(KNZA)--Two missing boys were found safe early Thursday evening following an about two hour search in southwestern Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said the boys, ages 4 and 7, went missing in the early afternoon after playing outside on the family's farm on the outskirts of the city of Delia.  The family notified law enforcement shortly before 4:00 after they had been unsuccessful in locating them.

Authorities launched a ground and air search of rural locations outside of Delia.   

Assiting in the search were deputies, Kansas Highway Patrol troopers, Delia firefighters and community members.  A KHP aircraft, search dog and drone were also used in the search.

The Union Pacific Railroad was notified and placed trains on standby.

Searchers checked a creek that ran through the property, area railroad tracks and corn fields.

Morse says a passer-by notified the sheriff’s office that he had seen the boys north of Delia earlier in the afternoon. Deputies began to search that area and found the boys shortly before 6:00 at a farm near 134th and E. Roads about 3 1/2 miles north of their residence.  

Morse says the two boys were in good condition and returned to their family.