need a little in your system to level you out??Your post makes no sense what so ever. What does "lalk" mean? What are you trying to do cause trouble?

Posted by: Sue Adams Location: Kingston on Jun 20, 2008 at 02:54 AM
Robin Beal we are waiting on you to come back for the followup on this story. It was headlines last week. Thinking back it was just women you tried to humiliate. Saturday at Super C and Dollar General I overheard what people were saying about me. I have pretty thick skin but I do have feelings. Saturday afternoon at 4:30 I did open the office to write a policy for someone needing help We will continue to help afterhours when possible. Sorry if I am on a soap box, but I do have feelings. When you do your best to help people and then are made to look like an idiot on TV it is upsetting. Thanks to the city employees for all your hard work. I am sorry you had to listen to all the hateful comments this week. Tonya I hope your life gets back to normal real soon. You are still in my prayers.

Posted by: whataguy Location: kingston on Jun 19, 2008 at 09:33 PM
the city's insurance is paying. but any lender that would loan more than a home is worth and then not make sure it is properly insured is the real bad guy here. how many of you in kingston has woke up to no water in the past 25 yrs? how many of you in kingston has not been able to flush the toilet in the past 25 yrs? the employes of kingston are dedicated to make sure you can have these services. y'all take it for granted. how many of you from kingston has been woke up at 2:00 in the morning when it is 0degrees outside and the wind is blowing 20 mph out of the north to work on broken water lines and sewer stoppages? how many of you from kingston has had sick kids from the sh*t you bring home from a bunch of ungrateful residents? for those of you that do not appreciate this i will pray for you. but i'll bet you did not come from here. i think you moved here from some where else. down here we take care of our own. so if you don't like it go back where you came from. Tonya will be alright

Posted by: Susan Location: Kingston on Jun 19, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Come on we haven't heard a word since Friday. What has happened on this story?

Posted by: Oklahoma Location: Oklahoma on Jun 19, 2008 at 06:40 AM
The mayor, city council, city workers, nobody is going to do anything about it since it didn't happen to them. The mayor and city council only care about themselves not about the city of kingston. Residents of kingston should demand a change in leadership and in how things are dealt with.

Posted by: Kingston resident Location: kingston on Jun 18, 2008 at 08:39 PM
come on KXII..What is happening on this. insulted the mayor again, made that insurance lady lalk yet, any thing else to say about the city workers. If you knew any of these people you would be ashamed of the way you treated them.Let us know the latest.

Posted by: Your neighbor Location: Kingston on Jun 18, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Seriously - how can anyone believe Kington owes Tonya anything in this matter? The plumber said it could have been prevented - the home owner is neglegent - "she" bought a defective lot and didn't check out what she was buying. Would you buy a car with out checking it out first? Charge her for the over time put in by the city workers, otherwise Kington water bills could go up. Sheesh people - think, it isn't always the "governments" fault. It comes down to common sense. Check out what you buy - don't expect hand outs for your own mess-ups. Speaking of which - get those canisters out of the store. That's shameful.

Posted by: Dan Location: Madill on Jun 18, 2008 at 06:28 PM
This same thing happened to my grand-father,twice, not as bad though. The City of Madill paid for the clean up and replacing carpet. Talk to a lawyer, Kingston is known to be weasley in matters of responsibility.

Posted by: Disappointed in KXII Location: Kingston on Jun 18, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Let's get the facts straight- Tonya doesn't live alone, she lives with her boyfriend- she hasn't lost "everything"-the sewage wasn't in every room of her home, nor did it cover everything, items can be removed from the untouched rooms, and the items not touched in the other rooms can be removed- the city workers came down during the night to help her clean out the house- one city worker went in her home with her to get clothes out- the Oklahoma Health Dept has *not* condemed her home- according to the insurance agents, they did not refuse to talk to the news crew- "sewage" is not all *raw human waste*- the city, nor the insurance agents has refused to help Tonya-the plumber said he has only seen this 2 times in 19 years, and the back flow *might* have prevented this, so this isn't anything that occurs commonly- until investigations are complete, no promises can be made by anyone- and last, but not least Robin Beal needs to get the story correct

Posted by: Jimbo Location: Grand Rapids MI on Jun 17, 2008 at 08:19 PM
786 gallons? That's nuthin'!!! In my neighborhood we had 100 houses with 10-20,000 gallons of sewage back up into EACH. Sewer project pump failed and through a quirk of the construction, my house was spared. Your city should pay to set this right.

Posted by: Whataguy's Daughter Location: Kingston on Jun 17, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Cont. If they checked everybody's sewer for this preventer, I'm sure people from this town would have to pay more per month on their water bill because you can't do anything for free anymore. I'm not blaming the city, the insurance, or Tonya. What I am saying is, DON'T GRIPE ABOUT SOMETHING YOU CAN HELP! YOU'RE NOT GOING TO HAVE PEOPLE TO HOLD YOUR HAND ALL OF YOUR LIFE! COME ON KXII, YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN PUT SEWER ON YOUR "Breaking News". YOU'RE NOT IN HIGH SCHOOL ANYMORE.

Posted by: Whataguy's Daughter Location: Kingston on Jun 17, 2008 at 06:06 PM
To my knowledge the city of Kingston is trying to do all that they can for Tonya. Kingston has been nothing but good to her.I drove by her place several times to see city workers out past regular work hours with no complain. *IF* anybody is going to be demeaning to the city or to Tonya's insurance agency, people, you need to get the facts right before you speak. It is NOT the city's fault because not only are you as individual homeowners responsible for getting home insurance you are also responsible for reading what the insurance contains. There is only so much the city can do and to my understanding they are doing all that they can. As far as the backflow preventers go, apparently some people do not read the paper like they do not read what the home insurance covers. Anybody that is cautious would have gotten a backflow preventer put on their sewer when it came out in the paper. DO NOT JUMP ON THE CITY ABOUT THIS! To be continued...

Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 17, 2008 at 02:53 PM
to what a guy in kingston; dont switch to kten they stink and you can not comment on the storys they have.

Posted by: Kingstonite Location: Kingston on Jun 17, 2008 at 01:28 PM
We don't have a "Crappie" (pronounced croppy) tournament. It is the Striper Festival.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Ardmore on Jun 17, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Who was responsible for laying the homeowners sewer line..?? a back-flow preventor should have been installed at the same time that the sewer line was laid..In the City of Ardmore the homeowner is responsible for the sewer line from the street to the house...

Posted by: disgusted Location: downstream on Jun 17, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Is it a coincidence that the Ultimate Crappie tournament was cancelled?

Posted by: Mork Location: Ork on Jun 17, 2008 at 07:07 AM
Good idea Judge, I took your advise and went with my shovel to Kingston and the mess has been sorted out. The trailer house is as good as new! Who wants a snack? Thanks for thinking of me ;)

Posted by: whataguy Location: kingston on Jun 16, 2008 at 08:26 PM
looks to me like kxii did not do their home work before reporting. i know for a fact new ordinances has been put into place to require backflow preventers on all new construction and old lines when they are dug up.it was in the madill record. do ya'll not read the news paper? also blaming the agent for someone not buying the right policy? do you not know what you are buying before you pay for it? you might have caused a respectable buisness to loose clients! it does take a little time to get the ball rolling on things like this.KXII check your facts I thought you was above this type of reporting. check again you might be surprised. i am switching to channel 10.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: denison on Jun 16, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Judge- Now that's funny! Thanks for the tickle.

Posted by: Judge on Jun 16, 2008 at 03:43 PM
I think she should hire Mork to clean it up. He is really good at shoveling $#! . He does it on this site daily.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Texas on Jun 16, 2008 at 03:38 PM
Yes Tonya needs to get a lawyer and sue the city. This happened to a former co-worker of mine, although thier house was not condemned, they were paid for damages, hotel expenses, etc. Now for the comments against the insurance companies...there are too many people who have CHEATED the insurance companies. This is the reason they have gone to these stipulations attached. You have to read the whole policy before you make that purchase. If you don't understand something ask the agent. Hope things work out for you Tonya.

