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Webster Groves swears in mayor and three council members at early ceremonial session
Summary
At a specially ordered early session, Webster Groves officials honored two departing eight-year council members, swore in Mayor Laura Arnold and three newly elected council members, and recessed for a brief celebration before returning to business.
Mayor Laura Arnold opened a specially ordered Webster Groves City Council session Tuesday that began with ceremonial recognitions and concluded with the swearing-in of the mayor and three newly elected council members.
The council used the early portion of the meeting to honor two long-serving council members who are leaving after eight years. Speakers including colleagues, former councilmembers and residents praised the pair for leadership, mentorship and community service. The mayor and council presented customary gifts and took photographs.
After brief business to confirm minutes and election results, the council read April 7, 2026 election returns aloud. The mayor reported the vote totals for the winning candidates: Laura Arnold, 1,227 votes for mayor; Emily Hixon Shepard, 1,218 votes; Leanne Wah, 1,193 votes; and Kevin Mitchell, 1,151 votes. The honorable Judge Daniel Nolan administered oaths of office. Mayor Laura Arnold and council members Emily Hixon Shepard, Leanne Wah and Kevin Mitchell each repeated the official oath and were sworn into their respective offices.
The ceremony concluded with a short recess for cake and photos. Council members returned to the regular agenda later the same evening to address remaining business, including ordinance votes and budget presentations.
The oath language included explicit reference to the Constitution and the Charter of Webster Groves; the council confirmed the formalities before reconvening for the rest of the meeting.
