Your Opinion: 'No Trespassing' on former Renz Farm

Dear Editor:

This letter is meant to remind people that a "No Trespassing" sign on property means nobody is allowed on that property without permission of the owner. Would they like it if just anybody and everybody felt they should be able to come and go at will on their private property?

We have had extensive damage to the buildings and equipment and theft of several thousand dollars. The property to which I am referring is the Renz Prison property that my family purchased from the state of Missouri after the 1993 flood.

There is a gate at the entrance of the property on which a "No Trespassing" sign is posted. Another sign is posted when you turn in off of the Renz Farm road. Some people do park at the gate and walk in but others feel they can just drive around the gate in our field, cutting ruts and packing down the soil.

There are several pecan trees on the property. We do not appreciate anyone just feeling they can enter the property and pick up the pecans without permission each time. Recently three ladies carried 15 gallons of pecans out without our prior knowledge.

Parents question your teenagers. If they are going onto the property at night urge them to keep out or you may receive a call from the Callaway County sheriff that they have been charged with trespassing. Even if they are not responsible for theft or vandalism, they may be charged just because they are there.