On Saturday, Jan. 12, we printed this letter from Bernie Wolf of Youngsville:

Recently I found myself driving next to a woman using two hands to apply face powder - resting the powder container on the steering wheel while using the brush with her other hand, heading south on U.S. 401 at I-540. She even managed to change lanes at the same time.

No big thing - we all see inattentive driving frequently. But this stood out because the woman was wearing the uniform of the Wake County Sheriff's Department and was a sergeant with three stripes.

I hope someone tells her that setting an example like that is not a very good reflection on her or the department. When you choose to wear a badge and uniform, you subject yourself to higher standards.

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Well, apparently somebody told her. We got this follow-up submission from Mr. Wolf:

Unfortunately it's human nature to be quick to complain but slow to compliment, if at all. Last week I observed an off-duty Wake County Sheriff's Department detention officer driving while distracted. The next day Sheriff Donnie Harrison personally called me to discuss the situation. The sheriff called me again a day later to tell me that the officer had been identified and was embarrassed and that it would not happen again. He also thanked me for taking the time to let the department know about this.

I live a half-mile outside of Wake County but obviously drive and spend a lot of time there and hope the community realizes how much the sheriff cares about the professionalism of his people, no matter what their job is. For him to take the time to speak to me personally, twice, reflects that he not only is a true professional but a public servant everyone in the area can be extremely proud to have leading this fine organization.

I hope he continues to serve all of us in this outstanding "hands on" manner that is unusual for elected officials. We need folks like that in state and national politics - maybe more would get done!

Dear Carolina faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends,

Today I am announcing what has been the hardest decision of my life ... my intention to step down as your chancellor effective June 30, 2013. I've decided that this is best for the future of Carolina.

I told UNC President Tom Ross yesterday of my decision. I also let him know that I am willing to stay longer, if needed, to avoid any gap in leadership until the Board of Trustees, President Ross and the Board of Governors can name a successor.

I will always do what is best for this University. And what is best right now is for me to make plans to step aside. This wasn't an easy decision personally. But when I thought about the University and how important it's been to me, to North Carolinians and to hundreds of thousands of alumni, my answer became clear.

Over the last two years, we have identified a number of areas that need improvement. We have a good start on reforms that are important for the future of this University. I have pledged that we will be a better university, and I am 100 percent confident in that. We still have work to do, and I intend to be fully engaged in that until the day I walk out of this office.

Together, we have accomplished so much. Student applications are up by
24 percent. Our faculty has made us a top 10 university in research funding. We have made excellent progress with faculty retentions. More alumni and friends made gifts to the University last year than ever before. We have pulled the campus through the financial crisis, emerging as a stronger institution. And we have launched a campuswide initiative to define our vision of the 21st Century public research university.

It has been a privilege and honor to lead this great University, and I look forward to continuing to work with you. My love for Carolina, where I have invested three decades of my life as a student, faculty member, researcher and administrator, has only grown deeper with the time I have spent as your chancellor.

With great appreciation for all of you and what you do for Carolina,

Holden Thorp