Another Win against the Frackers

It's an ever-present annoyance," Sam said. "This does not belong by houses."

A jury called it a nuisance, too. A gas-drilling site is approximately 165 feet from the Crowder's back fence.

The Crowders sued over, among other things, the dust, noise, and smell they say came from the site. The trial ended this week, and the jury sided with them, agreeing that Chesapeake Energy - which operates the site - created a nuisance and prevented the Crowders from enjoying their property.

"It's hard to put into words," Sam said, choking up a bit. "I think now people will pay attention and listen to us, because no one ever listened before."

The jury awarded the Crowders $20,000, which is much less than the $108,000 they asked for. But overall, the verdict is more than they hoped for.

"Somebody listened to us, finally," Jane said, "and something was done."

"We went to the zoning board, we went to city council -- it made no difference," Sam added. "I don't think anybody really ever listened. [...] Then they make you feel like a trouble maker."