CHESAPEAKE — Kimberly Oldaker took the oath of office on Friday, setting the stage for her to become the first female mayor of the village of Chesapeake on Jan. 1.

Oldaker, who won by three votes in a narrow race against incumbent Tommy Templeton, hosted more than 100 guests at Annie Lane Wedding and Event Resort where Union Township Trustee Cole Webb administered the oath.

Webb said he has known Oldaker since he was a 12-year-old student in Chesapeake schools.

“I look forward to working with Mayor Oldaker and I know that she will do a fine job,” he said.

Oldaker was certified as the winner of the mayoral race after absentee and provisional ballots were counted, breaking a tie on election night with Templeton, who was seeking a second term.

“I want to thank everyone for their support,” she told the room. “I hope to do the best I can for our small community and work to make it greater.”

Her swearing in drew a number of officials, such as Lawrence County commissioners Freddie Hayes Jr, DeAnna Holliday and Colton Copley, the village’s police chief, Randy Thompson, Chesapeake council members and neighboring township trustees.

Also taking an oath on Friday was Paul Hart, who is returning to the council after retiring two years ago.

Hart’s oath was administered by Lawrence County Common Pleas Judge Christen Finley.

“Bear with me, people, and I’m hear to do my best,” he said, pledging to remain outspoken on issues. Hart had previously served on council for more than 30 years.

Hart said he and Oldaker have discussed creating a museum for Chesapeake, as well as beginning a wall of fame to honor village residents of note.

He said they are also hoping to create an advisory board of 8-10 people from the village and the surrounding area to give them input and feedback.

One person who has been invited to join is Shirley Dyer, the director of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.

“Part of the Chamber’s role is to represent Lawrence County on things like that,” she said.

In addition to the Chesapeake officials, Dain Spears, a newly-elected member of neighboring Union Township’s board of trustees was sworn in.

Webb, who will serve with him, administered his oath.

“He has a good work ethic and will be a fantastic addition,” he said of Spears.

Spears said he was eager to work with Webb and Jason Forbush on the board.

“And I look forward to working with the new mayor of Chesapeake,” he said. “I think we can all work together to improve our community.”