Dustin Yates Is First Mayor of St. George

After years of suspense, the new City of St. George finally has a new Mayor, Police Chief, and five members of the City Council.  

In ceremonies Monday evening, June 10 at Woodlawn Baptist Church, Court of Appeal Judge Hunter Greene swore in new St. George Mayor Dustin Yates, City Councilmen-at-Large Richie Edmonds and Patty Cook, and District Councilmen Steven Monachello, Ryan Heck, and Max Himmel.

New St. George Police Chief Todd Morris was sworn in by District Attorney Hillar Moore.

The new city officials were appointed by Gov. Jeff Landry to serve until their successors can be chosen in a special election.

Steven Monachello retired in 2018 from a career in criminal justice with over 40 years of service. He began as a full-time deputy with East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. 

Ryan Heck served as a member of the Metro Council from 2012 to 2016. He is an entrepreneur and an investor in a number of startups. 

Max Himmel started Himmel Architectural Door and Hardware Company in 1973. 

Richie Edmonds is a community leader and owner of Vertical Construction. 

Patty Cook is a substitute teacher at the LSU Lab School and past office manager for LA PTA.