One critically hurt in basement explosion

ALBERT LEA — A local man is in critical condition after an explosion early Sunday morning in the basement of his home on Albert Lea Lake.

Freeborn County Sheriff Bob Kindler said Ronald Irvin Rofshus, 48, suffered a severe injury to his left arm and was transported to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea. From there, he was taken to the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.

Kindler said Rofshus was working with explosive chemicals when they ignited at about 12:15 a.m.

Authorities are still investigating. On Monday afternoon, a Bloomington Bomb Squad truck could be seen outside the house, and Sheriff’s office deputies blocked the road.

Rofshus is part owner of Rofshus Precision Machine, an Albert Lea manufacturer of plastic moldings.

News

Standoff with armed man outside Rochester shopping complex ends in self-inflicted gunshot

Mower County

Merry & Bright Night returns for holiday fun

News

A house explodes and bursts into flames in Minnesota, killing at least 1 person, fire chief says

Mower County

Riverland Shines a ‘Spotlight’ on theater students

News

DFL lawmakers eye big boost in child care spending

News

Henry Kissinger, secretary of state under Presidents Nixon and Ford, dies at 100

Mower County

Senate Capital Investment Committee gets a look at tomorrow in visit to the Hormel Institute

Mower County

Christmas in the County to be held Dec. 9

Mower County

Austin Living: Jane Taylor Academy of Dance brings 22nd annual ‘Nutcracker’ performance to Paramount Theatre

Mower County

Flower Basket Program kicks off 29th year

Mower County

Recycling Center addition progressing to spring completion

Business

10 Austin-area families to receive kits to support transitions into stable housing

Mower County

HI scientists publish paper on how immune systems react to canine parvovirus vaccination

Mower County

SEMAC announces Jan. 10 grant application deadline

Education

Give the Gift of Education this holiday season with MNSAVES

News

Woman’s decades-old mosaic of yard rocks and decorative art work may have to go

News

Rosalynn Carter honored by family, friends, first ladies and presidents, including husband Jimmy

News

Cities crack down on homeless encampments. Advocates, however, say that’s not the answer

News

Facing budget crisis, Rochester proposes closing some schools, moving others

News

Freed Israeli hostage describes deteriorating conditions while being held by Hamas

News

Hunter Biden tells Congress he’d testify publicly, setting up a potential high-stakes face-off

News

Emergency crews respond after small plane lands on Twin Cities highway

News

Mayo Clinic announces $5 billion expansion of Minnesota campus

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Austin man with three active drug cases charged in a fourth