Latest news with #SecretaryofState
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Michigan has just 1 state park on Lake Erie. Why it's worth checking off your list
This summer, don't miss out on a trip to southeast Michigan to explore Lake Erie's shores at William C. Sterling State Park — Michigan's only state park located on the lake. The state park features 1 mile of sandy shoreline along the western coast of Lake Erie in Monroe County, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. A trip to the Sterling State Park offers a chance to camp out, fish, swim, hike and more. "The park protects more than 500 acres of Great Lakes marsh and restored lake plain prairie habitat, and is well known for its access to walleye and perch fisheries," Pure Michigan says. Here's what to know. William C. Sterling State Park is Michigan's only state park along the Lake Erie shoreline. The state park is located along the western coast of Lake Erie near the city of Monroe in southeast Michigan. The park is about an hour south of Detroit and less than 30 minutes north of the Ohio border. The park is just minutes from River Raisin National Battlefield Park and the Ford Marsh unit of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. The state park is connected to nearby River Raisin National Battlefield Park through the River Raisin Heritage Trail. The trail is currently undergoing upgrade work, set to finish in July 2025, the state park's website says. To visit the state park, you will need a Michigan recreation passport or a daily pass, the park's website says. Rates vary by vehicle type, and whether you're a Michigan resident or not. Recreation passports can be purchased when renewing your license plate registration at the Secretary of State or at a state park, recreation area or Michigan DNR customer service center, the DNR website says. If you're a Michigan library cardholder, you can also get a day trip to the park for free with the Michigan Activity Pass. This includes one night of camping for one vehicle, camping fees will still apply. At Sterling State Park, visitors can relax at sandy beaches and swim, paddle or kayak in Lake Erie. The park offers kayak rentals from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Vast nature offers opportunities for biking and hiking. You can reel in catches with shoreline or offshore fishing on Lake Erie, along with the Great Lake marsh and lagoons at the park, including walleye and perch. Hunting is available at the state park, though potential hunters should contact park officials for the rules, the park's website says. The park features a beach house with restrooms and changing stalls, a boat launch, fish cleaning station, observation platform on Marsh Trail, picnic area, picnic shelter and a playground. Recreational metal detecting is another option in part of the park, as long as its within state law and doesn't harm the park's natural and cultural resources. Park workers must look at any items found and may keep them for investigation. During the summer season, weekly nature programming takes place at the state park, with the 2025 schedule to be released soon. In the winter, the park offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. If you're looking for a longer stay, the state park includes the Sterling full-amenity cottages, 10 new cottages along the Lake Erie shoreline operated by Vista Recreation. The cottages sleep seven each, with bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen with supplies and appliances and more, though linen and towels are not provided. The Sterling modern campground provides a camping venue, with most sites paved and near the Lake Erie shoreline. Camping sites include 20 or 30 amp service and some 50 amp service, and sanitation stations. You can book your camping trip to Sterling State Park with online reservations through the Michigan DNR. Select Sterling as the park and pick the dates, number of people and equipment for your stay. Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Sterling State Park, Lake Erie: Michigan park worth visiting in 2025
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Michigan Department of State: 200K REAL IDs issued in past few months
A Secretary of State branch office in East Lansing, Michigan | Susan J. Demas The push to get Michiganders' identification cards replaced with federally-compliant REAL ID cards has resulted in 200,000 IDs issued to residents over a period of three months, the Michigan Department of State announced Friday. Department employees either issued new or upgraded REAL IDs over the past 12 weeks, bringing the state into more than 76% compliance with a new U.S. requirement for REAL ID in order to travel domestically by air. A REAL ID is a driver's license or state identification card that has been verified with proof of U.S. citizenship and proof of legal residence in the U.S. They are distinguishable by the gold star in the upper right-hand corner. Per a change in federal law, Michigan residents as of May 7 are required to present a REAL ID-complaint card when attempting to fly anywhere in the U.S. The IDs also allow entrance to certain federal facilities as allowed by federal law. Overall, the IDs have protections against copying or altering identification information. REAL IDs are different from Michigan's enhanced IDs and driver's licenses, which allow entry to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean by land or sea. Enhanced IDs, however, are also REAL ID compliant. A news release issued Friday said Secretary of State branch offices served more than 90% of those customers within 20 minutes of their scheduled appointment times, signaling that the transition has been relatively smooth thus far. 'The hardworking staff at our branch offices throughout the state rose to this challenge and set a new standard of exceptional public service,' Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said in a statement. 'I'm grateful for their dedication and commitment to excellence, which ensured a smooth process for Michiganders during a potentially disruptive transition. This is what it means to have a state government that truly works for people.' A total of 202,571 REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or state IDs were issued between February 23 and May 17. The week of May 4 was said to be the busiest this year, with 28,289 identification cards converted to REAL ID. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Complaint against Karman Line Ballot petition dismissed
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Secretary of State's Office said the complaint against petitioners who gathered signatures to place the Karman Line annexation on the ballot has been dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. According to the Colorado Secretary of State's Office, a complaint filed by Norris Ranch Joint Ventures alleged that the Committee for a Referendum on Ordinance 25-16 and its three members failed to register as an issue committee and did not report their contributions or all of their expenditures related to the paid petition circulators. The motion to dismiss said that Norris Ranch Joint Ventures alleged the City of Colorado Springs adopted campaign finance ordinances, but that they are much less stringent than state law. Norris Ranch Joint Ventures asked the Colorado Secretary of State's Office to take action, as 'Colorado Springs refuses to regulate this campaign finance activity, it falls to the Secretary of State to enforce Colorado's campaign finance laws.' However, the Colorado Secretary of State's Office said that because the complaint is in regard to a municipal campaign finance matter, the complaint falls outside of the Secretary of State's Office's jurisdiction. The Secretary of State's Office said the Colorado Constitution and the Fair Campaign Practices Act authorize home rule municipalities to regulate and control their municipal elections, as long as they have adopted similar regulations that address matters covered by Amendment XXVIII of the Colorado Constitution. The Secretary of State's Office said Colorado Springs has adopted its own municipal election regulations, and as such, its municipal elections are not subject to the FCPA and Amendment XXVIII. The Secretary of State's Office ruled it does not have jurisdiction over Colorado Springs municipal elections and, as such, has dismissed the complaint. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Forbes
28-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How To Set Up An LLC In Tennessee
LLC In Tennessee Now is a great time to launch a limited liability company (LLC) in Tennessee. In 2021, the state saw an enormous surge in new business formations, reportedly the largest to date. Between January and March alone, nearly 20,000 companies and corporations debuted. Government financial aid may have helped more people than ever decide to launch new business ventures. Were you thinking of starting a Tennessee LLC? If so, here's a helpful guide to take you from start to finish. In the early stages of forming your limited liability company, there are a few crucial details you need to take care of. Please read the sections below to learn what you need to do before going ahead with your LLC formation. Imagine filing paperwork to set up your Tennessee LLC, only to get thwarted because the name you chose is unavailable. That is why it is a great idea to check for business name availability before setting up your company. You can do so via the Name Availability Search Engine on the Secretary of State's Division of Business Services website or by calling 615-741-2286. Your business name must be distinguishable from the names of other business entities registered with the state. Other things to note: If you've confirmed your name is available, you can reserve it for 120 days by submitting Form SS-9425, the Application for Name Reservation. You aren't required to reserve your name, but it can be a good idea if you aren't planning to form your business right away. The fee is $20 and should be made payable to the Tennessee Secretary of State. The payment can be in the form of a check, cashier's check or money order. Deliver your completed form in person or mail it to 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave. FL 6, Nashville, TN 37243. If mailing, be sure to include the form and payment together in the same envelope and write 'Tennessee Secretary of State, ATTN: Corporate Filing' above the address. Tennessee LLCs must have a registered agent. The agent receives legal documents on behalf of the business and forwards them to the appropriate person at your business. You or another LLC member or employee can act as the registered agent. That said, your agent must be at least 18 and have a physical address (known as the 'registered office') within Tennessee. You can also hire a registered agent service to act as your registered agent. Small business owners typically hire registered agent services for increased privacy and reliability or because they do business in multiple states. The annual cost is usually between $100 and $300. Remember before hiring anyone to ensure you get your money's worth. Tennessee provides multiple options for LLC filings. You can file electronically, or you can prepare Articles of Organization online using Form SS-4270, print them out and mail them to the Secretary of State's office. You can also print a blank form, fill it out and mail it in. Tennessee charges $50 for each existing LLC member, with a minimum fee of $300 and a maximum charge of $3,000. There is also a processing fee for online filings. Foreign LLCs can obtain authority to transact business in Tennessee by filing Form SS-4233, Application for Certificate of Authority. Fees and procedures are the same as for new Tennessee LLCs. Once you successfully establish your Tennessee LLC, there are a few additional steps to take over the long term. These acts should help keep your company in good standing and ensure its success. There are also options for when you are ready to end your LLC for good. An EIN, sometimes called a federal EIN (FEIN) or federal tax identification number (FTIN), is required for most businesses. In the case of single-member LLCs, it is an excellent alternative to using one's Social Security number, keeping it safe from exposure or potential fraud. EINs are free and available on the IRS website. While not a legal requirement, an operating agreement is still essential as it lays a reliable long-term foundation for your LLC brand. These documents confirm everything from which members have the most significant say in company