Commissioners from across Kansas learned about drones, and their use as they attend the Kansas County Commissioners Association convention in Junction City this week.

There are numerous topics being addressed but one focused on the legal standing and understanding drones.

Lisa Woody, Rawlins County Commissioner, pointed out farmers will be using them, “and what rights they have in our county as far as over their land, and over county land what parameters there are.”

Woody added drones could help in big snowstorms. ” Rather than risk our people’s lives, and we’re short on emergency help anyway. We could send drones out to see if there are any stranded motorists, or anybody missing.” She noted they could also be used to check on cattle without using human lives to handle that task.

Randall Allen, Secretary for the Association, noted the application of drones and the regulatory impact of drone technology were to be addressed. Another key topic to be covered included a report on the events in Hesston in February of 2016. A shooter shot and killed three people and wounded 14 in Newton and Hesston, Kansas including in and outside an industry building. The shooter was killed by a police officer.

Allen stated those in attendance were from 42 counties. The group included nearly 90 commissioners.

The convention began Wednesday and continues until noon on Friday.