When the two performers in the cello-guitar duo Montana Skies - Jennifer and Jonathan Adams - began playing together in 1997, the impetus was "curiosity," Jennifer said in an interview last week.

The classical repertoire for guitar and cello is small, and they therefore didn't have much in the way of an example. So over the past decade they've developed a catalog of original compositions and covers of popular songs - everything from the Beatles to Pink Floyd. They're as adept at energetic flamenco as they are patient, spare melodies.

Davenport Second Ward Alderman Shawn Hamerlinck has announced his bid for the Republican nomination in State Senate District 42. Hamerlinck was first elected alderman in 2005, was reelected in 2007, and is a Youth Field Specialist in the Iowa State University Scott Country Extension office. In addition, Hamerlinck is an adjunct faculty member at Augustana College and Black Hawk College.

The Envy Corps hail from Iowa, but the plan is to try to make a splash in Great Britain before the United States.

I'm a big fan of Rock Island/Milan School District #41. Now and in the past it has provided quality education for the community, my children included, and leads the Quad Cities in any number of educational areas.

But I cannot support the February 5 referendum to restructure the district's schools.