Remove USB Connection icon area from Today screen

[blandrp]

When I connect my Mogul to my PC via the USB cable there is a row that appears at the bottom of my Today screen with an icon in it to show that a USB connection is active (computer linked to a phone icon). Is there a way to get that row to NOT show up on my Today screen? I had to install some VPN software on my phone yesterday for work and now that row ALWAYS appears with an icon for the VPN in it (even though there is also an icon in the title bar)! I want maximum space for my Today screen and this row is useless.

The row isn't shown in the Today items settings so I can't remove it from there. I've searched the forums and Google but I haven't been able to find anything about this. The area that I'm talking about that I'd like to remove from my Today screen is the area with the 2 icons in the attached picture - one that looks like a computer connected to a phone and the other a gear with a lock over it.

All help is greatly appreciated!!!