Delaware

A country club on Kirkwood Highway? Big plans are afoot at a forgotten mini mall

Published

2 years ago

November 13, 2023

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A country club on Kirkwood Highway? Big plans are afoot at a forgotten mini mall

It doesn’t look like the place for a country club.

But the sign says otherwise.

On a flyby stretch of Kirkwood Highway bisecting Milltown and Stanton, lined by a defunct Friendly’s and mini-malls in need of tender loving care, a full-sized billboard now greets drivers speeding by in both directions: “KIRKWOOD COUNTRY CLUB: COMING SOON!”

Justin Dougherty, the maker of that billboard, says people’s bewildered reactions are the whole idea.

“That’s exactly what I was trying to do,” Dougherty said. “I want people to say, ‘Kirkwood Country Club?’”

But if it’s a joke, the joke belies some real ambition.

As soon as January, the Kirkwood Country Club will open at the Meadowood II Shopping Center at 2610 Capitol Trail. The Country Club will be a 2,600-square-foot tavern with bar games, a stage for DJs and live music and maybe dancing, a long 23-seat bar, TVs tuned to sports, a line of themed half-moon booths and a back bar for private parties or couples on a date.

Dougherty is majority partner of Pour House in Pike Creek and multiple locations of Cork and Barrel. He didn’t want to just call this new place a “tavern.”

He was a fan of the winking name at beachy burger haunt Dewey Beach Country Club. So he called up Dewey Beach’s owner, an old friend, to get his blessing to open his own highway-side Country Club near Newark.Dewey Beach’s owner offered his endorsement, so Dougherty was off to the races.

The decor at Kirkwood will play with the country club idea a bit, with maybe some muted greens that would probably suit Eagles fans anyway. Dougherty is even floating the idea of cutting a golf cart in half and letting people sit on each side, like some deranged scene out of Caddyshack.

But at heart, the Country club will offer a non-exclusive night out — it’ll be a place where local craft beer and tequila will share space on the menu with Miller High Life. The country club theme just adds a little fun.

“Everybody will say, ‘Honey, I’m going out to the country club,’” Dougherty said.

Bar will be part of broader renovation along Kirkwood Highway

The Kirkwood Country Club arrives as part of a wholesale renovation of the Meadowood II Shopping Center it sits in, next door to Western Family YMCA.

Meadowood II’s owner, Middletown-based Secure Management, has begun a large-scale renovation of the shopping complex. Secure is one of multiple property owners to upgrade their businesses, along what CEO Shane Malek admits has long been a neglected stretch of Kirkwood Highway.

Delaware-born Malek, whose company manages properties from the top to bottom of the state, sees a renaissance in this unlikely stretch of road between more established commercial corridors in Prices Corner and College Square.

There’s the Astro Center across the street next to the farmer’s market, which is adding fast food, a Wawa and a revivified facade. Just east, Meadowood Shopping Center — home to Walgreens, Argilla Brewing and Taqueria Los Compadres — was early to modernize. Next to that, a large mixed-use project in a former office building may bring hundreds of new residents.

“We’re putting some love here and it’s going to be great,” Malek said. “I think this ‘middle area’ is getting ready to come back to life.”

Construction is visible at Meadowood II in early November. The strip mall is topless, bereft of signs for the restaurants that call it home. But early renderings show a brick facade and neat trim, with a row of copper awnings. The first stage of renovations will be complete by early 2024, Malek said.

At the back end of the complex, former office space that went vacant during the pandemic will become a fully automated self-storage building with 150 small units, accessible via phone app during daytime hours.

“We did a lot of homework on it,” said Malek. “And there’s a huge demand for it.”

Tavern and music venue planned as anchor for neighboring businesses

Kirkwood Country Club is the missing piece that Malek believes will tie the whole shopping center together.

A bar that allows outside food is a perfect anchor for a shopping center already filled with fast-casual food options, Malek said: Customers could bring in tacos from Taqueria Lyly or La Camarona, a pie from Troy’s, or barbecue from Smok’d.

It’s synergy, he said: His restaurant tenants will get new customers, and bar denizens will have a buffet of food options to choose from. Malek is also in negotiations to bring in what he calls a “national” food chain in the small space next to the Country Club.

