State Roundup

Battle Creek
Police: Woman loses money in quest for monkey
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (AP) — Police in the Michigan city of Battle Creek have advised a woman that she shouldn’t expect to see a monkey, or her money.
The Battle Creek Enquirer reports a 25-year-old woman contacted police Tuesday to report she lost $350 trying to buy a monkey from the African country of Cameroon.
The woman says she and her roommate found what they thought was a reputable website and received pictures and information about monkeys.
The so-called seller offered the monkey for $50. She sent it but received no simian.
After more back and forth, the woman shelled out $300 in two more payments but her contact wanted more money for a cage, license and shots.
Authorities smell a scam and say they are trying to gather her contact information.

Lansing
House, Senate chambers almost done on upgrade
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A roughly $370,000 renovation of the state’s House and Senate chambers is wrapping up, providing modern upgrades while staying true to the Capitol’s Victorian past.
Crews were finishing work this week on the summer project at the domed landmark with balanced wings in downtown Lansing, the Lansing State Journal reported  Tuesday. They installed new carpet, along with new computer wiring in the floor, telecommunications cabling and electrical adapters. Equipment also has been installed to make it easier for the hearing impaired to monitor legislative sessions.
Facilities director Steve Benkovsky said officials sought to replicate original carpet patterns from when the building was dedicated in 1879 by analyzing old photos.
“We think the colors are as accurate as possible, but we know for certain the design is right,” he said.
Benkovsky said the new carpets, which replace shopworn, duct-taped flooring, don’t incorporate the state seals that used to appear at the front of each chamber. Those weren’t part of the original carpet, he said, and it would have cost more to work them into the pattern.
Crews were also wrapping up work replacing the west side of the Capitol’s roof, and the cost of that project was estimated at $1 million. The new roof includes copper panels.
Lawmakers return next month after a summer break.
Officials say the renovations are the largest in 20 years. A major restoration project was launched in 1989 and the Capitol was rededicated in 1992, when it was also designated by the National Park Service as a National Historic Landmark.

Saginaw
Autopsy not clear on body found at home of ex-officer
SAGINAW, Mich. (AP) — Authorities say they still don’t know the cause of death for a woman found dead last week in the driveway of a former Saginaw police officer.
The Saginaw News reports Tuesday that an autopsy performed this week on the body of 50-year-old Darlene Kozak was inconclusive. Detective Sgt. Reggie Williams says police are waiting for lab results, including a toxicology report.
Police said the body of the Linwood woman was wrapped in a blanket when officers arrived last Friday.
The ex-officer says he returned to his home after a short vacation and discovered the body lying near one of his vehicles.
A funeral for the Linwood woman has been scheduled for Friday.

Detroit
Wayne State boosts studies in nanotechnology
DETROIT (AP) — Wayne State University is going smaller in a bigger way.
The Detroit university is using a $200,000 federal grant to develop an undergraduate program in nanoengineering. The field is a branch of nanotechnology, which involves manipulating matter at the molecular level.
The program aims to prepare students for work in the emerging field and meet growing demands of advanced manufacturing and high-tech industries. The program includes laboratory and research work.
The money comes from the National Science Foundation.
Scientists and engineers say nanoscale materials and mechanisms can be lighter and stronger than their larger counterparts. They also are being developed for uses in the military, medicine, agriculture, aeronautics and information technology.Ç