Diamond, Mo., residents restore snowmen after vandalism

DIAMOND, Mo. — Residents in southwest Missouri built two snowmen in a symbol of unity after a local school district’s snowman constructed of hay bales burned down.

The Joplin Globe reported the Diamond School District’s Frosty the Snowman burned Friday night. Diamond High School principal Don Epps said firefighters quickly put out the fire, but the loss of hay was valued at about $500.

Epps said residents were upset by the alleged vandalism and decided to put up two snowmen in response, to show the community’s unity. Residents gathered Monday at the school to applaud the restoration.

One snowman is made out of metal. The other snowman is made out of silage and was built with materials salvaged from the fire.

Police said an investigation into the fire is ongoing.

Information from: The Joplin (Mo.) Globe, http://www.joplinglobe.com

Pertinent address:

Diamond, Mo.