Military Cost Cutters, Dream Big Grow Here: Military Cost Cutters, a local veteran owned start up based in Davenport, IA, is competing for a $5,000 grant from Dream Big Grow Here Contest. Military Cost Cutters connects military friendly businesses with veterans and military members via our patent pending Loyalty Rewards Program. You can check us out at www.militarycostcutters.com or download our free mobile app in the Android and IPhone stores.

To vote, visit http://www.dreambiggrowhere.com/entrydetails.aspx?entry=1056.

This contest utilizes Facebook voting and if you don't have an account then one can easily be created.

You can vote once per day and the voting will end on March 1^st. We look forward to receiving your vote!

Original works by local high school students due April 3^rd

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that high school students in the Iowa's Second Congressional District may now submit their original artwork to be considered for the 2015 Congressional Art Competition. The annual competition is hosted by the United States House of Representatives to recognize talented young artists from across the nation. The winning student from each district is invited to Washington, D.C. to attend a reception held in their honor and will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The deadline for entries to be received is April 3^rd.

"The vast amount of talent that Iowa's students display year after year continues to amaze me. The creativity of our talented young artists demonstrates that the arts are thriving in Iowa," said Loebsack. "For a young artist, having your artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol is quite a remarkable accomplishment. I look forward to seeing this year's entries and meeting the winning student."

Once again, to make the contest as easy as possible and open to as many students as possible, this year's winner will be chosen by the public through an online vote. Details on how to submit art work are available by clicking here to visit Loebsack's website. All entries must be received no later than Friday, April, 3^rd at 11:59pm. The artist of the winning piece will receive two round trip tickets to Washington, D.C. to attend the reception and unveiling of their artwork in the Capitol (all other expenses must be covered by the winner). For additional details about the competition, students or teachers should contact Jared Mullendore at 563-323-5988 or by email at Jared.Mullendore@mail.house.gov.

Rock Island, IL: Mobile apps can support your goals, make routine tasks easier, and provide access to educational and entertaining content on your tablet or smartphone. Learn more about them at monthly APPy Hours, presented by the Rock Island Library.

The Rock Island Library will offer "APPy Hour" at 7:00 pm on the second Wednesday of each month at Cool Beanz Coffeehouse, 1325 30th Street,  Rock Island. The informal gathering gives smartphone and tablet owners to way to learn about new apps and to share their personal favorites with the group. The next meeting is March 11.

APPy Hours are free and open to the public, and will focus on apps of interest to adults and teens. Refreshments will be available for purchase from the coffeehouse.

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Calendar of library programs: http://rockislandlibrary.evanced.info/signup/eventcalendar.aspx

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey today encouraged Iowans to nominate farmers for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award who have taken voluntary actions to improve or protect the environment and natural resources of our state. Nominations are due by June 15, 2015 and the nomination form can be found at www.iowaagriculture.gov/EnvironmentalLeader.asp.

The award is a joint effort between the Governor, Lt. Governor, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources to recognize the efforts of Iowa's farmers as environmental leaders committed to healthy soils and improved water quality.

"The Iowa Water Quality Initiative is growing due to farmers' engagement in the plan," Branstad said. "The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award is our chance to recognize producers who are going the extra mile in their land stewardship."

"Iowa's farmers are leading the way in environmental stewardship through collaborative, science-based practices," said Reynolds. "The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award allows the state to recognize the famers who feed the world and continue to drive Iowa's economy."

Farmers that are nominated should have made environmental stewardship a priority on their farm and incorporated best management practices into their farming operation. As true stewards of the land, they recognize that improved water quality and soil sustainability reaps benefits that extend beyond their fields to citizens of Iowa and residents even further downstream.

Nominations may be submitted on a year-round basis and are due by June 15th of the year to be considered for the award. Farm owners and operators are eligible for consideration.

"Iowa is leading the way in using voluntary, science-based practices to protect our soil and improve water quality.  This would not be possible without the thousands of farmers who have collectively invested millions in conservation practices on their farms.  This award is an opportunity to highlight those farmers that are leading the way and going above and beyond to adopt conservation practices on their farm," said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.

An appointed committee of representatives from both conservation and agricultural groups will review the nominations and select the winners. The recipients will be recognized at the Iowa State Fair.

Since creation of the award in 2012, 219 farm families have been recognized. Winners are presented a certificate as well as a yard sign donated by Monsanto. Hagie Manufacturing also sponsors a recognition luncheon for award recipients following the ceremony.