It's probably going to experience what us appraisers call a loss in value.

I might have mentioned once or twice that I was/am an auctioneer. I haven't called a sale in a while, and I really find myself wanting to get back in practice. I went to auction school in 1989 to take part in the family business, and while I might whine or groan about having to move furniture, I really can't complain about the experience.

In addition to the auction business, I used to assist with or do personal property appraisals. From well over a decade in the aution business, I could tell people what something would generally bring at sale in an auction. If I hadn't sold something like it myself, I could generally figure out the value an item. And I wasn't that bad at it.

Now, when something becomes damaged, it's going to be worth less than it might have been if it were in mint condition. That's a pretty basic principle of merchandise. What brings this up? Well, a news story tonight would seem to make me believe that someone over at the SDDP is going to experience a loss in value on an item they were trying to auction off several months ago.

Remember this thing? The South Dakota Democrats Poster as personally autographed by Willie Nelson. As I related on my blog when they auctioned it this time last year:

The SDDP Auction for the "Monumental Blue" Willie Nelson print is over and at $202.50 - the item did not meet the reserve price.

So, at $202.50, it wasn't worth it to them to get rid of it. In fact, you can still see it here on their website. But, as a result of recent events, I think they should have taken the money and run. Because as you'll read tonight in the Rapidcityjournal.com that mural's reputation might now be a little tainted:

Willie Nelson and four others were issued misdemeanor citations for possession of narcotic mushrooms and marijuana after a traffic stop Monday morning on a Louisiana highway, state police said.

The citations were issued after a commercial vehicle inspection of the country music star's tour bus, state police said in a news release.

"When the door was opened and the trooper began to speak to the driver, he smelled the strong odor of marijuana," the news release said. A search of the bus produced 1 1/2 pounds of marijuana and 0.2 pounds of narcotic mushrooms, according to state police.

Oops. Somehow, I think with his arrest for marijuana and 'shrooms, I'm not so sure donors are going to be so eager to shell out cash for an item signed by Willie.

Better put that one back in the vault for a few years.