(Le Mars) — Right at the time of the solar eclipse happening above Le Mars, Mayor Dick Kirchoff was administering the oath of office for the new Le Mars Police Chief, Kevin Vande Vegte. The swearing of oath ceremonies took place at the city council chambers, and was witnessed by several area law enforcement officials from the Le Mars Police Department, Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office and other state and federal agencies. After Mayor Kirchoff administered the oath of office, Vande Vegte’s father then pinned on the new badge for the in-coming police chief . Vande Vegte’s family was on hand to watch the ceremonies. Several city officials were also on hand to witness the swearing in of the new police chief. Following the official oath, the new police chief addressed the gathering, and the city through the cable television public access channel.
