By Johnson H.R. No. 589 74R9413 KMP-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, On April 12, 1995, the Texas House of 1-2 Representatives will join with the residents of Shelby County in 1-3 paying tribute to one of our state's most remarkable areas; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Situated in the Piney Woods of East Texas, Shelby 1-5 County was first settled in 1818 and was created by the Congress of 1-6 the Republic of Texas in 1836; named in honor of Isaac Shelby, a 1-7 distinguished military hero from Tennessee who served in the 1-8 Revolutionary War, this beautiful county has made many significant 1-9 contributions to the Lone Star State; and 1-10 WHEREAS, With its wealth of natural and historical resources, 1-11 this East Texas county is a favorite of visitors from around the 1-12 state, many of whom come to see the county courthouse in Center and 1-13 other unique historical buildings that grace the area; Shelby 1-14 County draws crowds throughout the year for its many cultural 1-15 events, ranging from the annual chili cookoff to the frontier days 1-16 celebration held each July; and 1-17 WHEREAS, Blessed with some of the most enchanting lakes and 1-18 majestic forests in the State of Texas, such as the Toledo Bend 1-19 Reservoir and the Sabine National Forest, Shelby County offers a 1-20 wide variety of outdoor activities to both residents and visitors, 1-21 including hunting, fishing, camping, and birdwatching; the area 1-22 also boasts a unique foxhound cemetery, Boles Field, which is 1-23 federally recognized and has earned international interest; and 1-24 WHEREAS, In addition to its bountiful natural resources, 2-1 Shelby County enjoys great success as an important agricultural 2-2 producer of timber, beef cattle, and vegetables; known as the 2-3 "Poultry Capital of the World" for its leadership in egg and 2-4 poultry production, the county is home to the annual East Texas 2-5 Poultry Festival; and 2-6 WHEREAS, Shelby County can look forward to a bright economic 2-7 future, enjoying a prosperous and diverse economy based on commerce 2-8 and industry as well as on agriculture, silviculture, and tourism; 2-9 the residents of the county have welcomed many national 2-10 corporations to the area and today contribute to our state's 2-11 growing economy while still enjoying the amenities of life in 2-12 small-town Texas; and 2-13 WHEREAS, The citizens of this East Texas county may take 2-14 great pride in their excellent public school system, in the rapidly 2-15 expanding Shelby College Center, and in the EnviroKids program at 2-16 the C. H. Daniels Intermediate School, whose participants have won 2-17 first place at the state level and fourth place at the 2-18 international level for their outstanding work in promoting 2-19 environmental awareness and protection; and 2-20 WHEREAS, Another local organization for young area residents, 2-21 the Shelby County 4-H Rough Rider Precision Riding Team, has won 2-22 first place in the state for 17 years, while the Rough Rider Drill 2-23 Team has taken the state title for 11 years; and 2-24 WHEREAS, Shelby County is indeed one of our state's most 2-25 notable counties, and the efforts of its residents merit special 2-26 legislative recognition and praise; now, therefore, be it 2-27 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 3-1 Legislature hereby recognize April 12, 1995, as Shelby County Day 3-2 at the State Capitol and join with the citizens of Shelby County in 3-3 paying tribute to one of the Lone Star State's most beautiful 3-4 areas; and, be it further 3-5 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 3-6 prepared for Shelby County as an expression of high regard by the 3-7 Texas House of Representatives.