This is a week of important transitions in the life of our county, the state, and even our nation. From smaller ceremonies that mark the swearing in of county and state officials here in Kansas to the several millions who plan to attend in person the inauguration of Barack Obama as our President, we welcome those new leaders.

As we cheer our welcome, I want to say thank you to two exceptional public servants.

Kay McFarland has wonderful Kansas routes. I am one of the many people who are lucky enough to live on the old McFarland Farms in Topeka. But Kay McFarland was a trailblazer in more than one way -- she was our state's first female justices of the Supreme Court and, for more than a decade, the first female Chief Justice. Congratulations Justice McFarland.

Robert Hecht didn't leave as Shawnee County's District Attorney by his own choice. Voters chose not to re-elect him. While Hecht was controversial on his record, no one can question his passion for public service. Again and again, Bob Hecht stepped forward when duty called. His record of carrying about the people is unblemished.

To both these outstanding public servants I want to say, thank you!

I want to know what you think. Write me at jim.ogle@wibw.com or go to the "Kansas Voices" section of wibw.com.