decisions to how profits and losses will be shared and who is responsible for the day-to-day business operation. A detailed operating agreement helps minimize disputes among members and lends legitimacy to your LLC, helping maintain its good standing. In addition to starting your LLC, you should also take the time to build an online presence for your brand. Many customers frequently do web research on companies, and a lack of online presence can negatively affect how would-be customers perceive you. Getting a website domain and social media profile is ideal for providing a point of contact between yourself and customers. It is a worthwhile investment for your brand, as it will make it easier to spread the word about your newly launched Tennessee LLC. Tennessee LLCs are required to turn in an annual report each year. To avoid getting it rejected, it must: The annual report must be accompanied by a filing fee of $300 for LLCs with up to six members, and another $50 for each additional member, up to a maximum fee of $3,000. There's an additional $20 fee if your LLC changes its registered agent. Be sure to stay on top of your annual report, as this is essential for keeping your business entity in good standing in Tennessee. By following the above series of steps, you should get your LLC in Tennessee and avoid wasting time and money. As thousands of new businesses debut in the 'Volunteer State,' we hope this guide puts you on the road to join them. A limited liability company balances the relative ease and flexibility of a partnership or sole proprietorship structure with the increased risk protection of a corporate structure. Like corporate shareholders, LLC owners (known as 'members') enjoy limited liability, meaning personal liability to the company includes only what members have invested and does not extend beyond it to cover corporate losses or debts. By default, members of an LLC pay taxes as a share of personal income just as owners of a sole proprietorship or general partnership would—this is often referred to as a 'pass-through' tax structure. An LLC can elect to be taxed as a C corporation C-corp or S corporation (S-corp) if it meets certain requirements. Many small business owners choose LLCs for their simplicity and flexibility. The state of Tennessee charges $50 per existing member when you establish your LLC, with a minimum fee of $300 and a maximum of $3,000. Domestic LLCs submit Form SS-4270, while foreign entities complete SS-4233. Forms can be submitted online or by mail. You'll pay a minimum of $300 and a maximum of $3,000 for LLC formation or authority to do business in Tennessee. There are a few options and no one-size-fits-all answer. Most LLCs are taxed like sole proprietorships or partnerships. Business income and expenses are reported and taxed on the owners' personal tax returns. However, LLCs can also be taxed like corporations, and this approach benefits some LLC owners. Talk to an experienced accountant about the best way to handle your LLC taxes. Business entities such as LLCs and corporations help to protect their owners from liability for business debts. LLCs are popular because they are generally more flexible and easier to maintain than corporations. When determining how to start an LLC, there are several types of LLCs to choose from. Knowing the LLC structures available is essential for selecting a business model that most closely aligns with the nature of your company and how you intend for it to operate. These LLC structures include: Single-member LLC: This LLC is owned and operated by a single person. While similar to a sole proprietorship, this LLC provides additional tax benefits and liability shielding. Multimember LLC: Standard LLCs with more than one member, often divided into manager-managed or member-managed entities. L3C: These entities, also known as 'low-profit liability companies,' act as a bridge between nonprofit LLCs and for-profit LLCs where the business cause remains the primary focus rather than earnings. Series LLC: Series LLCs are tiered business structures where the topmost LLC owns a series of lower-tiered LLCs through limitless segregation. Each LLC in the series operates mostly independently of one another; their assets are also primarily separated. PLLC: A specialized LLC, this business formation type is only available to certain licensed professionals. Restricted LLC: Restricted LLCs are not taxed during the first 10 years of formation. Likewise, they cannot make distributions to members. It must be stated in the articles of organization that the LLC will be restricted.
CBS News
11-03-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
REAL ID-only supercenter opening for walk-ins in downtown Chicago
Need a REAL ID? A new supercenter in downtown Chicago will be taking walk-in appointments starting tomorrow. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced Tuesday morning that the state is opening a REAL ID Supercenter in the Loop, on top of new Saturday hours and expanded capacity at DMV facilities across the state. The Supercenter at 191 N. Clark Street is a REAL ID-only facility, and will take walk-ins from anyone looking to get the new form of identification before it becomes mandatory on May 7. It opens Wednesday and will operate from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. As of February, only about 30% of people had a REAL ID in Illinois. The original deadline for switching over to the REAL ID format was in October 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was pushed back first to October 2021, then May 3, 2023 and now May 7, 2025. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005, part of a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission to prevent future attacks like the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001. REAL IDs will be required for to get on a plane, enter a nuclear power plant or to access certain federal facilities. Your regular Illinois driver's license will still be valid for driving a vehicle after the May 7 deadline. Anyone who does not have a REAL ID after May 7 will need a valid passport for domestic air travel. If you aren't sure if you need a REAL ID or what forms of identification you must provide in order to obtain one, the Illinois Secretary of State website has all requirements and steps outlined.