Malek tapped Dougherty to ask whether he had an appetite to buy out the tavern license and business from longtime neighborhood Irish pub Cunningham’s, tucked away as a locals’ secret at the backside of the shopping center. Cunningham’s longtime owners are retiring from the bar trade after a couple decades in the business.

Tavern licenses, allowing alcohol service without food, are a rare and sought after commodity in Delaware: Only one can exist within any given square mile, in unincorporated areas like Stanton.

Dougherty signed a deal to take over the license at the beginning of November, and by early 2024 Cunningham’s will close. The license will move to the bigger and flashier space occupied by the Kirkwood Country Club, fronting on Kirkwood Highway.

When he heard Dougherty’s name and concept for the forthcoming bar, he couldn’t help but laugh, Malek said.

“I mean, a country club on Kirkwood Highway?” he said. “I love it.”

Matthew Korfhage is business and development reporter in the Delaware region covering all things related to land and money: openings and closings, construction and the many corporations who call the First State home. A longtime food writer, he also tends to turn up with stories about tacos, oysters and beer. Send tips and insults to mkorfhage@gannett.com.

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Delaware

Want to make Delaware schools better? Do it yourself – with First State Educate’s help

Published

7 hours ago

October 22, 2025

Press Room

Want to make Delaware schools better? Do it yourself – with First State Educate’s help

The more Patty Maull thought about running for a seat on her school board, the more she realized it was the right thing to do. It was her chance to stand up and lead the push for better Cape Henlopen schools, much as she’d always advocated for her daughters’ education.

She sensed she could win, but in those early days she wondered: How does a hair stylist from Rehoboth learn what it takes to be a school board member? Where can a passionate parent go for a crash course in endlessly complex school systems?

“There were so many times I was like, ‘Oh, what am I doing?’” Maull said. “I felt like it was crazy to run.”

FOR MORE INFO

Thinking about running for school board? If you’re ready to step up, First State Educate will provide the tools, training, and support needed to run and to serve with confidence from day one.

She found answers to those initial questions she had – and new ones that she didn’t even know she had – with First State Educate, which has been supporting aspiring school board candidates through the process since 2020.

“They were always available to answer my questions, which was such a huge help,” said Maull, who would go on to beat out two rivals in her race for the Cape Henlopen board in May 2025.

First State Educate’s strong conviction underlies their mission: That Delaware’s students deserve the best leaders, and that those leaders achieve the best outcomes when they are prepared, confident and committed.

“We’re empowering the community and building systems and processes where they can stand up and be part of the movement to make Delaware public schools some of the best in the nation,” said Julia Keleher, executive director of First State Educate. “We’re just facilitating success.”

From 2023 to 2025, First State Educate trained or supported nearly a third of Delaware’s school board members, in 16 of the state’s 19 districts.

Children motivated Patty Maull to run for the school board, and First State Educate made sure she arrived prepared.

“In a way, we’re working to bring the public back into public education,” added Yvonne Johnson, a school board consultant for First State Educate.

And the public has a standing invitation to share in First State Educate’s resources, whether they’re running for a seat or not. Online discussion groups that are part of First State Educate’s “Knowledge Hub” let parents and community members stay abreast of such hot button issues as school taxes and safety.

It’s designed to keep Delawareans informed about their schools – but also to inspire deeper engagement and action.

“We encourage anyone who is considering running for their school board to take that chance,” Keleher said. “Just raise your hand, and we will be there to support you.”

Inside the Knowledge Hub, aspiring candidates can take online courses that give them a solid grounding in the complex world of school budgets to financial audits. There’s an entire section devoted to “onboarding” newly elected board members, smoothing their post-election transition, and giving them a boost of confidence and some critical knowledge.

“Working with First State Educate has allowed me to cut the learning curve substantially,” said Brandywine school board member Brian Jordan.

“Working with First State Educate has allowed me to cut the learning curve substantially,” said recently elected Brandywine school board member Brian Jordan. “That’s important, because the community has invested its trust and tax dollars to our care.”

The learning doesn’t stop once election results are in. The Knowledge Hub is open to everyone invested in Delaware’s schools — parents, educators, community advocates, and board candidates alike. Each digital badge or micro-credential recognizes real learning and leadership growth, offering flexible ways to showcase expertise and readiness to make an impact.

Each month, “Board Matters” sessions dive deep into the school system’s inner workings. And every Thursday morning, experts examine topics in depth on the “Leading Together” podcast.

With help from First State Educate, Susan Sander won a seat on the Red Clay Consolidated board, and is now vice president.

“The Knowledge Hub is a great place for learning through fellowship, and sharing new ideas,” said Susan Sander, who earned a seat on the Red Clay Consolidated board in May, and is already its vice president. “There is just so much to learn about the workings of a district, and the roles of a board member.”

Maull can second that notion – and vouch for First State Educate’s reliable support system. “Being able to pick their brains was great,” she said. “‘And it’s nice to have so much available through the Knowledge Hub, so I can go back if I’m confused about something, and find a course that helps.”

Even entire school boards are benefitting from First State Educate’s expertise and commitment. Mini-grants awarded by the organization are focused on giving boards the resources to strengthen governance, test new ideas, and model effective practices. FSE scholarships open the door for board members to get advanced training, and explore opportunities to mentor others.

“It’s all done to ensure that Delaware benefits from strong, informed, and representative leadership,” Keleher said. “When boards govern well, districts perform better. Better district performance leads to higher student achievement. And that’s what it’s all really about, our children and their futures.”

Delaware

Delaware Lottery Mega Millions, Play 3 Day winning numbers for Oct. 21, 2025

Published

1 day ago

October 22, 2025

Press Room

Delaware Lottery Mega Millions, Play 3 Day winning numbers for Oct. 21, 2025

The Delaware Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025 results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Oct. 21 drawing

02-18-27-34-59, Mega Ball: 18

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 3 numbers from Oct. 21 drawing

Day: 1-4-4

Night: 7-2-1

Check Play 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 4 numbers from Oct. 21 drawing

Day: 0-4-8-7

Night: 0-1-1-4

Check Play 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Multi-Win Lotto numbers from Oct. 21 drawing

02-04-07-24-25-33

Check Multi-Win Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Oct. 21 drawing

08-09-15-31-32, Lucky Ball: 12

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 5 numbers from Oct. 21 drawing

Day: 5-2-8-2-5

Night: 9-2-8-4-7

Check Play 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Sign the Ticket: Establish legal ownership by signing the back of your ticket with an ink pen.
Prizes up to $599: Claim at any Delaware Lottery Retailer, in person at the Delaware Lottery Office, or mail your signed ticket and claim form; print your name/address on the ticket’s back and keep a copy/photo for records. By mail, send original tickets and documentation to: Delaware Lottery, 1575 McKee Road, Suite 102, Dover, DE 19904.
Prizes up to $2,500: Claim in person at Delaware Lottery Retailer Claim Centers throughout Kent, Sussex and New Castle Counties.
Prizes of $5,001 or more: Claim in person at the Delaware Lottery Office (business days 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with a photo ID and Social Security card.
For all prize claims, directions to the Delaware Lottery Office are available online or via mapquest.com for a map.

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Delaware Lottery.

Can I claim a jackpot prize anonymously in Delaware?

Fortunately for First State residents, the Delaware Lottery allows winners remain anonymous. Unlike many other states that require a prize be over a certain jackpot, Delawareans can remain anonymous no matter how much, or how little, they win.

How long do I have to claim my prize in Delaware?

Tickets are valid for up to one year past the drawing date for drawing game prizes or within one year of the announced end of sales for Instant Games, according to delottery.com.

When are the Delaware Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
Play 3, 4: Daily at 1:58 p.m. and 7:57 p.m., except Sunday afternoon.
Multi-Win Lotto: 7:57 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Lucky for Life: Daily at 10:38 p.m.
Lotto America: 11:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Delaware Online digital operations manager. You can send feedback using this form.

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Delaware

DeSean Jackson, Hornets relish chance to be better as MEAC football begins

Published

2 days ago

October 21, 2025

Press Room

DeSean Jackson, Hornets relish chance to be better as MEAC football begins

Delaware State has already shown considerable improvement on the football field under new coach DeSean Jackson, the former NFL standout.

