The Toughman Contest , founded in 1979 in Bay City, Michigan , by late boxing promoter Art Dore (1936–2022), is a chance for the novice amateur boxers (those with no more than five sanctioned wins in the past five years) to test themselves in the ring .
56-465: Toughman Contest formats vary from state to state and are configured to each particular state’s rules and regulations. The most common format prescribes the use of standard amateur boxing rules, 16 ounces for each glove, protective headgear, and bouts made of 3 rounds of boxing. Each round is 2 minutes with a 60-second rest period or interval for men and 1 minute rounds with 1 minute or 45-second intervals for women. The Original Toughman Contest plays across
112-626: A charter alternative secondary school. Mosaica Education Inc. operates a charter school, Bay County Public School Academy, serving grades kindergarten through 8th grade. Essexville, Michigan Essexville is a city in Bay County in the U.S. state of Michigan . The population was 3,379 at the 2020 census . Located along the Saginaw River , Essexville is part of the Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City metropolitan area . Essexville
168-480: A grinder to cut off bolts in the area where the fire started, and sparks from the work started the blaze. Fire crews were on the scene for nearly five hours fighting the hard-to-access fire. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 11.21 square miles (29.03 km ), of which 10.17 square miles (26.34 km ) is land and 1.04 square miles (2.69 km )
224-510: A male householder with no wife present, and 29.3% were non-families. 25.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.87. The median age in the city was 42.3 years. 22.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.8% were from 25 to 44; 29.8% were from 45 to 64; and 16.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of
280-595: A waiver freeing the parent company from liability. Some states, like Florida and Missouri, do not sanction the Toughman Contest and other amateur boxing contests unless it is under the rules and regulations of the USAAB. The Toughman Contest was started in 1979 by Art Dore and Dean Oswald in Bay City, Michigan . Dore and Oswald wanted to prove how tough they were and opened it up to their friends determine who
336-455: A wake that caused Jupiter to break free of its berth. A fire and explosion ensued, and one man drowned. There was considerable legal action taken, ultimately resulting in an adjudication that was subsequently appealed by the owners of Buffalo . The findings of the Court of Appeals upheld the original decision, which assigned 50% of the responsibility to Buffalo (for her excessive speed), 25% to
392-748: Is blue with the city logo on it. It has been changed from the original design. The Hell's Half Mile Film and Music Festival is held annually in September. The festival features a mix of independent films with live indie music. Bay City is the home to the Tri-City Ice Hawks of the United States Premier Hockey League . The Bay City Billikens and Bay City Wolves were a minor league baseball teams that were based in Bay City. The Wolves played as members of
448-513: Is housed in the former armory building on Washington Avenue, adjacent to the historic City Hall. The Bay City Players, a volunteer-based community theatre, is the oldest continuously running community theater in Michigan. The Bay County Library System includes two public libraries located in Bay City, the Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library and Sage Public Library. The official Bay City flag
504-470: Is land and 0.11 square miles (0.28 km ) is water. It is also directly on the Saginaw River. As of the census of 2010, there were 3,478 people, 1,437 households, and 1,016 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,675.4 inhabitants per square mile (1,033.0/km ). There were 1,527 housing units at an average density of 1,174.6 per square mile (453.5/km ). The racial makeup of
560-517: Is named after Ransom P. Essex, a local settler. It was first platted in 1867. The Essexville Post Office opened on Feb 27, 1871. The Post Office was closed from January 20 to February 24 in 1879. It was incorporated as a village in 1883 within Hampton Township and as a city in 1934. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 1.41 square miles (3.65 km ), of which 1.30 square miles (3.37 km )
616-479: Is regarded as the first settler within the limits of Bay County, in an area which would become Bay City. In 1831, he built a log cabin on the east bank of the Saginaw river. Bay City was first established in 1837 and was incorporated as a city in 1865. In 1834 John B. Trudell built a log-cabin near the present corner of Seventeenth and Broadway. Trudell later purchased land that extended from his residence north along
SECTION 10
#1732798341046672-590: Is sometimes regarded as being part of the greater Thumb of Michigan Area , which is also a sub-region of the Flint/Tri-Cities. This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Bay City has a humid continental climate , abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps. As of
728-537: Is the most widely attended boxing series in the United States in the last three decades. Dozens of Toughman contests continue be held as annual events in West Virginia, Ohio, and Oklahoma. The 1983 film Tough Enough , starring Dennis Quaid , features a Toughman Contest. Dore served as a technical advisor and inspired the character played by Warren Oates . In 1995, Toughman licensed a video game for
784-474: Is water. Despite declining population, Bay City remains (by a narrow margin over Port Huron ) as the largest U.S. city by population on or near Lake Huron , much smaller than the largest cities on the other four Great Lakes : ( Chicago , Toronto , Cleveland , and Thunder Bay ). Bay City, along with Saginaw , and Midland make up the Tri-Cities Area , a sub-region of Flint/Tri-Cities . Bay City
