TITLE: Recognizing February 5, 2013, as Howard County Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing February 5, 2013, as Howard County Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join the citizens of Howard County in celebrating February 5, 2013, as Howard County Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Situated between the Edwards Plateau and the Caprock Escarpment, Howard County is home to scenic towns like Big Spring, Coahoma, and Forsan; its history is rich with agricultural, industrial, and energy success stories; and WHEREAS, During the late 19th century, the Howard County seat of Big Spring grew out of a settlement of buffalo hunters; the town of Coahoma developed along the Texas and Pacific Railway in the 1880s and became a trading center; Forsan was founded during the oil boom of the 1920s; and WHEREAS, Howard County also played a significant role during World War II; it was home to the Big Spring Army Air Corps Bombardier School and trained over 5,000 men; today the Hangar 25 Air Museum and the Heritage Museum celebrate the area's past; and WHEREAS, Big Spring's newly created historic district has spurred the renovation of several beloved sites; after 30 years of darkened halls and shuttered doors, the historic Settles Hotel has reopened; the county welcomes new forms of energy production, and the region's McMahon-Wrinkle Airport was recently expanded; and WHEREAS, Howard County also serves the region as a hub of health care and educational institutions, among them a veterans hospital and a state mental health facility; Howard College and the Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf continue to thrive and attract students to the region; and WHEREAS, Set on the fabled West Texas High Plains, Howard County also draws nature lovers; hikers trek the pathways of Big Spring State Park, Comanche Trail Park, and Moss Lake to take in the sweeping vistas; and WHEREAS, This majestic landscape has deeply shaped the citizens of Howard County; they may take justifiable pride in their ongoing legacy of generosity, stewardship, and commercial and agricultural innovation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend the citizens of Howard County and extend to them best wishes for a memorable Howard County Day at the State Capitol; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for them as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Seliger President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 5, 2013.