Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, on a Harley Sportster, cruised into the Battle Creek Air National Guard base this week to officially kick off Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Johnson, who has been riding motorcycles since she was 12, was followed by more than 30 bikers from across the state.

Johnson urged riders to use the right safety equipment, including high visibility gear, to take advantage of motorcycle safety refresher courses and to earn their motorcycle endorsement. She also thanked partners  in those efforts, including the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Transportation. To find a local motorcycle safety class, visit www.michigan.gov/motorcycling.

Honorably discharged veterans in Michigan will soon have the opportunity to add a “veteran” designation to their driver’s licenses – a distinction that provides clear-cut documentation of their service and helps them obtain the benefits they have earned and deserve.

"It’s my hope that every store clerk and bank teller who notices that designation will take a moment to personally thank that veteran for their service to this country,” said Johnson, who worked closely with lawmakers to develop the legislation that now awaits the governor’s signature. Michigan is home to 680,000 veterans.

Think of it as “one-stop shopping” Secretary of State style. A new pilot program will offer Meijer customers in two stores the chance to get bread, milk, peanut butter and their new license plate tabs in a single trip. Secretary of State Ruth Johnson made the announcement from one of the stores, located in Grand Rapids. The other store with the new self-service station is in Lincoln Park.

Johnson was joined by Meijer Co-CEO and Vice Chairman Mark Murray for the anouncement of the partnership.