Are we losing our ability to have conversations? Is the art of conversation becoming a lost art, in itself? It is hard to imagine that something as simple as having a conversation could become a thing of the past, but sadly, it feels that way, especially when you are talking to the younger generation. In a discussion with some colleagues …

Gov. Rick Snyder launched his second term touting Detroit’s recent emergence from bankruptcy and a new way of structuring state government so Michigan’s downtrodden residents could join a “river of opportunity.” A year later, a real river — the Flint River — and the fallout from a water crisis in another impoverished city have marred the Republican’s image as a …

A Los Angeles man arrested in Colorado after an Amber Alert was issued out of Michigan for his two young daughters was charged Friday in the slayings of their mother and the woman’s father. Authorities are seeking to extradite Alex Perez, 24, back to Michigan where he is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, the Berrien County prosecutor’s office …

Jack Lamar VanScoik, age 61, of Centreville, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. Jack was born on June 18, 1954 in Three Rivers the son of Marvin G. and Wanetta L. (Postma) VanScoik. Jack attended Three Rivers Schools until he entered the U.S. …

Doris L. Herline, age 91, of Three Rivers passed away peacefully on Friday, January 15, 2016, with her loving son at her bedside. Doris was born in Three Rivers on July 16, 1924, the daughter of Harvey and Ruth (Timm) Geark. She graduated from Three Rivers High School and on July 21, 1944, married Gordon Herline in Millbourne, PA, as he …

Charles J. Clark, age 62, of Marcellus, MI passed away Friday, January 15, 2016 after a brief illness. He was born August 19, 1953 in Vicksburg, MI the son of Purcel F. and Clara E. (Dalton) Clark. On December 4, 1970 he married Dolly Gailhouse who survives. He was currently employed at International Paper, Three Rivers, and was passionate about …

Delton Ray Pangle, age 86, of Three Rivers, died Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016 at his home. He was born in Three Rivers on Oct. 25, 1929 the son of Lee D. and Pearl (Peek) Pangle, and was a 1948 graduate of Three Rivers High School. He was married to Georgianna LaBranche on Sep. 3, 1948 in Centreville. Delton was employed …

Authorities say a 13-year-old girl stabbed a boy in the neck with a pencil while they were on a school bus in Calhoun County. Battle Creek police responded Thursday afternoon to the stabbing, which took place after crude comments were being made toward the girl on the Battle Creek Public Schools bus. Police say the 12-year-old boy was treated for …

Two governmental entities have renewed their agreement with St. Joseph County regarding the use of its grant writer. County Commissioners last week approved contracts with the village of Centreville and Park Township for grant-writing duties by James Hissong. The entities agreed to pay about $69,000 each for Hissong’s services. County administrator Pat Yoder said Hissong and county clerk Lindsay Yoder, …

Schoolcraft officers responded to a 9-1-1 call from a person advising he had shot himself accidently in a parking lot in the village earlier this week. A 22-year-old Constantine man was located shortly before 7 p.m. Wednesday in a parking lot in the 700 block of North Grand Street. He was suffering from a gunshot wound to the thigh area. …