The Shawnee News-Star Pottawatomie County Commissioners have approved the purchase of two new drones for the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office. According to District 2 Commissioner Randy Thomas, the board approved the lowest bid from Unmanned Vehicle Technologies out of Arkansas. The Sheriff's Office will receive one small drone for $579, which can be used on surveillance in smaller areas. In addition, the department will also purchase a drone for about $28,000 that will have a thermal energy camera and allow officers to track people and survey situations at night. According to Sheriff Mike Booth, the new drone will greatly benefit the Sheriff's Office and it also can help deputies when searching for missing persons.