Minnesota
New law aiming to crack down on catalytic converter thefts takes effect
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. (WCCO) — At Golden Valley Tire and Service, replacing stolen catalytic converters became routine the last couple of years as thieves targeted the parts to make a couple hundred dollars for the sale of each one.
But it can leave car owners on the hook for a replacement that can cost upwards of $4,000 to install, Brendan Lewis, the shop’s general manager said, so he’s excited a state policy to crack down on the common crime.
“Unfortunately we became very good at the process,” he said.
Minnesota state lawmakers passed a new law creating penalties for unlawful sales and possession of the catalytic converters, which are pollution control devices for vehicles. It also prohibits scrap metal dealers from purchasing one unattached without markings—like the vehicle’s VIN number—on it.
The thefts quadrupled from 2019 to 2020 and soared again to 52,000 in 2021, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. At one time, Minnesota ranked third in the nation for stealing the parts.
The change implements stricter recordkeeping rules for scrap dealers, like asking a seller for a car registration and insurance to prove ownership of the converter at the point of sale.
Having one of the unattached, unmarked converters is a misdemeanor, but it would increase to a felony for three or more. Those found guilty could face years in prison.
Brian Sturgeon, chief of the West St. Paul Police, testified before the legislature in support of the change. He said that prior to the law, there was “really nothing we could do” if law enforcement stopped a vehicle several catalytic converters stashed inside.
“It just gives us more tools in order to recover these and hold people accountable,” he told WCCO. “It’s very important and it’s working.”
Thefts prompt Minnesota, 16 other states to urge recall of Kia, Hyundai cars
He points the city’s data: In 2021, West St. Paul saw 177 thefts and it stayed about the same in 2022. But so far this year, there’s been only 10 stolen in his community.
He credits broader public awareness and recent local and state policies with curbing the thefts. Other suburban cities have seen similar declines, he said.
“Everything we’ve done has made a dramatic reduction in catalytic converter thefts,” Sturgeon said.
Certain vehicles are top targets. Lewis said drivers don’t need to race to their local auto repair shop to get markings on their vehicles, but they can choose to install what’s called a “CatGuard” as a deterrent.
The labels with serial numbers, which can be registered and traced by law enforcement, were part of a state pilot program last year.
He also has seen fewer customers coming in with their converters stolen this year than last year.
“They’re not going to be able to do what they were doing before, where you can have hundreds of catalytic converters going to one salvage facility. That’s just not a reality anymore,” Lewis said.
Minnesota
Man seriously hurt in fall at Minnesota Renaissance Festival
(FOX 9) – A man was seriously hurt after authorities say he fell 50 feet down a rock wall at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.
What we know
Scott County deputies say a 24-year-old man from Grand Marais suffered serious injuries after falling approximately 50 feet off a rock wall at the festival in Shakopee on Saturday.
Deputies say the man reportedly bypassed a fence near the King’s Gate area to climb the wall and ended up falling to the bus pickup area below.
Emergency crews responded to 911 calls at around 7:20 p.m., and deputies found the man conscious but seriously hurt. He was airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center with leg and wrist fractures, along with a head injury.
Context
Authorities say they believe alcohol was a factor in the incident.
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the incident.
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is located off Highway 41 near Highway 169, south of Shakopee and Chaska.
Minnesota
Kelvin Yeboah continues historic start for Minnesota United in 3-0 victory over Rapids
Kelvin Yeboah scored a goal in each half, becoming the fourth player in MLS history to score in five of his first six matches, and Minnesota United rolled to a 3-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Saturday night.
Minnesota United (13-12-6) grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute on a header from the center of the box by Yeboah with an assist from Robin Lod. Lod’s helper was his 15th of the season after totaling 14 assists through his first five seasons.
Yeboah gave Minnesota United a two-goal lead two minutes into the second half with an assist from Joaquín Pereyra, his first in four appearances this season. Yeboah has seven goals in six starts.
Hassani Dotson took a pass from Jeong Sang-Bin in the 82nd minute and scored his fourth goal of the campaign to complete the scoring. Sang-Bin’s assist was his second of the season and the third of his two-year career.
Dayne St. Clair finished with one save to earn his fifth clean sheet of the season for Minnesota United.
Zack Steffan saved seven shots for Colorado (15-11-5).
The Rapids return home to host the Los Angeles Galaxy on Wednesday. Minnesota United travels to play Real Salt Lake on Wednesday.
When breaking news happens, MPR News provides the context you need. Help us meet the significant demands of these newsgathering efforts.
Minnesota
Duluth blanks Southwest Minnesota State
DULUTH, MN (Dakota News Now) – Minnesota Duluth showed why it has the No. 4 ranked defense in the country on Saturday afternoon limiting Southwest Minnesota State to 77 yards and six first downs in earning a 62-0 victory in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference football at Malosky Stadium.
UMD, which picked to win the NSIC, improves to 3-1 overall, 2-1 NSIC. The Bulldogs scored a defensive touchdown on the opening drive of the game and never looked back in shutting out the Mustangs for the second straight season and sixth all-time.
SMSU drops to 0-4 overall, 0-3 NSIC. The Mustangs return home next Saturday for a non-conference game versus Nebraska-Kearney starting at 1 p.m. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools.
SMSU quarterback Kendon Krogmanplayed the first half and completed 7 of 19 passes for 58 yards and one interception. True freshman Drew Kluenderentered the game in the second half and finished 3 of 10 for 15 yards. The UMD defense closed the game with nine sacks.
SMSU converted just 3 of 19 on third-down and closed 0 for 4 on fourth-down.
Jacob Honstetterrushed for a team-high 14 yards on 11 carries and also caught two passes for 28 yards. Tryg Autencaught a team-high three passes for 27 yards.
Avery Johnsonhad a pair of sacks in the first half for the Mustangs, while Josiah Hedenstenrecorded a team-high eight tackles with one sack.
UMD scored 20 points in the opening quarter and then added 28 in the second quarter. The Bulldogs finished the victory with a pick-six and also had touchdowns of 66, 64, 53, 61 and 44 yards.
UMD finished the game recording 484 yards of offense with 255 on the ground. Quarterback Kyle Walljasper completed 6 of 7 pass attempts for 158 yards and three touchdowns in limited action. Ben Vallafskey rushed for a game-high 124 yards, including a 61-yard touchdown.
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