Many of the candidates celebrating victories for Chesapeake, Coal Grove and Proctorville Village Council said they were ready to hit the ground running for the upcoming four-year term.

In the Village of Coal Grove, two former council members and two newcomers will fill the seats left by incumbents who chose not to run for re-election.

Taking 21 percent of the votes was Eric A. Holmes, who previously served one term on council in the 1990s.

“It certainly feels good to have the support of the community, the Village of Coal Grove,” Holmes said. “I’d like to thank everyone who helped and everyone who voted for me. I promise to listen to my constituents. … I want to be a good public servant and that’s what I plan on doing. I’m happy to be able to get to serve again and can’t wait for term to begin.”

Randy Wise, also a former councilman, brought in nearly 19 percent of the votes and also said he was looking forward to getting back on council.

Wise said he wanted to focus on getting cheaper garbage rates for villagers and research more grant opportunities.

“Thanks to the voters for giving me another opportunity to serve them. That’s what they wanted,” Wise said, offering congratulations to the other council winners.

Kimberly McKnight, brought in the next highest amount of votes with 18 percent.

Shawn McDaniel and Nick McKnight each brought in about 14 and a half percent of the votes, which will require a recount, according to the board of elections.

“Elections, you can never judge them,” McDaniel said. “I was hoping for a better result that that, but if I’m the one chosen, I’ll do the best job I can.”

Phone numbers for Kimberly McKnight and Nick McKnight were not immediately available.

On the eastern end of the county, three incumbents kept their seats, while one newcomer joins the Proctorville Village Council.

Brian Root, first time council member, brought in the most votes — nearly 21 percent.

“I’m looking forward to getting started,” Root said. “I’m the newest member. I’ve got some things to learn and I’m anxious to get started.”

Next in line with 20 and a half percent of the votes was Justin Wurtzler.

“I’m really please with the outcome,” Wurtzler said. “I think it’s going to be a really good four years I think we are going to be able to do a lo a lot of good for the community.

Brenda Chapman, earning nearly 20 percent of the votes thanked her supporters.

“I’d like to thank everyone in the village that voted and I appreciate everyone of them,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed working these four years and I look forward to the next four.”

Raymond Shepherd rounded out the ballot with 13 and a half percent of votes.

Shepherd did not return calls for comment as of presstime.

In Chesapeake, incumbents Paul E. Hart, Richard Stover and Richard McMaster will return for another four years on council, joined by newcomer Thomas Templeton. Templeton brought in the most votes with a little more than 23 percent.

McMaster said he was looking forward to another term.

“I’ll do the best I can for the (village) with the money we’ve got. Just spend it wisely,” he said.

Calls to Hart, Stover and Templeton were not returned as of presstime.