840-515: The 2020 census . The city is located just upriver from the Saginaw Bay on the Saginaw River . It is the principal city of the Bay City metropolitan area, which is coterminous with Bay County as part of the larger Greater Tri-Cities region of Central Michigan . Several historic bridges cross the Saginaw River in Bay City, including Liberty Bridge , Veterans Memorial Bridge , Independence Bridge , and Lafayette Avenue Bridge . Leon Tromblé
896-666: The Class B level Michigan-Ontario League from 1919 to 1926, winning league consecutive championships in 1923 and 1924. The "Billikens" were a Southern Michigan League team, with Bay City teams playing from 1907 to 1915 as members of the Class C league. In 1926, the Wolves played a partial season in the Class B level Michigan State League , which was formed through a merger of the Central League and Michigan-Ontario League during
952-552: The Saginaw River , often in Wenonah Park on the east bank or the larger Veterans Memorial Park on the west bank. The Bay County Historical Museum, located on Washington Avenue, is the designated repository for the records of the Patrol Craft Sailors Association and also contains numerous displays on local and regional history. Over the past several years, the museum has expanded significantly. It
1008-694: The Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum worked through the Naval Sea Systems Command to bring the USS Edson (DD-946) to Bay City as a museum ship. It was finally delivered to its temporary home in Essexville, Michigan , on August 7, 2012. Another important part of the city's industrial history is Industrial Brownhoist, which was well known for its construction of large industrial cranes. At the outbreak of
1064-588: The Sega Genesis called Toughman Contest . In 2003, Toughman faced public scrutiny following the death of Stacy Young in a "Toughwoman" bout staged as part of a Toughman competition in Sarasota, Florida. Young was a last-minute entry and faced Sara Kobie in the ring. Kobie's hits on Young led to Young's death from brain injuries. Young's family sued the Toughman company. The following year, Florida enacted
1120-457: The census of 2020, there were 32,661 people, and 14,417 households. The population density was 3,212.77 inhabitants per square mile (1,240.5/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 89.6% White , 2.7% Black , 0.2% Native American , 0.5% Asian , 0.2% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander , and 6.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.1% of the population. There were 14,417 households. The average household size
1176-618: The First World War, Bay City contained a largely German neighborhood called Salzburg. The German-descended minority became the focus of extreme nativism and xenophobia . Pastors introduced English-language sermons for the first time in Salzburg but it did not catch on and sermons in Salzburg remained mostly German. The Salzburghers demanded that the rest of Bay City recognize them as Americans first and German-American second but hostility towards them continued. The governor of Michigan at
SECTION 20
#17327983410461232-693: The Mayor's seat and the City Commission are nonpartisan. Following the 2017-2019 Charter Commission and subsequent passage of the new charter, the years when Bay City elections are held changed. Formerly held in off-years (2009, 2013, 2017, etc.) the elections for odd-numbered commission seats are now held during mid-term/Gubernatorial election years, this began in 2022. Mayoral elections and elections for even-numbered commission seats are now held during Presidential election years, formerly being held in off-years (2011, 2015, 2017), this began in 2024. Following
1288-563: The Stacy Young Act into law, requiring such competitions be sanctioned by the Florida State Boxing Commission. A 2007 review of boxing deaths documented six fatalities in "Original Toughman" competitions since 1979, and another ten in "Toughman-style" bouts. Bay City, Michigan Bay City is a city in and the county seat of Bay County, Michigan , United States. The population was 32,661 as of
1344-554: The US in between 75 and 100 cities each year and culminates with the World Championship. Toughman Contest tournaments feature the local residents of a particular city (generally, participants must live within 100–150 mile radius of where the event is to be held). Contestants must be at least 18 years of age, pass a standard boxing physical, and meet any other requirements of the state's boxing commission's regulations, and also sign
1400-399: The age of 18 living with them, 37.0% were married couples living together, 16.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.8% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38, and the average family size
1456-533: The approval of the City Commission. The Mayor of Bay City is Kathleen Newsham, who has served in that capacity since January 2016. City operations are managed by the City Manager, who is chosen by the City Commission. Dana Muscott has been the City Manager for Bay City since 2017. The City Commission has nine members, one from each of the city's nine wards. City Commissioners as well as the Mayor serve four-year terms and are limited to two consecutive terms. Both
1512-405: The average family size was 2.98. In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.4% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 26.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.4 males. The median income for a household in the city
1568-403: The average family size was 3.04. In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.5% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.6 males. The median income for a household in the city
1624-546: The cause of the fire (arson, electrical, or grease fire) and it remains the deadliest fire in Bay County history. On Christmas Eve, 1979, a large Bay City department store of long standing, Oppenheim's, was destroyed by fire. In September 1990, the tankship MV Jupiter was unloading gasoline at the Total Petroleum Terminal. A passing cargo ship, MV Buffalo , moving at excessive speed, created
