Straight-line winds cause major damage in Grant Silo toppled, officer injured

By Samantha Goff

Grant Tribune-Sentinel

Straight-line winds exceeding 70 mph tore through Grant on Saturday night, causing significant damage and prompting emergency responses. 

A vacant grain silo owned by Frenchman Valley, located between Highway 61, Highway 23, and 1st and Central streets was completely destroyed. 

The storm toppled the silo from its foundation, creating a safety hazard for passing traffic and residents of a nearby apartment building at 1st and Central. The Perkins County Sheriff’s Office contacted residents and ordered an evacuation while deputies diverted traffic away from the debris. 

Officer Walker Baird was struck by a piece of metal debris while directing traffic near the railroad tracks and 1st Street. He sustained a head injury and other bodily harm, and was hospitalized overnight. 

According to Sheriff Scott Miller, Baird was in good spirits and was released after observation. 

He is expected to make a full recovery and return to duty this week. 

On the south side of the tracks, Officer Brian Gertsch’s patrol vehicle sustained damage when high winds hurled rocks into it, shattering four windows. 

“We coordinated closely with the fire department and the city’s Public Works Department, who were a great help throughout,” Sheriff Miller said. 

“Cleanup efforts began Saturday night with assistance from citizens, the Grant Volunteer Fire Department, and city crews.”

By Monday, the Perkins County Sheriff’s Office, Grant Volunteer Fire Department, and two crane services—South Platte Excavating and Doak Construction—conducted a controlled demolition of the damaged silo, briefly shutting down Central Avenue for approximately 20 minutes. Apartment residents were allowed to return home, and normal traffic resumed by the afternoon.