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Over the past few days Bartlesville Radio has chronicled several issues with the Nowata County Jail including complications from last week’s carbon monoxide leak and structural problems with the century-old building. Several issues have also stemmed from the lack of staff at the jail.

Nowata County Sheriff Terry Sue Barnett has dealt with a revolving door of personnel in her five-month long tenure. Barnett says salaries for jail workers are too low for qualified people to want the job.

After last Thursday’s carbon monoxide leak, Barnett says the jail is now down to two full-time staff members. Three members of the jail staff were diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning. All 18 inmates are now being housed at the Washington County Jail after the incident last week.

Barnett called for independent consultant to produce a report on the jail. Michelle Robinette said the jail is not fit to be occupied even before the carbon monoxide leak.The jail remains closed at this time as the source of the leak is still being investigated.