1680-555: The city was 47.6% male and 52.4% female. As of the census of 2000, there were 3,766 people, 1,487 households, and 1,088 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,114.3 inhabitants per square mile (1,202.4/km ). There were 1,530 housing units at an average density of 1,265.2 per square mile (488.5/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 96.34% White , 0.53% African American , 0.80% Native American , 0.58% Asian , 0.61% from other races , and 1.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.07% of
1736-420: The city was 95.5% White , 0.9% African American , 0.6% Native American , 0.8% Asian , 0.8% from other races , and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.0% of the population. There were 1,437 households, of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.4% had
Toughman Contest - Misplaced Pages Continue
1792-472: The city. The population density was 3,434.8 inhabitants per square mile (1,326.2/km ). There were 15,923 housing units at an average density of 1,565.7 per square mile (604.5/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 89.7% White , 3.5% Black , 0.6% Native American , 0.5% Asian , 1.8% from other races , and 3.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.5% of the population. There were 14,436 households, of which 31.7% had children under
1848-421: The city. The population density was 3,537.1 inhabitants per square mile (1,365.7/km ). There were 16,259 housing units at an average density of 1,562.0 per square mile (603.1/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 91.19% White , 2.72% Black , 0.74% Native American , 0.53% Asian , 0.01% Pacific Islander , 2.47% from other races , and 2.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.72% of
1904-493: The dock operator (for rotten wood pilings) and 25% to Jupiter (for improper procedures in unloading her cargo). In January 2009, Bay City's wholly owned municipal power company, Bay City Electric Light and Power, installed a "limiter" device to restrict the receipt of power to the home of Marvin Schur, a 93-year-old customer who had failed to pay an outstanding bill in excess of $ 1,000. The Bay City Electric Light and Power policy
1960-606: The east bank of the Saginaw River . when West Bay City was annexed. During the latter half of the 19th century, Bay City was the home of several now-closed industries including many sawmills and shipyards. The Defoe Shipbuilding Company , which ceased operations December 31, 1975, built destroyer escorts , guided missile destroyers , and patrol craft for the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Navy . To maintain this strong Naval heritage,
2016-974: The election of then-Commissioner Kristen McDonald Rivet to the Michigan State Senate, her husband, Joseph Rivet was appointed to fill the remainder of her term. Following the resignation of Commissioner Shelley Niedzwiecki in April of 2024, the 7th Ward seat remains vacant. The City of Bay City is located in the following districts: Bay City Public Schools operates seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools. Bangor Township Schools operates one high school, one middle schools, three elementary school, one preschool, and one virtual school. Essexville Hampton Public Schools operates one high, school one middle school, and two elementary schools. Bay Area Catholic Schools operates four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Bay-Arenac Community High School operates
2072-452: The first non-native settlement in this area in 1819, larger ships had difficulty navigating the shallower water near the Saginaw settlement. Many of the early pioneers moved to Lower Saginaw as it became clear its deeper waters made it a better location for the growth of industry which relied on shipping. By 1860, Lower Saginaw had become a bustling community of about 2,000 people with several mills and many small businesses in operation. In 1865,
2128-506: The ground. Bay City's unusual Third Street Bridge was damaged by a freighter on June 17, 1976. The following morning, when the swing span was operated, one half crashed into the Saginaw River blocking all riverine traffic. A river crossing was never reinstated at that location. On December 10, 1977, a deadly fire claimed the lives of 10 at the Wenonah Hotel (Wenonah Park Apartments) in downtown Bay City. The hotel had been built on
2184-401: The historic 113-year-old City Hall sustained significant damage as the result of an attic fire which caused the sprinkler system to run for nearly two hours. Most of the damage to the building was water damage from the sprinkler system and water used to fight the fire. The fire started in the midst of a $ 1.6 million roofing project. After an investigation, it was determined that a worker was using
2240-410: The population. There were 1,487 households, out of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.1% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.8% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and
2296-410: The population. There were 15,208 households, out of which 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.4% were married couples living together, 14.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.7% were non-families. 32.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and
Toughman Contest - Misplaced Pages Continue
2352-544: The river to what later became the location for the Industrial Brownhoist, making him the first permanent resident of what has become Bay County. Bay City became the largest community in the county and the location of the county seat of government. Most of the county's agencies and associations are located here. The city shares common borders with Essexville and the townships of Bangor , Frankenlust , Hampton , Merritt , Monitor , and Portsmouth . Bay City
