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me Birth of a City
Diamondhead is officially incorporated
BY JACE PONDER Staff Writer
Diamondhead officially became Mississippi's newest city - the 111 th - on Monday when Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann issued the municipalities Charter of Incorporation to interim Mayor Charles "Chuck" Ingraham.
"I can't say enough about how happy I am that this day has finally come." Ingraham said. "We are blessed with an extraordinary community."
The incorporation ceremony was held in the Diamondhead Country Club in front of a packed house. About 340 chairs were filled and dozens of people lined the walls and overflowed into the hallway.
Diamondhead's road to incorporation began 2008. After a delay due to a judge's death 'and a subsequent series of appeals, the Mississippi
Echo staff photos by Jace Ponder
Diamondhead City Councilman Dalton Roberson, right, on Monday presents Mayor Chuck Ingraham with a ceremonial gavel just minutes after Sec. of State Delbert Hosemann swore in the new city government. Below: The new Diamondhead City Council includes, from left, Ernest Knobloch; Dianne Ackerman; Henry Holcomb; Mayor Chuck Ingraham; Ronald Rech; and Dalton Roberson.
Supreme Court affirmed incorporation in October 2011. The court denied a
motion for rehearing last month and cleared the way for the city to form.
Judge Sandy Steckler issued the Oaths of Office to Ingraham and the interim council members Diane Ackerman, Henry Holcomb, Ernest Knobloch, Ronald Rech and Dalton Roberson.
Ingraham said he and the council would strive to foster unity.
"We will put aside the us-and-them and join together to pull the plow with enthusiasm in the same direction," he said. "Now the time has come to join our time, talent and treasure.to grow the City of Diamondhead."
• See CITY Page 6A