Bill Tyler thought he’d been invited to a dinner honoring Jimmy Bogue for Bogue’s contributions to youth sports.

However, Tyler was surprised to learn the honor was really for one of Bogue’s mentors: Tyler himself.

The December surprise was extra appropriate for the Cambridge City resident who portrayed Santa Claus for 40 years at community and private events and at stores that included Richmond’s mall.

The recognition took place during the annual Citizen of the Year dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Golay Community Center in Cambridge City.

New Day Kiwanis President Nathan Ulerick, a 2019 winner, and 2024 winner Brad Bowman presented a plaque and gift basket to Tyler. The last seven Citizen of the Year recipients currently living in the community select the honoree.

Cambridge City Evening Kiwanis started the award in 1961 to recognize a western Wayne County resident who makes a long-range impact on the community.

Tyler’s influence can be felt locally, statewide and nationally. His military service was followed by 31 years as a disabled veterans specialist with Indiana Department of Workforce Development. He served hundreds, possibly thousands, of veterans across the state at offices in communities including Richmond, Connersville, Winchester, Muncie and Portland.

Tyler then worked a few years as a substitute teacher for Western Wayne Schools before fully retiring, but he has influenced countless youth as a coach.

Several of Tyler’s former athletes attended the dinner, sharing the impact that he made on their lives during his decades of developing young players.

“I appreciate the community and all the support over the years,” Tyler said.

Tyler, a Michigan native, lived in Cambridge City in the 1950s as well as Wayne and Dearborn, Michigan, during his youth. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army before returning to civilian life in Dearborn, but enlisted in the Navy in 1966 and became a Seabee.

When he and his family moved to Milton in October 1974 after his honorable discharge from the Navy, Tyler brought a great deal of athletics experience. He was a standout four-sport high school athlete and traveled the world as a softball pitcher during his eight years in the Navy.

Tyler’s Navy career included three tours in Vietnam during the war as well as time in Morocco, Maryland, Guam and Rhode Island.

In 1975, Tyler responded to a knock on the door from a Milton group asking him to coach. That led to coaching football, basketball, wrestling and softball for junior high and high school students at Lincoln, Hagerstown, Tri, Richmond and Northeastern.

Tyler helped develop what became Western Wayne Girls Softball League. He served as league president and coached hundreds of young ladies in league play as well as travel ball, teaching life lessons in winning, sportsmanship and grit. Tyler and friends also helped bring fast-pitch softball to Lincoln.

He also served as a pitching coach at Earlham College for several seasons. He’s currently a coaching volunteer at Tri, where he helped the Titans win regional and semi-state championships and a trip to the state finals.

Angie Siggers said she’s known Tyler since childhood, remembering him as Santa as well as a great person who’s always willing to help.

“He’s always been a part of our family,” Siggers said. “He’s a very special part of our lives … You couldn’t find a better man than him.”

Former softball player Trina Fultz said Tyler has remained a supportive friend, and he was one of the first people to visit her and her new baby when they came home from the hospital.

“He always wants to know what’s going on in your life,” Fultz said.

In retirement, Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife, Diane, their children Cheryl and Kevin, granddaughter, Kinsey, and great-grandson, Grayson.

Tyler’s contributions also were recognized in 2023 when he was named grand marshal of Cambridge City’s Canal Days parade. He was Milton’s 2017 Citizen of the Year.

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By Rick Assad

In what is expected to be a strong showing from the three local boys’ basketball teams this season based on talent and experience, Burroughs High, Burbank and Providence are ready to make its mark.

Pasadena, which is coming off a 19-8 overall mark and 8-1 for second place in the Pacific League, advanced to the second round of the CIF Southern Section Division II and is led by senior Joshua Irving, a 6-10 center who will play for Texas A&M.

The Bears have a new head coach, Jason Weatherall, and he has the team primed after a disappointing season a year ago in which the team went 5-22 and 0-8 in Pacific league play.

Burroughs has nine seniors, and they are wing Elliot Lawrence, wing Ethan Cooper, wing Ethan Lanier, wing Kane Le-Cabico, point guard Teagan Bradford, guard Cedric Valdez, guard Justin Herrera, guard Nico Meza, forward Weston Davis and point guard Nathan Rodriguez.

There are four juniors, and they include guard Chace Greene, wing Will Rowan, forward Lucas Lungu and forward Will Anderson.

There is one sophomore, shooting guard Rehaan Parikh and one freshman guard Colin Campion.

“Our expectations are to build on the experiences of last year and work to make our program something that the players, coaches, families, campus and community are proud of,” Weatherall said. “In the league, we know we are going to be battling three or four teams for third through eighth place given the fact we lost every game last season.”

Weatherall is confident this season will be much better.

“We expect to battle for any of those spots,” he said. “With the senior cast that we have returning, we should be poised for a better league finish than last year.”

Weatherall feels the leadership is there and that this is something to build upon.

“We will be led by our combo Elliot Lawrence, our sharpshooting wing Ethan Cooper, combo wing Evan Lanier, and our impact transfer point guard Justin Herrera,” he said. “Each player brings a unique skill set to the table that is essential for winning games.”