2408-476: The season. The Wolves captured the Michigan State League championship in their final season. The Bay City Wolves teams hosted minor league home games at Clarkston Park in Bay City. Bay City has a Commission-Manager form of government. The Mayor, who is elected to a four-year term, is the presiding officer of the City Commission and has the power to appoint some board and commission members, with
2464-551: The site of the Fraser House, which had also succumbed to a fiery end. The Wenonah Hotel was located at the corner of Center Ave and Water Street, the current site of the Delta College Planetarium. Built in 1907, the four-storey Wenonah Hotel had been converted into apartments at the time of the fire. Strong winds and cold weather hampered the efforts of the fire department. There was some controversy over
2520-428: The state and federal government. In 1873, Charles C. Fitzhugh, Jr. , a Bay City pioneer, and his wife, Jane, purchased land and built a home on property bounded by Washington, Saginaw, Ninth and Tenth Streets, which later became the location for City Hall. Fitzhugh dealt on a large scale in wild lands and farms, being an agent for over 25,000 acres (100 km ) of land in Bay County. During this time, Washington Avenue
2576-559: The time, Albert Sleeper , sought support from the German-American community but experienced backlash. Even before the declaration of war against Germany, anti-German sentiment was so strong that hundreds of young men from Michigan had gone across the border to Canada to join the Canadian Armed Forces so as to be a part of the war effort. On December 23, 1906, Bay City's premier hotel, the Fraser House, burned to
2632-669: The top ten employers in the city are: Michigan Sugar is also based in Bay City. Bay City is well known in Mid-Michigan for its numerous festivals and celebrations which take place during the summer months. Among them are the River Roar, St. Stan 's Polish Festival, the Bay City Fireworks Festival , and the River of Time living history reenactment. Many of these events take place along one or more banks of
2688-430: The village of Bay City was incorporated as a city. Rapid economic growth took place during this time period, with lumbering , milling , and shipbuilding creating many jobs. The early industrialists in the area used the Saginaw River as a convenient means to float lumber to the mills and factories and as a consequence amass large fortunes. Many of the mansions built during this era are registered as historical landmarks by
2744-401: Was $ 30,425, and the median income for a family was $ 38,252. Males had a median income of $ 32,094 versus $ 21,494 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 16,550. About 10.3% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the poverty line , including 19.1% of those under age 18 and 10.5% of those age 65 or over. According to Bay City's 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,
2800-585: Was $ 43,750, and the median income for a family was $ 55,610. Males had a median income of $ 46,037 versus $ 30,417 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 25,060. About 2.7% of families and 4.4% of the population were below the poverty line , including 2.7% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over. Public education in Essexville is provided by the Essexville-Hampton School District . Heritage House
2856-471: Was 2.25, and the average family size was 3.04. 4.8% of residents were under the age of 5; 21.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 14.6% of residents were over the age of 65; 52.3% of residents were female. The median income for a household in the city was $ 41,959. The per capita income for the city was $ 25,141. About 23.6% of persons were in poverty. As of the census of 2010, there were 34,932 people, 14,436 households, and 8,546 families residing in
SECTION 50
#17327983410462912-402: Was 3.04. The median age in the city was 35.8 years. 24.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.2% were from 25 to 44; 25.8% were from 45 to 64; and 12.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.7% male and 51.3% female. As of the census of 2000, there were 36,817 people, 15,208 households, and 9,322 families residing in
2968-459: Was originally known as "Lower Saginaw," and fell within the boundaries of Saginaw County . On June 4, 1846, the Hapton, or Hampton, Post Office opened to service Lower Saginaw. The community was placed in Bay County, when the county was organized in 1857. It was at this time that the name was changed to Bay City. The Post Office changed its name to Bay City on March 22, 1858. While Saginaw had
3024-515: Was primarily developed with residential homes. Businesses were concentrated along Water Street near the Saginaw River. As time went on, businesses started to expand along Washington Avenue. In 1891, the Fitzhughs sold the land to the City of Bay City for $ 8,500 "to be used for the erection of a City Hall and offices and for no other purposes whatever." Until 1905, the City of Bay City was limited to
3080-503: Was the toughest. The Toughman Contest spread quickly. In its heyday, Toughman Contests were held at Las Vegas Casinos and broadcast live on multiple networks. Fox and the FX aired weekly Toughman Contest shows from 2000 to 2004 featuring Matt Vasgersian and Lawrence Taylor as commentators. At its peak, 135 Toughman shows were conducted around the US in 2001. After 2001 Toughman was revived in West Virginia by Jerry Thomas. Toughman Contest
3136-553: Was to install the limiter, and to notify the customer by trying to collect the amount due. City employees failed to knock on the door, and it was later found that Schur had a check already made out and had failed to mail it. Schur died from hypothermia in his home a few days later. The day following his death, Bay City Electric Light and Power removed the limiters from all households. It was later learned that Schur had willed his estate, estimated by his family to be in excess of $ 500,000, to Bay Regional Medical Center. On October 12, 2010,
#45954