Thanks are an order for the outgoing Lafayette County supervisors.

Robert Blackmon and Mike Pickens were both honored as elected leaders in the county during the final meeting of 2015. Both opted to not seek re-election this year.

Blackmon retired from service after the past 19 years as a supervisor and 30-plus years with the county, including working as deputy sheriff and constable. Pickens also was a dedicated elected leader, serving two terms as a supervisor.

These two supervisors have kept Lafayette County strong as it has gone through changes, many due to the area’s significant growth.

Some of the achievements Blackmon said he was especially proud of include construction of the Chancery Building and the sale of the hospital. He said there is money in the bank and the county is in great shape. He also said he is leaving the board with it being in great hands and he is proud of the men who will be serving for the next term.

The two outgoing supervisors also were involved with the 2008 county planning document and its implementation. They both have had to make some very serious decisions for a county that has been experiencing unprecedented growth, while at the same balancing the charm and small-town feel of a community so many want to call home.

Whether it was being involved in a large-scale project, simply voting to pay the bills or fielding frequent phone calls from residents either in need or who wanted to express an opinion, these men served and are a great source of county knowledge.

Residents have and should continue thanking the two men for their service. Their incoming replacements, David Rikard and Kevin Frye, have big shoes to fill and plan to take their new roles seriously when they are sworn into office in District 1 and District 3, respectively.

We at the EAGLE thank the two for all they have done for the county, leading its residents and making proper decisions along the way.