Joe, Did you make that trip with the bus and chicken? It looks like about 200 mi. one way to Springfield from your place. I think your problem came from someone in the state records department not doing their job. You can't blame the Cop if you had been the bad guy he would be getting praised! (extra donuts)
When you go on a fun trip like that do you always take the toad?
If I read your story correctly it was your license that was pulled, if so your lucky you didn't get pulled over with a load of rocks in your truck and no wife there to assist.