Posted by: disgusted Location: downstream on Jun 16, 2008 at 03:23 PM
KXII gets a Drudge link with a really crappy headline. Sewage does not equate "human fesces." I hope local plumbers have plenty of those back-flow valves in stock.

Posted by: kelly on Jun 16, 2008 at 02:52 PM
as much as it cost to have insurance it seems like they would pay no matter what happens..instead they just try to suck you dry and when something does happen they try everything to get out of helping..they are no different than all the other money grubbers in this world

Posted by: American Location: Oklahoma on Jun 16, 2008 at 01:12 PM
All of the waste water from Kingston flows into Lake Texoma for all of the great Texicans to drink and swim. Enjoy the corn. The city of Kingston should repay her for the lose of all items destroyed.

Posted by: Alice Location: Kingston on Jun 16, 2008 at 11:57 AM
This isn't all the footage you showed on Fri night. Why cannot you show it all? We'll add the 10 o'clock story, too. Thanks for reminding us!

Posted by: Curious Location: Kingston on Jun 16, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Whos are the "experts" in the line ""Experts say it is the result of an apparent city sewer blockage."" Robin Beal needs to learn journalism 101.

Posted by: Oklahoma Insurance Agent Location: Oklahoma on Jun 16, 2008 at 10:21 AM
From "John's" post it would seem there is confusion as to the difference in "agent/agency" and "company". The agents work for the agencies and issue a *mobile home* owners policy for a *mobile home* owner. Homeowner policies cannot be written on anything that ever had a serial number. *Companies* are the entities who write the policies and are responsible for paying when there is a claim. *Adjustors* read the policies (including the exclusions), compare the damage to the covered perils and exclusions and suggest to the *companies* how much to pay the insured. *If* the insured is covered. Like the woman said - read your policy. Also, with the privacy laws like they are now - "John" could camp outside the *agency* for months and never get an answer from the *agents*. John, in my opinion, you have made yourself look like an absolute fool. Educate yourself before you type & post.

Posted by: Jim Location: Alaska on Jun 16, 2008 at 08:47 AM
I know from events that happened to a person I know. The city/sewage dept will not be held liable. Also all home insurance plans have a clause that exempts them from damages when sewer backs up in your house if you are hooked up to a public sewer system

Posted by: Chipper Location: Dallas, TX on Jun 16, 2008 at 08:36 AM
City should have been using InfoNet Software to proactively schedule jetting of the sewerage system. This could have been prevented!!!

Posted by: Kinstonite Location: Kingston on Jun 16, 2008 at 08:36 AM
John went a little overboard. Can't believe he would think of changing his name from "John" to Bob or something. I thought the insults about Okla from others was uncalled for. I am a Texas transplanted here. I believe the people of Kingston will join together as in other situations and help Tonya out, she is a sweet heart. The city workers and officials are also kind, helpful people. We shall overcome.

Posted by: ASHFORD Location: SAN JOSE, CA. on Jun 16, 2008 at 08:32 AM
TRAILER PARKS JUST ARE NOT THE SAME AS THEY ONCE WERE....

Posted by: Brian Location: Arlington, VA on Jun 16, 2008 at 08:32 AM
To "Ben Franklin" in Philly. You may think it's cute disparaging Oklahoma, but I'd much rather live there than the crime and welfare infested "City of Brotherly Love."

Posted by: J Location: NC on Jun 16, 2008 at 07:48 AM
Since there IS a way to prevent this from happening and the city did not utilize those means, then the city is negligent and liable for the damages. She will get a new home at least and with a good lawyer, punitive damages as well.

Posted by: Enidsux Location: Wagoner on Jun 16, 2008 at 07:26 AM
That Stinks

Posted by: Bruce Location: New Hampshire on Jun 16, 2008 at 07:02 AM
What's too funny is that on the web site, next to this story, there is a Subway ad with bold letters: "EAT FRESH"!

Posted by: Al Gore Location: Tn on Jun 16, 2008 at 06:58 AM
Hey...I thought everyone was whineing about a corn shortage.....looks like plenty in Oklahomo to me.

Posted by: Shawn Location: GulfCoast on Jun 16, 2008 at 05:02 AM
If the local politicians are worth anything they'll have the city flip the bill! I know around here the city will flip the bill...they have twice that I remember!

Posted by: James Location: Sherman on Jun 16, 2008 at 03:58 AM
THat's just a lack of responsibility on the town of KIngston's part.

Posted by: Sue Adams Location: Kingston on Jun 16, 2008 at 12:37 AM
John from Texoma-Late Friday as I was cleaning the office KXII newscrew came in like the DEA on some big bust. Due to Privacy laws I could not discuss Ms.Riley's claim. I did visit with Tonya Saturday so let me make a short statement. Please check your policy under "Exclusions". Most will list earth movement, flood, sewer back up, neglect etc. It is not a "loop hole" or in small print. Why do you want cameras in front of my office and make me give a story? I'm sorry there is no story. I have known Tonya all her life. She is a fine person and my friend.

Posted by: Brett Location: Oklahoma City on Jun 16, 2008 at 12:33 AM
No city will pay for this. If some moron lifts a man hole cover and drops is garbage down there and it ends up plugging the line how would the city know? Bottomline get a check valve put in your sewer line to your home. .. problem solved. I highly recommend this, I have done it and many building codes have been updated to included this requirement.

Posted by: Linda Morgan Location: Apple Valley, MN on Jun 16, 2008 at 12:01 AM
Water from my washing machine backed up all over my carpeted basement after the city cleaned sewers in my neighborhood and blew clogs of crap into my sewer line. Roto Router spent all day at my house to clear it out.... a few inches from the street. Unfortunately, we didn't connect the sewer cleaning to the problem until it was too late to sue the city for the cost of new carpeting....... not to mention the cost of Roto Router.

Posted by: Just Me on Jun 16, 2008 at 12:01 AM
Wow. I seriously hope she can sue. Had she been in Florida they would have sued her for the footage on the newscast and television. OMG It's OBSCENE! Florida! Don't watch the video or you might be offended!

Posted by: nirvana Location: San Luis Obispo, CA on Jun 15, 2008 at 11:42 PM
Kinda sums up life in Oklahoma don't it? Ah well, "God's will", everything happens for a reason right?

Posted by: Don Location: Boulder City,Nevada on Jun 15, 2008 at 11:31 PM
I am getting freaking tired of the freaking politicians in Washington. They are not freaking listening to the will of the people. I am getting freaking tired of the lies,the bashing of our military, the junkets, the stealing of our money, the corruption,the scandals, the freaking junkets,the freaking socalled leaders who sat on there freaking butts the last 20-30 years and did nothing about our dependance on the terroist countries for oil and now are "concerned",the freaking democrats and and republicans give two of the worst choices for president..tellme if it wasn,t fixed to have three senators running for president,....one is half dead the other is freaking associate of a freaking domestic terroist, a freaking hate america group and wants to kiss the butts of our enemies.....our two party system has become two parties sucking the life blood out of the peoples country....its tdime tol get these freaking politicians out of office.....

Posted by: Bill Location: Virginia on Jun 15, 2008 at 11:26 PM
Sewers clog. It is a fact of life. Smart people have a rider on their homeowner's insurance that will cover it. In Virginia, that rider costs about $30 a year. There is NO WAY to make a gravity sewer that does not, on occasion, get blocked and back up. There are mechanical means to prevent it from entering your home, but they cause as many issues as they solve.

Posted by: Peter Location: Woodburn, OR on Jun 15, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Sounds terrible, wish I could see the video, but doesn't look like the web developer tested on linux firefox.

Posted by: James Doty Location: HLS on Jun 15, 2008 at 10:25 PM
John from Denison - get a life. If the story speaks for itself, why'd you click on the video? What did you expect to see in the news story? Footage of butterflies and rainbows? If 2008, video of feces is hardly scandalous

Posted by: tracy york Location: tulsa,okla. on Jun 15, 2008 at 10:22 PM
I have had issues with back up in my garage from being on a common line and still haven,t figured out how to get it paid for and I live in a condominuim , that has association and by okla. law the homeowners assoc. is suppose to pay for it but the lawyers cant get anyone to pay for it so I am in same situation. who pays!! I have house insurance too and they will not pay for it so it is not my fault either,but what do you do ?

