SOUTH HOLLAND | The Village Board approved appointing Deputy Chief Don Bettenhausen to fire chief at Monday's meeting.

Bettenhausen had served as South Holland's deputy fire chief since he joined the department in November 2007. He replaces Randall Stegenga, who retired in October after 30 years of service.

Bettenhausen has nearly 30 years of professional firefighting, paramedic and administrative experience. He is a certified fire apparatus engineer, paramedic, fire inspector, fire investigator, hazardous material technician, rescue specialist, building and code administrator, property maintenance inspector and currently a candidate for certification as a fire officer III.

He started his fire safety career in Hazel Crest. Bettenhausen holds a bachelor's degree in fire science management and a master's degree in public safety administration.

The Village Board also approved a resolution to begin construction on an addition to Village Hall. According to Village Administrator J Wynsma, a conference room and 1,000 square feet of office space will be added.

The project begins Monday and is scheduled to be completed by March 30.

In other action, the board sold the property at 16025 Evans Avenue to Restoration Ministries for a nominal fee.

Restoration Ministries is a nonprofit group that helps people through the rehabilitation process. The property will be used for housing.