88R22927 AMB-D
 
  By: Clardy H.R. No. 1057
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Residents of Panola County are gathering in Austin
  on April 12, 2023, 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 Texas Legislature officially created Panola
  County on March 30, 1846, 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
  agricultural 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
  Lake Murvaul; and
         WHEREAS, Panola County's rich heritage is recognized by
  nearly 60 Texas Historical Commission markers; the 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, Named a National Main Street City in Texas, Carthage
  is also home to Panola College and the historic Esquire Theater,
  which hosts the Country Music Hayride live music show; other
  popular events taking place in the county seat include the Piney
  Woods Quilt Festival in April, the annual Classic Country Music
  Festival Weekend in August, and Potlatch, an art, food, and music
  festival that takes place in the fall; and
         WHEREAS, The citizens of Panola County take great pride in
  their rich history as they work together to build an even brighter
  future, and it is indeed fitting to honor them for their unique
  contributions to the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature hereby recognize April 12, 2023, as Panola County Day
  at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting
  delegation.