Posted by: Joe Location: Texas on Jun 15, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Thank god I don't live in Oklahoma!!!

Posted by: Ben Franklin Location: Philadelphia on Jun 15, 2008 at 09:47 PM
It's Oklahoma! What's the big deal?

Posted by: Mike Location: Sherman on Jun 15, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Where does the city council meet? Do they have a bathroom? Try some quickcrete in their sewer line. See how they like it. Seriously, aren't there any lawyers around wanting some great publicity. The entire city should be up in arms and demanding justice. If the city can do it to her they can get away with doing it to anyone else who lives there. For gods sake Kingston fight back don't just take this.

Posted by: carl Location: ok county on Jun 15, 2008 at 09:32 PM
It is the duty and responsibility of any chartered city or town to provide for the health,safety and protection of its citizens.This is basically the only legitimate reason for a town or city to exist. When it fails to do this, it is subject to being annexed by the next higher entity,for example,the county or a larger town nearby..A petition for annexation to another town,county,etc. may be circulated by its citizens at any time.

Posted by: Bob Location: sunrise on Jun 15, 2008 at 09:14 PM
In a follow up, the city has opened an investigation into Ms Riley's illegal sewage treatment facility and plans to bill her for the clean up.

Posted by: J Location: Midwest on Jun 15, 2008 at 09:11 PM
It isn't that uncommon for the problem to be located on the property owner's service line before it gets to the sewer main. Not every sewer back up is the fault of the utility. When is the last time you people had your own sewer lateral inspected? I'm going to guess by the previous comments that you had no idea that you should even do this.

Posted by: Felix The Cat Location: Las vegas, NV on Jun 15, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Tipical burocratic bull***t. Stop donating money to elect officials and political parties, use it to fill your cars gas tank, and let them know it. Just maybe they can do just one thing correctly. Hit them in the pocket where it hurts the most !

Posted by: lives in Location: Kingston on Jun 15, 2008 at 08:26 PM
This isn't the 1st time this has happen, and NO the City will NOT pay for it, Matter of fact it will be dropped.I knew someone who lived in Dallas Acres here in Kingston and it happen to them also. All their furniture was ruined and all. Yeah they need to get this fixed. IF IT happen to one of our mighty councell ppl yeah they would have it fixed or the city would be down there cleaning and all.

Posted by: kelly on Jun 15, 2008 at 01:41 PM
i don`t think kingston will help her even a little bit voluntarily,,u should see the way they fix the potholes in their streets..they fill them with huge gravel..it was better when there was a hole there

Posted by: Dear Abby Location: Love Co. on Jun 15, 2008 at 08:37 AM
The city will file a Tort Claim, And as always, they will deny the claim. Happens everytime, Why even have OMAG Insurance?

Posted by: george of the Location: jungle on Jun 15, 2008 at 07:18 AM
It sounds like some of you people have never delt with the city counsil in Kingston..I will promise you they will do everything in there power to keep from paying a dime to this lady. I should know, I have had to deal with the city in matters like this.

Posted by: revolutiongirl Location: home on Jun 14, 2008 at 11:38 PM
To Tonya: DON'T SHUT UP UNTIL THE CITY GETS YOU A NEW HOME.

Posted by: Sheryl Location: Marietta on Jun 14, 2008 at 09:44 PM
Sounds like the city of Kingston should have thier pants sued off, and this lady should get a brand new home.

Posted by: sickened Location: ardmore on Jun 14, 2008 at 07:47 PM
the city should reemburse that poor lady. it was their fault...

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Madill on Jun 14, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Please tell me that the city is replacing her property!

Posted by: Disgusted on Jun 14, 2008 at 05:30 PM
The city should have to pay for this woman to stay in a hotel and if her home is condemned they should have to pay what it is worth.

