Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Courtesy: Chuck Shipman
The Hood County Commissioners Court this week gave unanimous approval to an effort to rename part of State Highway 144 after Ed Shipman, who with his wife Gloria founded Happy Hill Farm and positively impacted many children.
Happy Hill Farm, now called North Central Texas Academy, is located at 3846 State Highway 144 on a 500-acre working farm.
The Shipmans launched their effort to provide children with quality education in a loving family environment out of a mobile home in Granbury in 1975, one year after the couple took in two teenage girls who had fled a bad home situation.
Shipman passed away in 2016 at 83.
Today, NCTA is a fully-accredited, comprehensive, academic program and boarding school serving more than 175 students in grades K-12, according to its website. Supported by scholarships, boys and girls live on the campus year-round in small group homes overseen by house parents. Students have opportunities to participate in FFA and 4-H programs and are “encouraged to develop strong character and a deep personal faith.”
Precinct 2 Commissioner Nannette Samuelson placed on the agenda for Tuesday’s regular court meeting consideration of a resolution in support of House Bill 2835, a proposal by State Rep. DeWayne Burns to designate a portion of State Highway 144 as the Ed Shipman Memorial Highway. Burns, a Republican, represents District 58, which includes Somervell County.
The county judge and commissioners watched a brief video testimonial about Shipman and heard details about the highway initiative from two people who knew him, Tim Bolton and Eva Royer.
Royer said the bill has the support of State Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, and State Rep. Shelby Slawson, R-Stephenville, who represents District 59. Hood County is in that district.
When an audience member expressed the view that Gloria is also deserving, Bolton stated that the intention is for Gloria to receive the honor in memory of her late husband with her name being added upon her passing.
A joint resolution involving the commissioners courts in Hood and Somervell counties is planned for a later date, but the Hood County Commissioners Court adopted its own resolution for now to show the Legislature that it supports HB 2835.
If the bill is adopted, the portion of 144 that will be renamed is the stretch between U.S. Highway 67 and Mitchell Bend Highway. The new name would take effect Sept. 1.
