Sharyl Grant unlocks the metal gates surrounding Christy Woods in a pattern. She starts with the south entrance by Ball State University’s Rinard Orchid Greenhouse, then moves clockwise, ending with the gates on the east side of the woods.
It was the morning of November 6, 2017. As she crossed the Prairie—the small, grassy section nestled in the middle of the woods—Grant noticed several trees had snapped in half from the winds of the previous night’s storm. This was the first tornado to cause so much damage since Grant started working as the manager of Christy Woods in 2001. The EF-1 tornado struck 14 trees, causing some to fall or lose their crowns.
After noticing the broken trees, Grant saw more damage. She saw tree limbs thrown across dirt paths. She saw the short, splintered trunks of once-tall oaks. Looking up, she saw limbs hovering above her head.
She turned back to the south entrance and locked the gate. Christy Woods couldn’t have visitors that day.
To continue reading, visit ballbearingsmag.com.
Read More
Ball State tops Texas A&M in second game of Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament
By Logan Connor / 8 hours ago“It's the reason you come to play in tournaments like this, to play really good basketball teams,” head coach Brady Salle said after his team's Battle 4 Atlantis win
Indiana Pacers defeat the Washington Wizards at home
By Derran Cobb / 12 hours agoIn the Pacers first of four straight home games, the Blue and Gold would defeat the Wizards 115-103. Pascal Siakam led the way with 22 points.
Cardinals fall to Western Michigan in MAC Championship Final
By Daniel Kehn / 14 hours agoBall State ended the 2024 season with a loss to Western Michigan in the Mid-American Conference Championship Final.
