SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 136
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
  welcome the residents of Panola County and to recognize February
  7, 2017, as 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 on oil and gas production,
  agriculture, food processing, and timber; the lush forests 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
  dedicated 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, as well as other country music legends from the state;
  the hall of fame also hosts the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame
  Show and John Ritter Tribute Showcase every August; and
         WHEREAS, Carthage, which was named a 2014 National Main
  Street City in Texas, 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
  important contributions 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, 85th
  Legislature, hereby recognize the residents of Panola County on
  Panola County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting
  delegation sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful
  visit to Austin.
  Hughes
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on February 7, 2017.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate