The Nowata County Jail has been repopulated with inmates, according to the Board of County Commissioners. The commissioners observed greatly improved conditions at a viewing of the facility last Monday.

Nowata inmates had been housed in Washington County since a carbon monoxide leak was discovered on February 28 forcing the facility to be evacuated. Work has been done by district three road crews to make wide scale renovations and safety improvements.

As of right now a fire alarm system is scheduled to be installed but no timetable has been given. The system would cover the entire jail and courthouse building.

The commissioners noted at last week’s meeting that $14,000 is owed to Washington County for the housing of inmates. Chairman Doug Sonenberg stated that the county will have to find a way to pay the bill.

In the last two weeks, the commissioners have approved over $3,000 in monetary donations for the sheriff’s office.