December 2022

As we gear up for 2023, most Kansans know about the reintroduction of hemp as a protected agricultural commodity. After operating as a research project from 2019 to 2021, our state’s commercial hemp program is now overseen by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Businesses that process hemp are now registered with the State Fire Marshal’s office.

“Today we burn the rocks. Tomorrow we burn the oceans!” This was an unforgettable statement from one of the 16 mm films I showed to my students when I taught in 1971. My school district was poor. There was no money for audio-visuals. But I could borrow free films from the Oak Ridge Nuclear Lab in Tennessee. We also offered 9-week phase elective courses so students chose the science topics they wanted to study. One of my mini-courses was on Nuclear Power.

Traditionally during the holidays, thoughtful moments of gratitude, goodwill and peace push away the frenzy of gift giving and parties with fancy food. We take stock of the past and look toward the coming year.