Latest news with #ItascaRockGarden
CBS News
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Itasca Rock Garden's castle shows off the beauty of the area's multi-colored stones
The Itasca Rock Garden in Albert Lea is home to a Danish-inspired castle of sorts. "I drive by and see Marion Ross on the corner looking over Fountain Lake, makes me smile," said Stephanie Kibler of the Freeborn County History Center. The bronze statue of the former Happy Days actress sits comfortably in her hometown of Albert Lea. But had it been created in another lifetime, it may have been sculpted out of rock. One hundred years ago a Danish immigrant named John Christensen was trying to farm near the village of Itasca. But he kept hitting rocks with his plow. Instead of getting frustrated, he got creative. "Behind me you'll see the large castle, which he started. It was reminiscent of the castles he grew up with in Denmark," said Kibler. Christensen didn't stop with the castle. Over the years he and his wife also built stone sculptures, bridges, and grottos, like the heart-shaped grotto. "Look at the size of the rock this gentleman carried or moved. I don't have a clue how," said Kibler while pointing out a large rock. The Danish immigrant was in his sixties when he built much of the rock garden, including a home for Irg, the garden's resident gnome. Christensen died in 1939, but there's a sense that he never completely finished what he started. And had he lived longer, the rock garden likely would have expanded even further. But as it goes, the place became neglected and overgrown. And it wasn't until 2019 when the Kohler Foundation got involved, that the garden got a makeover. "We had a landscape company come out and I think she told me they took 15 dump truck loads out of here of weeds, tree growth," said Kibler. Flowers replaced the weeds, thanks to a dozen volunteers including gardener Sue Grunzke. "Over the years I'd go by and look and think, oh, it would be so nice if somebody would fix that all up," said Grunzke. Grunzke got her wish. Her family visited the garden when she was young. Now, she's back with a different purpose. "Each time coming out and seeing it come alive, it's incredible," said Grunzke. The rebirth means the return of visitors from across the state. Rolling stones of a different sort, eager to see how a farmer once built a kingdom out of field rocks. "I hope people come and see what a peaceful, beautiful environment it is. And recognize that the city of Albert Lea is also a very beautiful place," said Kibler. Itasca Rock Garden is named after a pioneer village that once stood on the property. It's free to visit and the garden is located northwest of Albert Lea near Itasca and Bluegrass Roads.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Albert Lea Tribune wins 14 awards in annual newspaper contest
Jan. 31—By Albert Lea Tribune The Albert Lea Tribune took home 14 awards Thursday in the Better Newspaper Contest banquet as part of the 158th annual Minnesota Newspaper Association Convention in Brooklyn Park. Among the awards were first place for website and Editorial Page as a Whole, as well as first place for Magazine Use of Photography as a Whole. "The cartoons, especially, were engaging and timely," the judge wrote about the editorial page entry. "Clean flow and compelling combination of local and regional/national topics." The magazine that won the photography category was the July/August 2024 issue, which included features on the Pelican Breeze, the Itasca Rock Garden and a local AirBNB. The newspaper also won third place in typography and design. "Solid design, good use of headlines and photos," the judge wrote. "Could use some more pictures inside played larger. Good effort, solid work." Managing Editor Sarah Stultz won four awards for stories she wrote and two awards for photography: —First place: Human Interest Story-News Feature, for a story about Albert Lean Victoria Lopez, who participated in the Healthy Start program, which allows the Commissioner of Corrections in Minnesota the authority to conditionally release incarcerated mothers who are pregnant or within eight months post-delivery from prison to the community. The goal is for the mothers to engage in work, vocational training, substance abuse or mental health treatment, education or parenting education and help get their child's life off to a healthy start. The program may last the duration of the pregnancy and up to 1 year of the newborn child's life. "Story kicks off with a heartbreaking lede, explains a complex issue and lends much humanity to a human source. Well done," the judge wrote. —First place: Photography News Photo, for a photo taken at the scene of a double-fatal crash at the intersection of Minnesota Highway 13 and West Main Street in August. "A strong breaking-news picture that captures the intensity, drama and seriousness of rescuers in action at the accident scene," the judge wrote. —First place: Photography Photo Story, for photos taken at the funeral of World War II veteran Mickey Nelson in Clarks Grove in June. —Second place: Human Interest Story, for a story about Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Deborah Mitchell. "The writer did a great job with the intro on this profile story," the judge wrote. "You learn so much in such a short period of time that explains why this person has such a passion for affordable housing. Showcasing the personal experience helps readers understand the subject's character and motivation." —Second place: Local Breaking News Coverage, for coverage of a confirmed EF1 tornado near Twin Lakes. —Third place: Business Profile, for a story on Century Partners when they were recognized as Citizens of the Year in the Tribune's 2024 Progress edition. "Most readers don't know how vital the partnerships are to redevelop large downtown buildings," the judge wrote. "Nice job." Reporter Ayanna Eckblad won two awards: —Second place: Human Interest News Feature, for a story about Jodie Hofkamp, who works as a psychologist at Albert Lea High School. "Thoughtful quotes. Good review of the subject's background and motivations," the judge wrote. —Second place: Social Issues Story, for a story about artist Rachel Coyne, whose work titled "Missing and Disappeared" was featured at the Albert Lea Art Center. "This was an engaging feature about a tragic recurring problem affecting Black and Indigenous communities, including helpful information about the DNA identification procedure," the judge wrote. The Tribune also won a first and second place for Best Advertisement for advertisements for Produce State Bank and Holly Miller Design, respectively. Most of the awards were for multi-day newspapers up to 5,000 circulation. The website and magazine awards were for all multi-day newspapers. The awards were for work completed from Sept. 1, 2023, to Aug. 31, 2024.
