Agriculture Commissioner Orders Audit

{Frankfort, Kentucky}...A report by the Kentucky Personnel Board says the Agriculture Department didn't follow regulations when it hired Danita Fentress-Laird and Kathryn Willis into non-merit positions without a formal interview. The report called the department's hiring process "total arbitrary" and ordered employees of the agency to attend training on how to advertise for openings. Personnel Board Executive Director Mark Sipek says criminal charges won't be pursued because the appointments were rescinded and the department has had a change in leadership. Agriculture Commissioner James Comer has ordered an audit of the department after questions arose about spending, travel vouchers and time sheets.