Good morning, Dover.

Fred Hudson Road Trail at Fresh Pond will close for repairs starting Jan.

12 and a Gale Watch warns mariners to avoid strong winds and rough seas from Sunday evening through late Sunday night in Delaware Bay waters.

Delaware State University named Stannis M.

Smith as Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel on Jan. 5 — he will manage the university’s legal and compliance portfolios.

MERR is coordinating with state officials to move a 30-foot juvenile humpback whale from near Bethany Beach for a necropsy (cause remains under investigation) after it was first seen floating off the Indian River Inlet on Jan.

6 and then beached on Jan. 8.

Christiana Fire Company installed Kevin Cowperthwait as its first career fire chief on Tuesday, Jan.

6. Previously serving as volunteer chief, he led the team that handled over 4,000 fire calls and nearly 13,000 EMS calls in 2025 — a historic milestone for the department.

Delaware drivers are reminded today to follow eight driving rules that cover proper speed, safe bike passing with three feet (as required), and using hands-free devices while driving.

The list warns of fines for cellphone use, speeding above 90 mph, or leaving vehicles running when unattended.

Delaware law says that keeping a package delivered to you by mistake is theft unless you take steps to return it.

Residents should check the shipping label and contact the carrier to reach the right owner (scams like brushing or quishing have been reported).

Kent and Sussex counties face a housing shortage as officials and residents consider projects like higher-density developments, and community members are invited to email their ideas for inclusion in the Jan.

17 Daily State News.

The University of Delaware women’s ice hockey team lost 3-2 to RIT on Jan.

8 at the Fred Rust Ice Arena but showed progress with strong efforts from freshman Francesca Barresi and goalie Charlotte Payne — a promising sign in their first season.

On Thursday night, No. 2 Tatnall boys basketball pulled ahead of No. 5 Sanford as Mason Collins posted 23 points + 10 rebounds + 5 assists + 5 steals in a 64 to 49 win that improved the team’s ranking.

The Fightin’ Blue Hens will keep most of last season’s talent as 19 players plan to return while only two have entered the transfer portal; the window opened Jan.

2 and remains open until Jan. 16, with key players like quarterback Nick Minicucci affirming their stay.