Corporal Dwight Grooms of the Headland Police Department has been chosen as the Alabama Statewide Officer of the Year for his actions on April 24, 2009 in southern Henry County just east of Headland. Cpl Grooms was nominated for the award by Headland Police Chief Mark Jones for what he states was heroic and professional behavior during a shootout that left Officer Dexter Hammon dead and Henry County Sheriff's Deputy Ted Yost critically injured after Fred Davis opened fire on the officers in the Granberry Crossing Community.

“I thought about getting out, but I told my wife Dexter died for me,” Grooms said. “I got to thinking Dexter wouldn’t quit if I got killed. I’d rather have Dexter back than all the awards in the world.”

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Gov. Bob Riley has awarded nearly $1.4 million in grants for improvement projects in Ozark, Headland and Cottonwood. Riley awarded a $500,000 grant to Headland and a $399,586 grant to Cottonwood to improve sewer systems in those towns. A $488,476 grant to Ozark will fund a plan to revitalize one of the city’s main corridors. The three grants are part of the Community Development Block Grant program.

“In today’s difficult economy, there are many vital projects that local governments are unable to undertake without assistance,” Riley said. “I am pleased we are able to help these cities improve the quality of life for residents.”

Headland will replace a sewer line and pumping station serving about 735 households in the city’s central and north sections. Broken clay sewer lines and an undersized, outdated pumping system have contributed to sewage backup in the neighborhood, especially during heavy rains. Local funding of $141,946 has been pledged for the project.

A lot of work by a lot of people paid off Saturday morning as Headland first ever farmers’ market brought praise from organizers, vendors and attendees alike. “We were thrilled,” Amanda Mueller, farmers’ market chairman, said Monday morning. “It was a great event.”

Mrs. Mueller said she was told the event ranked as high as similar markets in Auburn and Dothan. “Overall, it was just fabulous… a huge success. We hope the vendors were happy.”

While saying the organizers would understand if there would be somewhat of a letdown following the first event, Mrs. Mueller promised work would continue to make sure Saturday’s level of excitement remains. “We will be rotating vendors to keep the products fresh,” she said. “We also will operate on Harvest Day and we have special Halloween events set.”