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Newark’s New Country Bar is Open for Business
Founding Brothers opens with a Southern twist, North Carolina gets first mega Wawa, school board votes on tax changes this week, Christina plan could shrink school tax bills by 79%.
Above the Canal
August 18, 2025
Rise and shine, 302. It’s the last full week before routines return and the crosswalk signs start blinking. Soak it up. Next Monday hits different.
Your 302 Rundown:
Newark’s restaurant scene goes country
Mega Wawa travel center opens in North Carolina
Christina plan may lower median tax from $660 to $141
Let’s get to it
NEWS YOU CAN USE
🚤 UD students crush it with autonomous boat
The Delaware Dynamos, a team of UD engineering students, built and raced an electric, self-driving boat with no prior marine experience and still snagged a top-10 finish at a national competition. Their DIY vessel made it more than 1.5 miles before a power failure cut the run short.
They worked out of Spencer Lab using 3D printers, scrap parts, and a lot of late nights. Next stop? A big invite to the Navy’s 250th Anniversary Innovation Pavilion in Philly this fall.
The finish line was just the beginning for this crew.
🦟 West Nile virus found in New Castle County chickens
Delaware just recorded its first case of West Nile virus for 2025, and the surprise carriers? Chickens. DNREC detected the virus in three sentinel flocks in New Castle County. These flocks are used to monitor mosquito-borne illnesses across the state.
No human cases have been reported yet, but officials say the risk will stick around until at least mid-October. Horse owners are also urged to vaccinate their animals, since equine infections can be severe.
If you needed a reason to clean out the birdbath, this is it.
📸 Your pet could be a calendar star
The Brandywine Valley SPCA just opened entries for its 2026 Picture Pawfect Pet Photo Contest. To enter, upload a photo of your cat or dog (no people allowed), make a $20 donation, and encourage your friends to vote. The top 12 pets with the most votes will be featured in the 2026 calendar, and the overall winner gets the cover and picks their month.
Want to make sure your pet makes the calendar? For $30, you can reserve a specific date in the calendar, like their birthday or gotcha day, and have their photo printed on that day's square. Dates are first come, first served, so don’t wait too long to claim yours.
Voting runs through September 17. It’s competitive, it’s for a great cause, and your camera roll already has the perfect photo.
IN BUSINESS
🎶 Newark gets a taste of Nashville
Main Street just got a little twangier. Founding Brothers, a new restaurant and bar from the Osmanollaj brothers, opened this week in the former Arena’s space. It’s all about honky tonk vibes with country music, cowboy hats, fried catfish, and Nashville hot chicken.
It’s their fourth Newark restaurant, but the first with full table service and live music. Weekend shows are planned, and the space is decorated with guitars, album covers, and a mural of country legends.
UD students and locals looking for a little Southern charm now have a new spot to try.
🚛 Wawa’s going big in a whole new way
Wawa is officially hitting the highway. The convenience store favorite is launching its first-ever travel center on August 28 in Hope Mills, North Carolina. This 8,000-square-foot mega Wawa will cater to both road-trippers and long-haul truckers with diesel lanes, a weigh station, tons of parking, and of course, hoagies.
There’s outdoor seating, pet relief areas, and all the Wawa goodness packed into a much larger footprint. It’s just a pilot for now, but Wawa has big plans to keep rolling out these centers.
Buc-ee’s might have some company soon.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
🕊️ Former Governor and Congressman Mike Castle dies at 86
Spotlight Delaware reports that Michael Castle, one of Delaware’s longest-serving public officials, passed away last week at age 86. Castle served as governor, congressman, lieutenant governor, and a state legislator over a political career that spanned four decades.
Castle’s tenure included the creation of the Transportation Trust Fund, early childhood education initiatives, and efforts in Congress related to education reform and commemorative coinage. He was known for his pragmatic approach to policymaking and for maintaining strong constituent relationships throughout his career.
🏫 Christina wants $185 million for major school upgrades
The Christina School District is eyeing a $185 million plan to rebuild Gauger-Cobbs Middle and renovate five other schools. The proposal includes upgrades at Shue-Medill, Kirk, and all three high schools, with new classrooms, security improvements, and modern labs for culinary and health science programs.
The current Gauger-Cobbs building would be replaced entirely, and used temporarily while other schools are being renovated. Christina says outdated facilities are driving students away, and this is the first phase of a 10-year plan to fix that.
Next step? State approval and, potentially, a public referendum.
💸 Christina to consider adjusting school tax rates
The Christina School Board will meet August 21 to vote on resetting its school tax rates. A recent change in state law now allows districts to set separate rates for commercial and residential properties.
