HURON — Changes in top leadership positions within the police department, including the newest police chief, have been approved by the City Commission.
Capt. Kevin VanDiepen, a nearly 30-year veteran of the department, has been named the new chief of police, succeeding Denny Meyer. He assumes the position on Dec. 21.
Promoted to captain is patrol Sgt. Mark Johnson. Officer Tim Opheim has been promoted to patrol sergeant. Both promotions are effective Dec. 24.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Bryan Smith said there are vacancies on the Historic Preservation Committee and the Huron Public Library Board.
Members of the Historic Preservation Committee don’t have to reside within the Historic Preservation District, but do have to live within city limits.

Contact persons for anyone interested are Planner Ralph Borkowski for the Historic Preservation Committee and Librarian Shirley Apley for the Huron Public Library Board.
Commissioners also:
• Announced that the solid waste department will be closed Saturday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Dec. 25 in observance of Christmas and Saturday, Dec. 30 and Monday, Jan. 1 in observance of New Year’s.
The Monday garbage and recycling routes will be collected on Wednesday, Dec. 27 and Wednesday, Jan. 3.
Containers should be out the night before as trucks will not be rerouted.
The tree pile will be closing for the season after the holidays. The city will announce the specific date later.
• Approved requests for alcoholic beverage consumption in public areas filed by Kathy Meyer for a retirement party on Dec. 20 at the Campus Center and the Huron Volunteer Fire Department for quarterly meetings on Jan. 3, April 5, Oct. 2 and Dec. 15 at the North Fire Station.
• Approved a special event on-sale alcoholic beverage license filed by the Hangar Restaurant and Lounge for a Holy Trinity fundraiser on Jan. 27 at the Campus Center.
• Authorized the mayor to sign the 2018 combined election agreement with the Huron Public School District.