Gov. Kathleen Sebelius recently announced several appointments to state boards and commissions, including two people with local connections:

¢ Crystal O’Brien, Lawrence, was reappointed to the Advisory Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs for a four-year term. The commission advises the Secretary of Health and Environment on matters relating to children with special health care needs.

¢ Dennis F. Schwartz, Tecumseh, was among those reappointed to four-year terms as members of the Kansas Water Authority, which is responsible for advising the governor, legislators and the director of the Kansas Water Office on water policy issues. Board members also approve the Kansas Water Plan, federal contracts, administration regulations and legislation proposed by the Kansas Water Office.