KGS Members:

      The first quarter of the year is over, taxes have been paid, the Iraqi regime has toppled, and much has gone on at the Kansas Geological Society.  The technical programs have been great – we still have seven to go culminating with a "Panel Discussion on Ethics as it relates to Geologists," before we take a break for the summer. 

     An early spring field trip to SE Kansas to study the Oread cyclothem has taken place and another field trip to NW Kansas and the Sternberg Museum is scheduled for May 3.  Geologists needing continuing education units will want to take advantage of these remaining technical programs and field trip as some will have to renew their licenses June 30. Other upcoming events include Earth Day activities at the Sedgwick County Zoo, the KGS fishing tournament at Kingman County Lake, and the KGS golf tournament at Hidden Lakes Golf Course.  I hope to see many of you attending these events.

      I am looking forward to attending the AAPG convention in Salt Lake City this May.  Although I have spent some time in Southern Utah on geology field trips and vacations, I have never been to Salt Lake City.  The KGS will co-sponsor a booth at the convention with the KGF so if you plan to attend, come by and spend some time to see what the Society and the Foundation have to offer. 

     This spring we lost an icon of Kansas Geology with the passing of J. R. Berg, a Wichita State University Professor Emeritus.  Dr. Berg taught many of our local geologists who received degrees from Wichita State.  We at the society have been treated to a series of  distinguished lecturers for a number of years in honor of J.R. Berg.  His accomplishments are far too numerous to list here.  A memorial ceremony was held on April 11, 2003 and was well attended by friends, colleagues, and former students.  He will be missed by many but especially in the geologic community.  I wish to extend our condolences to his family. 

     The worlds political situation being what it is, with the uncertainty of what impact the situation in Iraq will have on the price of oil, has kept exploration companies from becoming too aggressive.  However the price of oil at this writing is $26.00 posted for Kansas Crude and $5.70 for May gas.  These prices should be sufficient to spur some activity in our state.  Geologists need to show prospective buyers they are excited about the oil and gas business.  Your excitement may rub off and cause you to sell a drilling deal.  So dust off your old prospects, come in to our Library and work on some new prospects then go out and show your ideas. Come back and tell others of your success, this will help us all in the long run.  Good luck!

Best regards

Timothy G. Pierce