Union Schools district receives another clean audit after recent evaluation

DOWAGIAC — A Lansing-based financial firm recently gave the Dowagiac Union Schools district a clean audit.

Maner Costerisan recently gave the district an “Unmodified Opinion,” which is the highest auditor opinion, following its financial audit of Union Schools in August.

Maner Costerisan reviewed the financial statements pertaining to all funds, general fund and non-major funds. The firm also examined a portion of the district’s federal funding and found no issues.

Dowagiac Union Schools is dedicated to being financially responsible, officials said.

“It is a collaborative effort among many and I appreciate the hard work of the employees of the district who help keep the district fiscally healthy, while keeping in mind the students’ education as our priority,” said Stacy Ritchie, Dowagiac Union Schools director of finance.

The audit also went on to note that Dowagiac Union Schools has complied with section 1351 of the Revised School Code in the management of bond funds that were collected in March of 2016 as part of the recently passed millage.

“Being prudent caretakers of proceeds from the November 2015 millage is extremely important to us,” Ritchie said. “The community trusts us with a large sum of money and we take our role very seriously.”

Salvation Army to accept applications for Christmas assistance program

NILES — The Christmas season is quickly approaching.

The Salvation Army is taking applications for its Christmas food and toy assistance program at the beginning of November. Those in need of a little help this Christmas season are asked to come by the charity’s Niles office Nov. 6 to 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday. There is no need to call and make an appointment, just show up to The Salvation Army during these hours and fill out an application.

People are asked to bring:

• Current state picture ID for head of household

• Social Security cards for each adult and child in the residence

• Birth certificates for newborns

• Monthly income and expenses for the previous month

The Niles Salvation Army is located at 424 N 15th St.