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Upper Arlington Welcomes New City Council Members with Traditional Ceremony and Music

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Published on January 14, 2026
Upper Arlington Welcomes New City Council Members with Traditional Ceremony and MusicSource: City of Upper Arlington, Ohio - Government

Last night, the City of Upper Arlington witnessed the ushering in of a new era as four City Council members were ceremoniously sworn in for their terms extending from 2026 to 2030. The event was punctuated by the vibrant beats of the Ephesus Pathfinder Club Drum Corps, who led a procession that escorted the incoming Council and presented the flags, a nod to tradition and community celebrated by the local government on the City of Upper Arlington social media page.

In a ceremony interwoven with personal triumph and civic duty, Ukeme Awakessien Jeter took her oath of office to dutifully serve a second term and was selected to serve as Council President. Nic Fortkamp, Laura Oldham, and Ben Tracy, each embarking on their first term, were surrounded by the warmth of family and friends as they took their oaths, marking a commitment to the service of the Upper Arlington community. The night also saw Heidi Munc sworn in as the new Vice President of Council.

The City of Upper Arlington captured the essence of the occasion, stating, "Congratulations to all, and thank you for your dedication to serving Upper Arlington and the residents who make our community such a special place." This sentiment reflects the council's vision of steadfast community service and leadership dedication to the city's growth and well-being.

As Upper Arlington embraces the leadership of its new council members, the city looks to be poised to continue to build upon its community values and civic engagement. With the drum corps' rhythm fading into memory, the real work is about to begin. Their oath-taking ceremony symbolizes not just the start of new terms, but the continuous evolution of local governance in response to the needs of its residents.