Nebraska's new State Treasurer said he will make sure there is, quote, "No funny business going on," in the office.

Ron Ross made the comment Wednesday after being named by Gov. Mike Johanns to succeed Lorelee Byrd as treasurer.

Byrd is resigning next month following a probe of financial irregularities in her office.

Ross has been head of the state Health and Human Services System for the past five years.

Ross, who is an accountant, was among dozens of people who applied for the job.

He will fill out the remaining three years of Byrd's term and then be eligible to run for election to the office.

Byrd was sentenced yesterday to 300 hours of community service.

She pleaded guilty to a charge of official misconduct last month.

Byrd was accused of writing checks totaling some $300,000 and stashing them in her safe before voiding them after the Legislative session ended.

She has denied holding the checks to make it appear as if the money was spent, thus protecting her office from legislative budget cuts.