HR542 - Recognizing March 11, 2025, as Panola County Day at the State Capitol.

      H.R. No. 542       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, Residents of Panola County are gathering in Austin   on March 11, 2025, 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, 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 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 89th Texas   Legislature hereby recognize March 11, 2025, as Panola County Day   at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting   delegation.     Shofner     ______________________________   Speaker of the House                 I certify that H.R. No. 542 was adopted by the House on March   31, 2025, by a non-record vote.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House