Cape Girardeau County Commission reimburses two POWs for property taxes

Cape Girardeau County commissioners presented two former World War II prisoners of war with reimbursement checks for their 2010 real estate property taxes in accordance with Amendment 2.

The amendment, which passed 1,227,297 votes to 639,065 votes in November, exempts former POWs with 100 percent service-connected disability from paying taxes on their homestead.

Presiding Commissioner Clint Tracy said Edward M. Bender and Harry A. Clough were true American heroes and that he was proud to be presenting them with not only reimbursement checks but with resolutions thanking them for their service and sacrifice. Bender and Clough are the first Cape Girardeau County residents to apply for and receive the exemption.

Bender flew B-17s for the Air Force before being captured by Germans in April 1944. He spent a year and four days in several prisoner camps in Germany and Poland.

He now lives in Cape Girardeau and said he was quite pleased to be receiving the resolution and check.

Clough was with the Army in October 1944 when he was captured by the Germans. He spent almost seven months as a prisoner of war in Munich, Germany, at Stalag VII-A.

The Jackson man brought the various medals and awards he received during his service and said it was "real nice" for the commission to be honoring him and Bender.

Clough's wife, Betty, said the reimbursement check is appreciated and will really help.

Bender and Clough, as well as others that qualify under Amendment 2, will have to reapply for their exemption every year at the county collector's office. Collector Diane Diebold said those who wish to apply or think they may qualify can contact her at 243-4476.

Also at Monday's meeting:

• Commissioners approved the exchange of $160,000 worth of soft match credits to Butler County in exchange for $80,000.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

243-8600

Pertinent address:

1 Barton Square, Jackson, MO