SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 621
         WHEREAS, Residents of Panola County are gathering in
  Austin on April 12, 2011, to celebrate Panola County Day at the
  State Capitol; and
         WHEREAS, Located in northeastern Texas and forming part of
  the state's border with Louisiana, Panola County covers more than
  800 square miles of forests and rolling plains and is traversed
  by the Sabine River; the area experienced a land rush in the 1830s
  as settlers arrived from the southern United States; on March 30,
  1846, the Texas Legislature officially created Panola County,
  and two years later, voters chose Carthage as the county seat;
  and
         WHEREAS, It is believed that Judge John Allison, a
  prominent civic leader, suggested the name Panola, which may be
  derived from the Cherokee word for cotton, ponolo; the area's
  rich soil was well-suited to the crop, and cotton became the
  county's main cash product; today, Panola County enjoys a
  diversified economy, primarily based in oil and gas production,
  agriculture, food processing, and timber; the lush forests also
  make the county a popular destination for hiking, birding, and
  camping enthusiasts, while anglers enjoy the good fishing waters
  of Martin Creek Lake and Murvaul Lake; and
         WHEREAS, Home to nearly 50 Texas Historical Commission
  markers, Panola County was the birthplace of several notable
  Texans, including Margie Elizabeth Neal, the first woman elected
  to serve in the Texas Senate, and country music stars Tex Ritter
  and Jim Reeves; a museum dedicated to Mr. Ritter and a memorial
  devoted to Mr. Reeves are located in Carthage, as is the Texas
  Country Music Hall of Fame, which honors the legacies of both of
  these men, along with other country music legends from the state;
  and
         WHEREAS, Carthage, which has been named a National Main
  Street City in Texas for 2011, is also home to the historic
  Esquire Theater, which plays host to the Country Music Hayride
  every Saturday night; other popular events taking place in the
  county seat include the Piney Woods Quilt Festival in April and
  the East Texas Oil and Gas Blast in October, which features live
  music, a car show, and arts and crafts; and
         WHEREAS, The citizens of Panola County have long made an
  important contribution to the Lone Star State, and it is most
  fitting that they be honored on this special day; now, therefore,
  be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
  Legislature, hereby recognize April 12, 2011, as Panola County
  Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation
  sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful visit to
  Austin.
  Eltife
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on March 23, 2011.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate