Fred Patton News Today

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center says it has found its new CEO following a national search.

The Upper Macungie Township Zoning Hearing Board granted two variances and denied one for a 180-foot cell tower at the site of the Rural Sportsmens Association.

New Cameron Park Zoo Director Brendan Wiley had a busy first week on the job, officially taking the post Nov. 27 during a period of significant growth at the zoo.

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center has named an interim CEO after the previous holder of the position said he was stepping down earlier this year.

Another violent weekend in Kansas City leaves several people recovering from gunshot wounds... three people are killed in an explosion in southwest Kansas... the Kansas judicial system tries to resolve a computer issue that has disrupted courts across the state... and a Parsons police officer could be charged with animal cruelty. Those headlines and more, inside.

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Nearly 23,000 Shawnee County Residents have a new state representative in Kyle McNorton.

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center says it is partnering up with a search firm to help in the hunt for the zoo's next CEO.

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach proposes a bill banning foreign entities from buying Kansas farmland...the Kansas Board of Regents has just released enrollment figures showing increases at most state universities, but a drop at Emporia State...and a deadline is looming for the Farm Bill. Details on these stories, and more, are here.

A potential government shutdown could have wide-reaching ramifications for Kansans who work for the federal government or who rely on federal assistance programs...Kansas Republican leaders are touring the state to garner support for reviving a flat state income tax...and the KU Jayhawks have announced their conference basketball schedule. Those stories, and more, are here.

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Brendan Wiley, longtime director of the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center, is leaving to take a new role as CEO of the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas. Wiley’s resignation will be effective Nov, 10, 2023. His resignation was shared with zoo staff Tuesday afternoon. “We are deeply grateful for Brendan’s leadership […]