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Headland has made the Safewise list of Safest Cities in Alabama. This year we have placed near the top at #3!
Thanks to everyone who works to keep our city safe including, but not limited to Headland Police Department Chief Mark D. Jones, the Henry County Sheriff's Department and Henry County E911.
According to Safewise.com
- 90% of the safest cities limited violent crime to less than two incidents per 1,000 people.
- Alabama’s statewide property crime rate is 39.37 incidents per 1,000 people, compared to just 27.11 nationwide.
- Property crime ranges from 32 incidents to 1,280 among the cities on our list, with nearly 50% reporting more than 500 property crimes.
- Property crime is the biggest safety concern in Alabama, according to our State of Safety study.
- 16% of Alabama respondents experienced a property crime in the past year—which is the same as the national average.
- Having a home break-in was cited as the top property crime concern, with 61% worried about a break-in when they’re not at home and 60% scared of a break-in when they’re at home asleep.
You can read more on the SafeWise about the safest cities in Alabama HERE.
New Emergency Broadcast System for the Square in Downtown Headland
City of Headland and Headland Area Chamber of Commerce representatives met Friday, March 29, 2019
Combined efforts from the Headland Public Safety Department and the Headland Area Chamber of Commerce will be bringing an Emergency Broadcast System to Downtown Headland. Chief Mark Jones worked with the EMA and received a grant to cover the cost of the system. This system will enhance public safety on the Square, especially during Downtown events. Potential ways to utilize the system are to broadcast emergency alerts to event attendees, severe weather alerts, and assisting in communications with patrons on the square. The installation of the system is planned for Summer of 2019.
The Headland High School Marching Band participated in the 2019 Alabama Inauguration Parade held in Montgomery, Alabama on January 15, 2019.
https://www.headlandalabama.org/community/news/96-latest-news?layout=*#sigProIdd2177ddfa5
The community comes together each year for several events throughout the holiday season. The Tree Lighting kicked off the Christmas Season on November 27, 2018. Temperatures dipped into the 40s that day, but it did not stop the show. Mayor Ray Marler addressed the crowd gathered in the square and started the countdown for the Christmas Tree draped in lights. The Headland Elementary Kindergarteners, like each year, stole the show. They dazzled on lookers with their sweet faces and songs. As a final act, they decorated the tree with hand-made snow man ornaments. The evening entertainment also included the Headland High School Band and the Circle City Music Studio Voice and Piano Students.
The Headland Area Chamber of Commerce had their Sundown Cinema later that week on November 29, 2018. This year they featured "The Star," an animated movie about Jesus' birth. The Chamber sold popcorn, hot chocolate and cold beverages to guests at their "concession stand." Movie goers enjoyed the night under the stars and the refreshments. With approximately 150 in attendance, this winter's Sundown Cinema was a huge success!
Photos of the Christmas Parade
Thank you to Joyce Simmons and her amazing team in the City's Beautification Department
for making the Square in Downtown Headland shine with Christmas Spirit.
Join the City of Headland's Fall Baseball league. Teams will be available for ages 8U, 10U, 12U.
This is a great way to stay conditioned and ready for the 2019 baseball season.
Registration September 17th - September 24th @ City Hall 8:00AM - 4:00PM
There will be no draft. The teams will be divided equally by the number of participants in each age group.
If you would be willing to help coach please contact Michael Roland at mjrroland@gmail.com.
Download the Registration form here: 2018_Fall_Baseball_Registration.pdf
Michele W. Forehand August 30, 2018 - Dothan Eagle
Photo by Jay Hare
For years the Headland Police Department has reached out to help students make the right decisions with regard to peer pressure.
“We have a new school year under way and our department is going to have a busy year,” said Headland Police Chief Mark Jones. “My goal is to show each child the dangers associated with peer pressure. Those dangers are more than alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. Those dangers include gangs, firearms, and bullying. I believe it is important to reach out to every child. Each child is important, and children are our future. So, it is our job to make sure they are educated on what to do and what not to do when it comes to peer pressure.”
The Headland Police Department offers different educational programs to students in elementary school, middle school, and high school. The programs are under the instruction of Lt. Dennis Cobb.
Cobb has taught the D.A.R.E. (drug abuse resistance education) program for more than 24 years. The D.A.R.E. program allows Cobb to educate the students on the dangers associated with drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and includes a special section for students that addresses bullying.
Join the Headland P.D.
The Headland Police Department has an open position for a Police Officer, Invesigator. Please, see the job description below and contact information.
Certified Police Officer
Full-time
Headland Police Department
Position Title: Lateral Police Officer
Position Type: Police
Closing Date: Until Position Filled
Job Description
The Headland Police Department is looking for individuals who are already certified as Alabama Law Enforcement Officers to join our department. Qualified candidates will attend a 1 to 2 week familiarization within The Headland Police Department then be placed directly into the FTO program. APPLICANT MUST ALREADY BE CERTIFIED IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.
Additional Information
We are seeking women and men who have character and competence and are interested in serving the Headland community. We welcome your interest in our department and wish you luck in the selection process.
