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College-bound Iowa youth active in 4-H/FFA livestock projects may apply for up to $28,000 in scholarships available from the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement (IFFAA).

The scholarships are available to freshmen entering any Iowa two-or four-year post-secondary institution this fall. Applicants must major in animal science or a curriculum in agriculture or human sciences that is related to the animal industry, according to IFFAA spokesman Dr. Harold H. Hodson. The awards include:

• One $2500 one-year scholarship

When Mike Johanns rode into Washington in January, fresh from the hinterlands and with the good wishes of farmers everywhere, he looked to be tall in the saddle. Now, out in the woods (or woodshed) defending President Bush's ag budget, which features cut after cut, Johanns has a wary eye out for ambush.

Container gardens are one of the hot trends in horticulture and some of the best plants for containers are tender perennials. Tender perennials are grown in Iowa as annuals even though they're perennials in their warmer native climes.

Sue Frick of Waukon has recently been certified as a Licensed Massage Therapist and will be introduced at a March 19 open house as the newest member of the therapy team at Mind Your Body Therapeutic Massage and Wellness Center in McGregor. Frick earned her degree in Massage Therapy in August of 2004 from Capri College in Dubuque. She then took and passed the national certification test to become licensed in the state of Iowa in November of 2004.

The 8th annual Northeast Iowa Artists' Studio Tour (NIAST) applications to exhibit are now available to area artists, as a pdf by email or mailed USPS. To receive one or for more information, contact NIAST Co-directors Darla or Glen Ellickson: tour@iowaarttour.com or 563-382-2295.

Iowa State University Extension, Allamakee County, will help homeowners get the most from time spent in the yard and garden with a program entitled “10 Things Every Gardener Should Know” being held at the Robey Memorial Library in Waukon Monday, March 14 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Methamphetamine (Meth) use is a growing concern within area communities, but few understand the effects of meth use or the dangers associated with its production. To help better understand this drug, a training session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 22 from 8:30-12 Noon at the Decorah Auditorium.

The cost for the training is $20 per person. This program will meet the mandatory requirements for drug test training for reasonable suspicion and more.

The Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance is seeking nominations for its annual Preservation at Its Best awards. Any property of historic interest that has been renovated or restored during 2004 is eligible. Award categories include: small commercial, large commercial, small residential, large residential, rural, and public buildings and archeological sites. A special projects category is included for non-building projects relating to historic preservation.

The third annual Dairy Showcase Event is slated to be held this Thursday, March 10 at the Dairy Center for the Northeast Iowa Community Based Dairy Foundation in Calmar. The event is targeted to all dairy producers - active, potential, or retired; bankers and lenders; agribusiness leaders; and any interested individuals. There is no charge for the event.

Thursday, March 17, a job fair will be held at the Northeast Iowa Community-Based Dairy Center, from 1 to 4 p.m. The Dairy Center is located south of Calmar on highway 150 just south of the NICC Campus. The theme of the job fair is “Putting the Pieces Together”.