Variety of factors lead to flooded basements in Hartley

The first significant rainfall in several months created a crappy situation for some homeowners in east Hartley.

The sanitary sewer system backed up into a handful of homes Nov. 8 during a storm that dumped steady rainfall on the area throughout the day. According to Hartley Superintendent of Public Works Jaron Benz, a variety of factors – including the city's new lift station – caused the issue.

"Had we known this was going to happen, obviously we would have attackled it a lot different," Benz told the city council on Monday. "If I were to tell you I'm going to point my finger at somebody, I...