Responsibilities: The City of Headland is currently seeking to fill open Police Officer (Investigator) position. Duties include patrolling designated areas of the City to preserve law and order and to prevent the commission of crime, responding to general public service calls, investigating misdemeanor and felony complaints, and enforcing state and municipal laws as well as traffic ordinances. An officer must be able to maintain good working relationships with citizens and actively promote police / community relations. An officer will be required to do a variety of technical and administrative functions that serve the public and the police department. An element of danger is associated with the position and an officer will be subjected to extreme, adverse, and stressful conditions. Work is supervised, but officers must be able to function independently for most of the workday.
Qualifications: Applicants must be an Alabama Certified Police Officer with ONE year post-graduation experience. Applicants must be in good standing with the Alabama Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training. Final candidates will be required to pass an extensive background investigation. A physical ability test may be required.
BENEFITS:
Health, Dental Insurance, Vacation, Holiday Pay, State Retirement
Minimum Job Requirements
•Age 21
•Education High School Diploma / GED Required
•Experience 1+ years
Applications may picked up in person at Headland Judicial Building 9 Park Street, Headland, AL
Interested Applicants should contact Chief Mark Jones or Captain Scott Langley at 334-693-2222
Rams Football Gets Started Next Week
Coach Raines is ready to lead the Rams in this year's season. Headland starts the season at Straughn and plays Highland for the first home game on August 31, 2018. See the great team of athletes that make up the Ram's Roster.
2018 Schedule
Aug. 24 at Straughn
Aug. 31 Highland Home
Sept. 7 at B. T. Washington *
Sept. 14 Trinity *
Sept. 21 Off
Sept. 28 Pike Road
Oct. 5 at Alabama Christian *
Oct. 12 Ashford *
Oct. 19 at Dale County *
Oct. 26 Montgomery Catholic *
Nov. 2 at Abbeville
*Regional Game
Michele W. ForehandHeadland prepares for 47th annual Harvest Day Festival
Photo Courtesy of Adrienne Wilkins
The Headland Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Harvest Day Festival is set for Saturday, Oct. 13, with opening ceremonies beginning at 9 a.m. around the town square.
“Last year our festival brought thousands of residents and visitors to downtown Headland and this year will be no different,” said Headland Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rhonda Harrison. “Actually, we expect this year’s event to be even larger because of Headland participating in the Making Alabama--A Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit in celebration of Alabama becoming a state 200 years ago.”
The day-long event will be filled with various vendors offering a variety of arts and crafts, children’s games, rides, food, car show and entertainment.
Vendor spots are filling fast, but spots are still available, Harrison said.
“We received several requests from new vendors this year,” Harrison said. “Everyone is excited about this very special Harvest Day Festival. It’s not very often we can all come together for a great festival and celebrate not only our state’s birthday, but Henry County’s birthday as well.”
Vendors are urged to register now. Vendors will be responsible for furnishing their own tents for their booth. Set-up time will be from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Space rental fee information is available on the chamber’s website www.headlandal.com.
“The Harvest Day Festival is a great way for vendors to display their items, as well as a great day to do some early holiday shopping,” Harrison said.
Several other activities will be scheduled leading up to the Oct. 13 festival.
City of Headland Soccer Season Begins!
First and second children are $35 each and each additional child is FREE.
For Questions please contact City Hall at 334-785-5601.
Headland Dixie Youth Allstars to go to World Series
The City of Headland honored our Dixie 12U Allstars with a send off fit for champions. The team and coaches rode into the Square in Downtown Headland on top of a fire engine complete with lights and sirens. The local champions were greeted by family, friends, and neighbors on July 31, 2018 in celebration of their victory.
Mayor Ray Marler addressed the crowd and the team before honoring each team member and coach with a City of Headland Medal. "We thank you very much for representing our city and bringing back this trophy as the 2018 State Champions," Mayor Marler told the team. In addition to the hard work these talented athletes put in, the city appreciates the coaches and parents for their dedication.
As of publication, the Headland Allstar team has made it through the first round of games at the World Series in Lumberton, North Carolina.
Headland to Kick-off County Wide 200 Celebration
Henry County, Alabama Bicentennial is the hot topic for conversation these days. The Headland Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Headland, has put Headland on the map as a stop for the Alabama Bicentennial 200 Celebration Traveling Exhibit.
The traveling exhibit is the starting point for a year-long, county-wide celebration as Henry County turns 200 on December 13, 2019, one day before the state. Representatives from Headland and Abbeville have come together to organize the festivities. Organizers and volunteers had the opportunity to share the news at the Connect @Lunch hosted by the Abbeville Chamber of Commerce on August 2nd.
Pictured: Mayor Ray Marler, Headland Area Chamber of Commerce President Luke Stevens, Headland Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rhonda Harrison, Guest Speaker Dr. Marty Olliff, Abbeville Chamber of Commerce President Jamie Johnson, Abbeville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Judge David Money, Mayor James Giganti Jr.
The fun begins with a Ribbon Cutting and Reception at the Blanche Solomon Library in Downtown Headland on October 4, 2018 for the Alabama 200 exhibit. Headland will be the host for the kick-off to the celebration which will be tied into Headland’s renowned Harvest Festival. Harvest Festival events include the 5K Harvest Run, Headland Municipal Airport’s Fly-In, Harvest Festival Pageant and wrapping up with Harvest Day, which will be on October 13, 2018.
