SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 416

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased 
to recognize Karnes County and to proclaim March 24, 2003, 
Karnes County Day at the State Capitol; and
	WHEREAS, In 1758, as part of a Royal Spanish Land Grant, 
the area now known as Karnes County became the site of the first 
ranch in Texas, and by 1776, a small Spanish Presidio had been 
established on the land; and
	WHEREAS, The historic city of Panna Maria was settled 
in Karnes County by Polish families in the mid 1800s and is 
considered the oldest Polish Catholic colony in America; early 
settlers established the well-known Panna Maria Immaculate 
Conception Catholic Church there; and
	WHEREAS, Karnes County is located on the rolling coastal 
plains halfway between Austin and Corpus Christi; and
	WHEREAS, The county's fertile agricultural lands support 
grain, wild game and cattle production; an oil and gas industry, 
fiberglass manufacturing, and grain milling are also local 
enterprises; and
	WHEREAS, Kenedy, the largest city in the county, is an 
economic center for the surrounding agricultural area; other 
major towns include Karnes City, the county seat, Falls City, 
and Runge; and
	WHEREAS, Polish, German, Czech, and Mexican cultures have 
intermingled in the county and provide a unique heritage and 
environment that residents celebrate through annual festivities; 
and
	WHEREAS, The people of Karnes County are proud to live in a 
progressive community with a rich Texas history; now, therefore, 
be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
78th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the residents of this 
great county and wholeheartedly welcome the Karnes County 
delegation to the State Capitol; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
Karnes County residents as an expression of esteem from the 
Texas Senate.
                                                                       Zaffirini




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 24, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate