Donations, interest in memorial are growing

BENTON -- The Scott City Veterans of Foreign Wars post has raised the bar for donations toward the renovation and update of Scott County's war memorial.

During their regular meeting Tuesday, Scott County commissioners said they received a $200 donation earlier Tuesday from the VFW post in Scott City.

Joe Bles, commander of the Scott City VFW, "challenges all other VFWs to do the same," Commissioner Jamie Burger said.

Commissioner Dennis Ziegenhorn and County Developer Joel Evans also both reported having received donations from individuals for the memorial.

In addition to restoring the monument, the project includes adding the names of Scott County residents killed in action during the nation's wars. The memorial currently only lists veterans killed in action during World War I.

"I've got several phone calls from families who have lost family members," Evans said.

Regarding the prisoner of war/missing in action seals proposed for either end of the memorial, Burger said, "I don't know that they need to be bronze."

He suggested a plaque that uses the POW/MIA flag colors. "I don't think that hurts anything for that to stand out," Burger said.

Evans suggested the renovation committee could look into minting some commemorative coins.

"I think it will build some long-term interest in the monument," he said.

Burger said he would like Evans to research the wording of the original dedication ceremony for the memorial.

The next meeting for the war memorial renovation committee is scheduled for 6 p.m. July 10 at the courthouse.

Donations for the Scott County War Memorial Fund may be sent in care of the Scott County treasurer, P.O. Box 278, Benton, MO 63736.

Questions and suggestions regarding the renovation can be submitted to the committee by e-mail at info@scottcountymo.com or by calling 573-545

-3549.