A glimpse inside a dog’s mind: Professor’s new audiobook details lives of our canine friends

October 3, 2020

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Ella and Bruno stood nearly still as they stared at Ellen Furlong, an associate professor of psychology at Illinois Wesleyan University. Moments before, the two rambunctious pups had been barking and play fighting — practically bouncing off the walls — until Furlong asked, “Who wants a treat?” The answer to her question was clear without words, but one couldn’t help wondering what the two dogs were thinking beyond, “Me. Me. I want a treat,” as they cocked their heads from side to side. Furlong seeks to answer that question — and more — in her ...

Ramps & rails: New skate park built in Navajo community

September 26, 2020

SHIPROCK, N.M. — The wheels on Neshaun John’s skateboard were among the first to roll on the ramps, rails and grind boxes at the new skate park at Nizhoni Park. For John, the layout and equipment provide space where he can practice his skills closer to his home in Sanostee. Many ...

Giving back: Retired Iowa teacher builds beds for children in need

September 26, 2020

FORT DODGE, Iowa — A retired Fort Dodge educator has been spending the final days of summer constructing bed frames from his wood shop. It will be those frames, combined with mattresses, pillows and blankets provided through Athletics for Education and Success, that will give Fort Dodge children in need a comfortable place to lay their heads at night. Fran Long, who had been teaching part-time for St. Edmond Catholic School and Fort Dodge Senior High, said he was inspired by a story he read online where a retired teacher made bed frames. “I have time on my hands, I have a wood ...

Taking note: Paddling ahead

September 26, 2020

I didn’t even know it had been raining until I saw the damp pavement upon stepping outside. The air was humid and sweet, unusual for this time of year. It was much warmer than I would have imagined for a night in late September. But you never know these days. Astronomical fall has arrived. Meteorological fall seems to come and go. Even within a single day, there can be so many shifts in the weather. A day that starts bright and sunny can transform into a windy, bitterly cold day. Or a chilly, rainy morning can give way to a warm, languid afternoon. It’s the kind of weather ...

From a skill to an art: Metal fabricator begins sculpting after move to Montana

September 19, 2020

KALISPELL, Mont. — A few years after Michael Sisson retired from a career as a metal fabricator that spanned more than two decades, he started getting bored. So in the spring of 2019, he bought a welder. About eight months and 540 logged hours later, he finished a roughly 125-pound carbon ...

Taking note: A forest found

September 19, 2020

The verdant canopy of the forest spanned as far as the eye could see. Sunlight glowed through the leaves, casting a calming light upon the scene. Shades of chartreuse and evergreen surrounded me. A few leaves in hues of red and orange were scattered on the forest floor, even though there wasn’t an autumnal-looking tree in sight. The fresh, new look of the foliage made it hard to believe it was mid-September. It felt like it was still early summer in this near-forgotten forest. The sun was unusually bright and hot for this time of year. My heavy sweater and coat were turning out ...