GARDEN CITY, Kan. (AP) – An independent living center in Garden

City and two related offices in Liberal and Dodge City were

abruptly closed amid questions about its financial dealings.

Garden City’s Center for Independent Living for Southwest Kansas

closed Monday, shortly after an emergency meeting with the center’s

employees.

The centers serve about 500 clients in 35 counties, helping

disabled people to live independently.

The Garden City Telegram reported Tuesday that a state audit

found issues involving more than $1 million.

Bill Miskell, spokesman for the Department of Social and

Rehabilitation Services, says the state ended contracts with the

group last week, but it was the center’s board of directors that

decided to close the facilities.

Former interim director Victor Otero says employees were told

the center closed because of mismanagement of funds.

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