OC Today WWW.OCEANCITYTODAY.COM
MARCH 1, 2019
SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
WRESTLERS STATE BOUND Eight Stephen Decatur grapplers to battle in championship meet this weekend – Page 57
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Resort lands ‘Ninja Challenge’ Agility, strength, coordination to be tested on apparatus coming to 4th St. complex By Greg Ellison Staff Writer (March 1, 2019) Although proper stretching is advised, Ocean City visitors and residents can experience a fresh recreational pursuit this summer following the introduction of the “Ninja Obstacle Challenge,” at the Downtown Recreation Complex on Third Street. Tourism and Marketing Director Donna Abbott announced during the City Council work session on Tuesday that terms were recently finalized for the “Woodward WreckTangle,” a proprietary obstacle course tentatively slated for the northwest corner of Philadelphia Avenue and Third street. She said the deal came after months of negotiations with Chris Prybylo, a consultant with Powdr Adventure Lifestyle. “An agreement was approved by council in executive session last week that will bring a Woodward WreckTangle to Ocean City this year,” she said. Abbott said Woodward is part of the Powdr portfolio, which has owned and operated performance events and venues since its inception in 1970. Despite the “Ninja Obstacle Course,” See WRECKTANGLE Page 52
SPORTS
Sprinkler antifreeze reg pulled Lack of supply cited for dropping new rule
PHOTO COURTESY POWDR ADVENTURE
A Ninja Challenge participant tests his strength and stamina on one section of the Woodward WreckTangle, which resembles the obstacle courses used on television’s “American Ninja Warrior.”
By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (March 1, 2019) Two weeks after announcing new regulations for antifreeze in fire suppression sprinkler systems, the Ocean City Fire Marshal Office rescinded the directive that was based on the findings of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). On Thursday, Feb. 21, Ocean City Fire Marshal David Hartley released a statement regarding the Fire Marshal’s decision. “After our initial correspondence was sent in conjunction with information from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, it has been determined the only currently available listed antifreeze solution may not be ‘listed’ for use in many of the sprinkler systems throughout town, particularly regarding volume limitations, as the See SPRINKLER Page 53
Fun’s over for now at Toy Town By Josh Davis Associate Editor (March 1, 2019) The rift between Toy Town Antiques and the Town of Snow Hill became wider and deeper Wednesday, after town officials forced the store to close and then cordoned it off with caution tape. The reason given for the closure, according to Toy Town
owner Richard Seaton, was that he had no occupancy permit, even though he had been operating the store for more than two years. Seaton said Snow Hill Code Enforcement Officer Jon Hill came to the store earlier in the day with a sheriff’s deputy and “gave me a civil citation for not having an occupancy (permit),
and said that my court date would be sent to me.” “Well, we’ve not had [a certificate of occupancy] for two years, because [Hill] promised me one and never gave me the damned thing,” Seaton said. “I’ve been open for two and a half years. In other words, can you tell they’re trying to play a little bit of hardSee TOY TOWN Page 53
JOSH DAVIS/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Caution tape bars entry into Snow Hill’s Toy Town shop, after it was cited by the town for having no occupancy permit.