White Clay Creek Country Club Shutting Down

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. New year, clean slate, same junk drawer that refuses to be organized.

Big events are scarce this weekend, but plenty of reasons to grab a drink and listen to something live in the shortlists.

Your 302 Rundown:

Let’s get to it

Kitchen remodel costs usually start with a simple question: what do they actually run in Northern Delaware and nearby areas right now?

This local cost breakdown from Fine Remodeling focuses on realistic price ranges based on projects in Northern Delaware. It looks at where kitchens tend to land price-wise depending on scope, materials, and layout changes that are common in homes around here.

Rather than broad national numbers, the focus stays local. You can see how choices like cabinets, countertops, appliances, and moving walls tend to affect the overall range in this market.

For a straightforward look at current Wilmington pricing, the local ranges are laid out here: How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in Wilmington, DE?

Be honest. This is one of those tiny life habits that says way more about us than it probably should. Some people have a strict schedule, some negotiate with themselves, and some just wait until it feels right. Tap your answer and then absolutely check back to see where you land compared to everyone else.

A fire broke out Wednesday morning at the construction site for St. Mark’s indoor athletic facilities. Flames and dark smoke were visible from Pike Creek Road around 11 a.m., but thankfully the school was closed for winter break and no one was hurt. There was some water and smoke damage, and the Fire Marshal is investigating the cause.

Delaware State Parks is launching its 75th anniversary year with First Day Hikes on January 1, offering free, guided hikes at 21 locations across the state. From paved paths to wooded trails, there’s something for all ages and activity levels. Parks like White Clay Creek, Cape Henlopen, Killens Pond, and Lums Pond are among the featured sites. The hikes are part of a national tradition organized by America’s State Parks to encourage people to start the year outside. Full hike details and locations are listed here.

Delaware drivers are facing unusually long waits at DMV locations this week. Lines wrapped around buildings at the Delaware City, Dover, and Georgetown offices, which are now absorbing extra traffic from the closed Wilmington location. The Wilmington DMV has remained shut since December 23, after a tragic shooting that killed a police officer and the gunman. DelDOT says delays like this are expected after any disruption, especially with a short holiday week. Late fees are waived through January, so if your visit can wait, it might be best to hold off.

Looking for a reason to get moving after the holidays? Delaware has a few. The Hoppy New Year 5K in Newark kicks things off on January 1, with a friendly course for all experience levels. A week later on January 11, Wilmington hosts Tyler Brown’s I Hate to Run Memorial 5K, a laid-back event with a big heart. Then on January 24, it’s back to Newark for the Cocoa and Cupcakes 5K, where runners can warm up with sweet treats post-race. Details and sign-ups are here, and yes, walkers are welcome too.

Delawareans have until January 15 to enroll in or make changes to their 2026 health insurance through the ACA Marketplace. The enhanced premium tax credits that helped over 42,000 Delaware residents lower their coverage costs are currently set to expire, though most Marketplace users will still qualify for some level of financial assistance. Plans on the Marketplace include essential health benefits such as coverage for pre-existing conditions, prescriptions, and mental health services. Depending on income, some applicants may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions that lower deductibles and copays. Free enrollment assistance is available through Westside Family Healthcare and other state-certified navigators.

White Clay Creek Country Club, tucked beside Delaware Park in the Christiana-Stanton area, will close its doors on New Year's Day. The golf course and restaurant, At The Rail, were still promoting memberships and OpenTable reservations just days before the announcement. Members were given 10 days to clean out their lockers. The course was known for offering both public play and memberships, and the property will now be put up for sale. The club’s manager said the decision came after careful consideration. No timeline has been shared for what comes next.

Nemours Children’s Health has received state approval to move forward with a $22.4 million expansion of its Level IV neonatal intensive care unit in Wilmington, the only one of its kind in Delaware. The project will add 16 more beds and additional support space to help meet rising demand. Nemours has been operating over capacity for much of the past year, sometimes caring for as many as 38 infants in a unit licensed for 30. Officials say the expansion will allow medically fragile newborns to stay closer to home rather than be transferred to hospitals in Philadelphia or Baltimore.

A year after creating a new board to oversee hospital budgets, Delaware lawmakers are already revising the law. The original setup gave the state power to approve or modify hospital budgets in advance, but that part drew a lawsuit from ChristianaCare. Now, under a new bill, the state would drop that authority while still requiring hospitals to report annual costs, revenues, and other key data.

Instead of pre-approving budgets, the state would evaluate actual results each year and enforce spending benchmarks through written findings and, eventually, compliance plans.

Delaware’s new Medical Aid in Dying law is moving forward after a federal judge denied a last-minute attempt to block it. Opponents of the law had asked for a temporary restraining order to delay the start of the legislation, which allows terminally ill adults to request medication that would end their lives. The request was denied, and the law will take effect with the new year. Supporters call it a voluntary and compassionate option, while challengers plan to appeal to the Third Circuit. The legal battle isn't over, but for now, the law stands.

Live! Music Brunch featuring Mariano Mallia at the Delaware Art Museum – Start the first Saturday of the year with live music from Delaware-raised, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Mariano Mallia, paired with a relaxed brunch atmosphere and signature cocktails surrounded by world-class art. Saturday at 11 AM; included with general admission and free for members, with brunch and bar items available for purchase separately.

Best of Delaware Comedy Showcase at Theatre N. – Catch a rotating lineup of standout regional comedians delivering sharp sets, big laughs, and plenty of surprises in an intimate theater setting. Saturday at 8 PM.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. Just things worth knowing. I’ll always flag sponsors clearly.

32 🌡️ 22 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 1% | 💨 NW 17 mph

34 🌡️ 22 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 2% | 💨 WNW 12 mph

34 🌡️ 24 | ☁️ Cloudy | 2% | 💨 NW 6 mph

37 🌡️ 23 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 3% | 💨 NW 12 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 41ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

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