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Armed and loaded

People who hunt while drunk pose a "widespread problem" in Rockingham County.

That's the assessment of Commissioner James Kallam, and it ought to light a fire under state legislators. There are quite a few things people shouldn't do while drinking, and running around in the woods with loaded rifles is high on that list.

The problem in Rockingham County probably isn't worse than anywhere else, so the legislature should address it by making it illegal to hunt while under the influence. The same standard as driving while impaired could be employed.

This will give new meaning to the term "field sobriety tests," adding another enforcement headache for wildlife officers. But public safety depends on sober hunters.

Accessing DMV facilities

While state agencies usually are in the vanguard of fighting discriminatory practices, that can't be said for the troubled Department of Motor Vehicles.

A new study finds widespread problems at both state-owned buildings housing drivers' license offices and privately run license tag agencies under state contract.

Among the violations are lack of handicapped parking, bathrooms that don't accommodate wheelchairs and too-high service counters.

Given that the state has a license plate and driver-testing monopoly, the public has little choice but to use its facilities.

The least it could do is comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, which forbids discrimination against the disabled -- just as other businesses must.

Judge protects Crimestoppers

Thanks to Superior Court Judge Allen Baddour, people who called Crimestoppers with tips about the Eve Carson murder won't see their names turned over to the defendants.

In Orange County last week, Baddour refused defense attorneys' request to release all information received by Crimestoppers, some of which was helpful to the investigation of the March 2008 homicide of a popular UNC-Chapel Hill student.

Crimestoppers promises confidentiality. Some callers, who might be friends or even relatives of suspects, would be less likely to provide information if they thought their names could be released. Baddour's decision -- which can be appealed to a higher court -- preserves the integrity of an important crime-fighting resource.

Enough snow days yet?

Students in area school systems had quite a time last week with four snow days. More inclement weather is possible this week, and likely on more occasions as this unusually wintry winter continues.

But a day off now means a makeup day later. As those days add up, unpleasant possibilities loom: shorter spring breaks, additional class days in June.

At this point, maybe even kids should be satisfied with the snow they've seen so far and start wishing for better weather. No doubt, their parents do.

Quakers on a roll

The No. 1 team in the nation plays college hoops in Greensboro.

Really.

At press time, the Guilford College men's basketball team had won 19 of its 20 games this season and was rated the best in the current NCAA Division III poll.

The Quakers narrowly continued their winning ways with a tight 76-74 victory Wednesday over Hampden-Sydney that wasn't decided until the final seconds.

Playing at the Division III level means Guilford provides no athletic scholarships or network TV appearances.

But if the Hampden-Sydney matchup was any indication, the atmosphere is terrific. (See for yourself from the highlights at www.guilford.edu/athletics/mbball.)

And there's a certain degree of purity in playing for love of the game that sometimes is lacking in big-time environments.

There's also a possible seat for you at the next home game.