Headland and Abbeville will be host to events leading up to the Birthday Bash to be held in Abbeville on December 13, 2019. Many groups, businesses and volunteers will be involved in helping Henry County shine. Keep an eye out for our event “Past Ports” and more news and information will be available online at facebook.com/henrycountyal200.
Kayla Rutledge Jul 19, 2018 Updated 16 hrs ago
PHOTO COURTESY OF PETE CREWS
On approach to Headland Municipal Airport
Headland Municipal Airport will soon see a new taxiway as part of a package of more than $25 million in Federal Aviation Administration grants.
U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby announced July 19 that $25,517,940 worth of grants will be distributed among local airports throughout the state for improvements and new structures, with $990,000 awarded to the Headland Municipal Airport, which could spur economic growth in the area.
“These FAA grants support critical projects that aim to improve safety, security, and efficiency of airports across the state,” said Shelby. “Airport infrastructure plays a vital role in economic growth and development in Alabama, and I look forward to the progress that will stem from these grants.”
At the moment, the runway at Headland Municipal Airport also serves as a taxiway for the roughly 75 to 80 flights that takeoff and land at the airport daily.
“It makes things difficult and much slower at the airport because every time we utilize the runway as a taxiway it has to be closed off from any other aircrafts until it’s cleared. And that’s quite a process,” said Headland Airport Director Pete Crews.
Kayla Rutledge Jul 6, 2018 - The Dothan Eagle
At Headland’s Farmer’s Market, the watermelon seed spitting competition, which seems like a light-hearted contest, was anything but child’s play this year.
The competition has been held annually at the market for the last eight years and according to County Extension Coordinator for Henry County Jimmy Jones, the competition helps retain customers during the “July lull”.
The lull happens just after Independence Day, when community members and those nearby take vacations to escape the heat.
“More than the lull though, (the competition) helps connect people to farmers and food they can trust,” Jones said. “They know they’re getting food that has been taken care of here, and folks come from all around for the competition. When they show up they see the vendors and almost always take something home with them.”
Recently, customers have found a company called Doxo.com that allows customers to make payments to many companies including The City of Headland Water Department. A link to their site also comes up when customers do a search for City of Headland Water online bill payment. If the customer is not careful to select our actual website, they could easily select the Doxo.com payment site. While Doxo seems to be a legitimate company, The City of Headland has not solicited or partnered with this company to take payments for our customers.
We DO NOT recommend that customers of the City of Headland use this third party payment site for their bill payment. Doxo charges fees per transactions, but worse yet, the payments are not immediately posted to the customer’s account, which can result in a delinquent notice or a complete disruption of service.
The City of Headland would like to advise customers to only use our website for payments to us. This link can be easily accessed by clicking on the “Payclix” logo on the right side of the page.
mwatson@dothaneagle.com Jan 3, 2018
MICHELE W. FOREHAND/DOTHAN EAGLE
Mayor Ray Marler looks over plans related to 2018 goals for the city of Headland.
With a year of significant accomplishment behind them, Headland officials now turn their focus to challenges of a new year.
“We ended 2017 on a positive note,” said Mayor Ray Marler. “The Land Water Conservation Fund Project that targeted the water system improvements in certain areas of our city has been completed. This was a major improvement for more than 500 residents. We also completed many improvements at Douglas Park, thanks to receiving the Community Development Block Grant.”
All Headland residents and guests visiting the park are now able to enjoy an updated playground area and a resurfaced basketball and tennis court, Marler said.
With 2018 looking to be another busy year for Headland, Marler and city council members are determined to keep moving Headland forward.
It was a beautiful night at Douglas Park as thousands of spectators gathered for the City of Headland Independence Day Fireworks! The fireworks lasted about 25 minutes and everyone enjoyed it immensely!
The City of Headland wishes to thank the sponsors who supported this annual event.
- MDI
- Headland Area Chamber of Commerce
- SEAGD
- HNB First Bank
- Donald Smith Company
- PeoplesSouth Bank
- Wiregrass Construction
- Polyengineering, Inc.
- BWSC, Inc.
https://www.headlandalabama.org/community/news/96-latest-news?layout=*#sigProId69a50cf6ba
The First Baptist Church of Headland celebrated their 150th Anniversary on April 23, 2017. From a small beginning of 8 founding members in April of 1867 at 1 Cleveland Street in Headland, the First Baptist Church as grown to over 1,100+ members!
The following is a brief history of the church.
Our Heritage
The First Baptist Church of Headland was organized in the early part of 1867 as The Baptist Church of Christ at Bethlehem with an enrollment of eight members. The Church was admitted to the Judson Association as Beulah Church in the same year. The Rev. Thomas Scott was the first pastor and Bro. William Whitehead was the first deacon. J. S. Kirkland was the first member to be received for baptism after the church organized; he then served as the first church clerk.
Read more: The First Baptist Church of Headland Celebrates It's 150th Anniversary