Covington council to name acting mayor

COVINGTON, La. (AP) - The Covington City Council will officially appoint Council President Sam O'Keefe as acting mayor while Mayor Mike Cooper continues his recovery from emergency surgery.

Cooper underwent colon surgery Aug. 28. While successful, officials say he continues to recover at the hospital. He hopes to be discharged soon and to return to work at City Hall quickly.

As Hurricane Isaac approached, Cooper appointed as acting mayor for a week each O'Keefe and Director of Administration Gina Hayes.

The council, under its charter, must now appoint its presiding officer to the post, which it will do Tuesday. The appointment will last until Cooper is able to resume his duties. He will not be expected to manage daily operations at City Hall, but will serve in an executive capacity as needed.