Marshall’s board of aldermen voted to close the tag office. The rural office was closed the last time I paid a visit because the person who worked there was ill. The majority of aldermen felt the office had been a money hole. Alderwoman Betty Wild, however, argued, “We take taxes; they pay for that.”

Now, Marshall has a reputation for being a funny kind of town, run by a boss. The locals tell of a murder that was committed on the steps of the courthouse not too many years ago, in broad daylight, with no witnesses. The news story continues, “Mary Ponder, who runs the tag office and is the mayor’s ex-wife, said she thinks the office will not close.”

If that isn’t weird enough, the article advertises for “individuals” interested in operating a state license plate agency in the area.