Monett Freedom Silo gains new metal roof

A major achievement after years of discussion concluded last week with the placement of a new roof on Monett’s Freedom Silo. The structure, dating from the turn of the century, was transformed by the mural painted on it in 2020 by Raine Clotfelter into a new landmark. Monett Main Street, which commissioned the mural, planned for years to replace the building on top, known as a “doghouse,” with a metal cover. After a new appeal to the city in February, city leaders agreed to cover remaining costs for lifting the new metal cover, created by Steel Tech, using equipment from Ozark Crane Services in Carthage. After the structure had been soaked by firefighters to prevent igniting the 66-foot-tall structure during welding, crews lifted and placed the new roof, thus protecting it from future weather damage.