Posted by: pee'd off Location: ardmore on Jun 14, 2008 at 04:50 PM
i bet they wont even pay for the damage they did

Posted by: Working Mom Location: Texoma on Jun 14, 2008 at 04:26 PM
Poor lady. Are they going to provide her with a home? since they ruined hers?

Posted by: Becky Location: Kingston on Jun 14, 2008 at 04:01 PM
What is it with Insurance companies and all the "loop holes". Even if it is a small claim from HAIL!! you can be canceled. We have paid $1000s of insurance and had 2 claims. Our insurance was going to cancel us. This young girl is a responsible , honest citizen, she needs someone to go to bat for her. People are quick to judge FEMA. But what about something you directly pay for.

Posted by: chuck Location: kingston on Jun 14, 2008 at 01:26 PM
get a lawyer and file a tort claim

Posted by: Blair on Jun 14, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Oh my gosh! How horrible. I hope she sues the city. This is unexcuseable.

Posted by: Resident Location: Kingston on Jun 14, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Does the town plan on doing anything about it? Surely they would be reliable for something like this happening.

Posted by: Jimmy on Jun 14, 2008 at 09:55 AM
You must ask for Sewer Back Up insurance specifically and have it added to your home policy, otherwise, it is generally not covered and not usually a part of flood insurance.

Posted by: kingstonite Location: kingston on Jun 14, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Thats a real crappy way to end your day! haha

Posted by: John Location: Texoma on Jun 14, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Come on Kxii, do some investigative reporting. Go put some cameras in front of the insurance company and make them answer. This is the worst that could happen to a persons home. Keep after them till they give you a story. Support the community. Fight for the little guy against the big insurance company.

Posted by: Ole Cranky Location: Sherman on Jun 14, 2008 at 07:46 AM
What a bunch of crap.

Posted by: right said Location: fred on Jun 14, 2008 at 07:33 AM
It sounds like the city is being kinda crappy about there sewer problems!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: howe on Jun 14, 2008 at 07:13 AM
AAAGH I can't even imagine. Is this the city's responsibility? Do they pay her damages? I was just wondering. That poor woman.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 14, 2008 at 02:37 AM
Ummm, hello shouldn't the city be paying for these damages.

Posted by: John Location: Denison on Jun 14, 2008 at 01:48 AM
Disgusting story and reporting in "poor taste" if you ask me. You didn't have to show the s... on your web. I think the story in itself speaks for itself!!! SHAME ON YOU KXII for extremely poor judgement in showing the graphic picture on your website....I think I'll go throw up now!!!

Posted by: ANONYMOUS Location: TEXAS on Jun 14, 2008 at 12:43 AM
Well this is the craziest thing I have ever heard of. I feel so sorry for this women and I am sure all recoveries of her things will be at her expense. I would like to think that the City would make it right for the resident and replace her things since it is basically their fault. My thoughts go out to her!

Posted by: curious Location: sherman on Jun 14, 2008 at 12:06 AM
just a little curious if the city of kingston is going to help this poor woman with her housing needs? was this the cities problem?

Posted by: Okie Location: Ok on Jun 13, 2008 at 11:48 PM
Your are responsible for your water bill if your pipes burst, or if you have a leak. I think they should be responsible for all the damage done to her house and personal property because of their malfunction. Bless her heart.Do whats right Kingston.

Posted by: AliceIn Location: Wonderland on Jun 13, 2008 at 10:48 PM
I was just sitting down to dinner when the news came on. I looked up to see a close up, full screen video of s*#t on the TV. KXII, what are you thinking? I do believe this story would have just as much effect without the disgusting video...

Posted by: john Location: lover on Jun 13, 2008 at 10:45 PM
thats absolutely gross to show a pic!! and nasty at that.. in fact i think im throwing up in my mouth right now...

Posted by: josh Location: ardmore on Jun 13, 2008 at 09:27 PM
gross, sounds like a stinky situation

Posted by: Odoyle Location: Velma on Jun 13, 2008 at 09:07 PM
S*** happens.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: ardmore on Jun 13, 2008 at 08:12 PM
ewwwww

Posted by: T Location: Denison on Jun 13, 2008 at 07:16 PM
sounds like she was in deep s@#$t

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