Following reassessment, residential properties have come to make up a larger share of the tax base, which led to higher bills for many homeowners. If approved, the median school tax increase could drop from $660 to $141.
The board will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Glasgow High School, with a livestream available on the district’s website.
DOG OF THE WEEK
Say hello to Lady🐾
Lady is just over a year old and already lives up to her name — graceful, loyal, and full of charm. This black-and-white beauty has a playful streak that keeps things lively, but what really shines is her sweet, affectionate nature. She’s the kind of pup who greets you with joy and makes every day feel brighter.
Whether she’s chasing a toy or leaning in for pets, Lady is happiest when she’s with her people. She’s ready to leave shelter life behind and write her next chapter with a family who will love her back just as much as she loves them.
Come meet Lady at the Brandywine Valley SPCA’s Copeland Center in New Castle (290 Churchmans Road). She’s spayed, microchipped, and ready for forever.
THE HAPPENINGS
Monday
Tuesday
The X Band Experience at Brandywine Mills Plaza brings bold brass and funky rhythms to Wilmington for an evening of high-energy jazz fusion. Catch the show on Tuesday, August 19 at 5 PM.
Wednesday
Lunchtime Concert at Bellevue State Park’s Arts Center Patio offers a midweek musical break featuring local performer Jamie Parker. Bring lunch and a friend to enjoy the show on Wednesday, August 20 at 12 PM.
Lunchtime Concert Series – Sean Reilly at Hare Overlook Pavilion delivers a dose of classic crooner charm right to your midday. Pack a lunch and enjoy timeless Sinatra-style vocals on Wednesday, August 20 from 12:15–1:15 PM.
Summer Nights at Hagley: Unwind along the Brandywine with a relaxing evening walk, local food trucks, Dogfish Head brews, and Woodside Farm Creamery treats. Wednesday, August 20 from 5–8 PM.
Linocut Printmaking: Pet Portraits! at New Castle County Government Center: Turn your pet’s photo into a handmade 8x10 print in this beginner-friendly linocut workshop — just bring a 5x7 image of your furry friend. Wednesday, August 20 from 6–8 PM. Ages 18+, $20 material fee due at class.
Levitt AMP Wilmington Concert Series – Shemekia Copeland at the Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange brings the power of blues to Wilmington this week. Hear the GRAMMY-nominated singer’s unmistakable voice and fierce delivery on Wednesday, August 20 from 6–8:30 PM.
Flatland Drive at the Carpenter Recreation Area offers a spirited evening of bluegrass blending tradition with modern flair. Bring a chair and enjoy the live music on Wednesday, August 20 at 6:30.
Thursday
Sculpture Garden Happy Hours featuring Ty Mathis at Delaware Art Museum is back with another evening of live music, community vibes, and creative energy. Enjoy genre-defying tunes by Ty Mathis, plus a cash bar, local vendors, and Los Taquitos de Puebla food truck on Thursday, August 21 from 5–7:30 PM. Admission is free and includes entry to the museum.
Sip & Stroll at the Brandywine Zoo is back for another evening of after-hours fun with animals, music, and local flavor. Enjoy live tunes from Zach & Sam and tasty bites from Posh Platters on Thursday, August 21 from 5–7:30 PM. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for kids (non-members), or $5 for adults and $3 for kids (members); ages 2 and under are free.
Third Thursdays on State Street in Kennett Square transforms downtown into an open-air celebration of food, music, and community. Enjoy outdoor dining from local restaurants, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun on Thursday, August 21 from 5:30–10 PM. Admission is free, and parking in the nearby garage is also free during the event.
Charlie and The Cooltones at the Bellevue Bandshell will bring a lively mix of classic rock, funk, and blues to the stage for a fun night out. Don’t miss them on Thursday, August 21 at 6:30 PM.
Summer Concert Series: Full Carbon Getup at Glasgow Park delivers an energetic night of live music to close out your Thursday with a groove. Bring a chair and grab dinner at the farmers market before the show on Thursday, August 21 from 6:30–8 PM.
FORECAST AT A GLANCE
Monday
74 🌡️ 63 | ☁️ Overcast | 11% | 💨 NE 13 mph
Tuesday
75 🌡️ 66 | ☁️ Cloudy | 24% | 💨 E 10 mph
Wednesday
79 🌡️ 64 | 🌥️ Mostly Cloudy | 24% | 💨 E 9 mph
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 77ºF
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.
THE NOT SO SHORTLIST
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