Sheriff's Dispatch, Sept. 9, 2019

Hello Benton County

I hope you all enjoyed the Cole Camp Fair, it appeared to be another huge success! Thank you to all of those who make that possible. I'm sure no one really knows how much work and preparation it takes to bring off an endeavor of that size and have such a positive outcome.

I need to talk to you about "building" homemade trailers. The Sheriff's Office has been tasked with the job of inspecting all trailers now, whereas before, it was any trailer over 16 feet. 16 feet and under was previously inspected by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

It is my desire to save you money and heartache. Out of every five trailers that are brought to me for inspection, at least one does not fit the homemade trailer category. So here it goes; a "homemade trailer" must be constructed completely by your hand with materials bought and paid for by you. You need to have receipts for that material if there is any doubt as to the original origin of your "homemade" trailer. During these inspections I see a lot of old, factory-built boat trailers that are re-purposed into various other forms of trailers. Usually small utility trailers for hauling ATV's or side by sides.

These rules are in place due to the number of trailers being stolen and sold to unsuspecting buyers. No VIN, No buy! That deal that is too good to be true, usually is. Folks, a good rule of thumb is, if it's ever been titled or licensed in the past, stay away from it! Unless of course the seller can produce a good clear title with their name on the front and no lien holder. If there is a lien holder, the title will need to be accompanied by a lien release. In which case you will not need an inspection, just a visit to your friendly neighborhood licensing office.

Please follow my advice and make sure you have everything in place. If you deviate from what I'm telling you, and you show up here at the office, you're going be mad at me. If you have any questions feel free to call me at the office, 660-438-6135 or on my cell phone, 660-428-5155.

Thank you,

Sheriff Knox