Starting this week, the true measure of the Hornets’ progress can be charted.

DSU (4-3) plays the first of its five Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference games that will close the season.

And it’s a tough one, as Oct. 25 foe North Carolina Central won 27 games the last three years. The Eagles are 4-2 this season and have won five straight over DSU, including 52-10 last year.

But this is not the same DSU team, as Jackson’s hiring and his hustle have allowed the Hornets to build a deeper, better roster of players who’ve benefitted from the coaching staff’s direction.

“When we do things good, we gotta do them better,” Jackson said. “When we do things great, we gotta do them greater.”

Kickoff is at 1 p.m. at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham, North Carolina, where the Eagles will be celebrating homecoming.

“Delaware State has improved,” said NCCU coach Trey Oliver. “That makes the whole conference better . . . And I think that they’re a very well-coached football team. He’s done a great job putting a staff together and I’ve been impressed with them.”

These are six ways the Hornets can compete for their first MEAC title since 2007 when they begin league play.

Keep pounding the football

Delaware State is by far the leading rushing team nationally in FCS, averaging 327 yards per game, more than 60 yards ahead of anyone.

Two of the Hornets’ four wins have come against Division II schools, including the record-smashing romp over Southern Connecticut State Oct. 11. But they’ve run the football well against everybody, including getting 200 yards against FBS Delaware, which has only allowed more than that once in six games.

“This is probably the most efficient running team I’ve seen in my coaching career,” Oliver said. “They’re averaging over seven yards a carry. That’s almost a first down every time they run the ball.”

Milford High grad Marquis Gillis is 11^th nationally with 105.9 yards per game and James Jones is 18^th with 91.3. Jayden Jenkins (8.4 yards per carry) and Kobe Boykin (9.1) give the Hornets other potential breakaway threats, and Kaiden Bennett is the leading rusher among MEAC quarterbacks.

This is a hard offense to stop, and has benefitted from stellar play up front that should actually improve as players return from injuries.

But Jackson feels the run game can be better.

“We feel like we’re leaving stuff on the table,” said Jackson, adding that missed reads are among areas where DSU could improve.

Improve the passing game

DSU has the fewest pass completions in the league and just a 56.5 completion percentage.

Certainly, the run game’s effectiveness means less need for the passing game.

But because opposing defenses have to bear down so much to thwart that vaunted running attack, it should create opportunities that the Hornets and proven quarterback Bennett need to take better advantage of.

Defend the pass better

DSU has allowed a MEAC high 277.6 passing yards per game. While the Hornets also have by far the most passes against, the 66.3 completion percentage of opposing quarterbacks is way too high.

That’s not just a back-end issue. The Hornets have just 12 sacks on the year, so better pressure on the quarterback would translate to better coverage deep.

MEAC STANDINGS: Conference play set to start

Keep doing this

DSU has been better defensively in the red zone than any MEAC team, limiting foes to 16 touchdowns and three field goals on 28 trips inside the 20. That has included the Hornets getting four takeaways.

Playing that well all over the field would be beneficial.

Cut down on penalties

Jackson recognized and mentioned early that his team sometimes lacks discipline and it carries over onto the field.

Sure enough, DelState has committed more penalties (72) than any FCS school except Merrimack but its 678 yards penalized are the most nationally.

“We’ve stressed that all year,” he said. “I think in the beginning of the year we dealt with it a little more. We’ve cleaned it up a lot.”

Embrace the opportunity

Delaware State has never played in the Celebration Bowl, which has matched the champions of the MEAC and SWAC – the two Division I leagues made up of Historically Black Colleges and Universities – since 2015.

The game has become a cultural phenomenon and cherished competitive target, with crowds of roughly 40,000 packing Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The Hornets have been greatly motivated by the lack of preseason appreciation they received, though being picked last in the MEAC wasn’t a surprise after back-to-back winless league seasons.

DSU is better than it’s been and the league appears potentially balanced enough for the Hornets to dream big.

Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@delawareonline.com and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to delawareonline.com and our DE Game Day newsletter.

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