Burbank had a solid campaign a year ago after carving out a 21-8 record and 4-4 in league action for fifth place.

The Bulldogs qualified for the playoffs and fell in the opening round to host Hemet 90-69.

The team consists of seven seniors and they are shooting guard/small Anthony Jawiche, small forward Blake Finnigan, forward Giordan Lewis, shooting guard Nick Niazi, point guard Cris Ong, point guard Jon Isip and point guard Arthur Khachatryan.

There are six juniors and they are power forward Imani Young-Smith, point guard Jon Ong, point guard Jason Campos, shooting guard/small forward Alec Knight, shooting guard Kaleb Walker and point guard Avo Papikyan.

There is one sophomore, and he is shooting guard Lucas Gordzholadze and one freshman, point guard Niko Kimenyen.

Steve Eshleman is Burbank’s head coach and knows the season is going to be exciting and also believes it’s also going to be productive.

“The league itself is really strong and balanced this season,” he said. “We’ve got an extremely aggressive nonleague schedule so it will be interesting to see how that plays out.”

Eshleman will count on several leaders to show the way.

“Anthony Jawiche, Jon and Cris Ong are our returning starters but we are looking for a wide variety of players who have improved their skills during the offseason to step up and contribute,” he noted. “It should be an interesting season for sure.”

Providence, which went 14-13 and 6-1 in the Prep League for second place has left that league and will now compete in the Independence League.

The Pioneers went to the Division III quarterfinals are beating host Whitney 64-41 and host La Salle 53-51 before losing to visiting San Dimas 65-64.

The Pioneers boast seven seniors, and they are Riley Murphy, Griffin Berschneider, J.P. Birotte, Josh Coen, Leonardo Eliasian, Eze Kiel and Zeven Haskins.

Three juniors and they are Madden Velasco, Stephan Abrahamyan and Isaiah Kim and one sophomore, Bishop Thompkins.

Anthony Cosby is Providence’s head coach and looks forward to his team taking the floor.

“I’m excited and welcome the new challenge of this basketball season. I really like my team,” he said. “We’re battle tested, have great winning attitudes and expect success.”

Cosby knows his team is going to give great effort and hopes the results are good.

“I think our consistent hard work and preparation has put us in a good position to compete for a league title,” he stated. “We’re a mature team full of experienced talent that’s battle tested and has playoff experience. I pray we stay healthy, united and focused.”

Cosby added: “The new league is full of great talent and fantastic competitive coaches that I greatly admire and respect,” he said. “I wish everyone great success and health.”

Mr. Robert “Bob” Eggert, age 81, passed away on December 5, 2025, in Ortonville, Michigan. Born on September 16, 1944, in Wyandotte, Michigan, Bob lived a life marked by dedication to his family, his work, and his community.

A devoted father and grandfather, Bob was the loving father of Stacey Eggert, Benjamin Eggert, Jon (Shana) Eggert, and William (Tessa Nemzek) Eggert. He was the proud Papa of Ellie, Aria, Lilah, and Alexandria. His presence at every game, concert, recital, or special event was a testament to how deeply he valued family. Whether cheering from the sidelines or offering a high five after a performance or match, Bob showed up-always.

Bob built a successful career as an orthodontic instruments and supplies salesman, covering the states of Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. He thrived during an era when personal relationships were the cornerstone of business. Through countless miles traveled and face-to-face meetings with clients and colleagues, Bob earned a reputation for reliability and warmth. His hard work not only provided well for his family but also allowed him to enjoy the lake life he loved so much.

Bob’s commitment to community service was unwavering. When his children were young, he could often be found coaching their baseball, softball, or soccer teams. As they grew older, he became known as the voice of Ortonville sports-announcing baseball games, junior football games, and varsity football games for Brandon High School with enthusiasm and heart.

His involvement extended beyond youth sports. Bob played an integral role in American Legion Baseball and was especially dedicated to the Chief Pontiac baseball team. He took pride in maintaining its field with care and precision and helped organize tournaments that brought people together from across the region. He also presented scholarships and awards to young athletes-an act that reflected his belief in supporting future generations.

Bob’s civic engagement included active membership in both the Lions Club and the VFW. Bob was especially proud of providing a man with a wheelchair while he was involved in the Lions Club. At Septemberfest in Ortonville each year, you could find Bob volunteering in the beer tent with a smile on his face. As a veteran of the U.S. Army who served in the Vietnam War, Bob marched proudly in the Memorial Day parade for many years and most recently delivered patriotic speeches at the cemetery honoring those who served with dignity and respect.

He also contributed to local development through his work with the Blackhawk Community Trails Committee. Around town, Bob was a familiar face at beloved local establishments like Escamilla Amigos, Bullfrogs Bar, China Fare, Village Pub, and O’Malleys—places where he supported small businesses while connecting with anyone and everyone.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Madelyn Eggert and his brother Bill.

Those who knew Bob will remember him as disciplined, funny, goofy, full of energy, kindhearted—and above all else-present. His legacy is his strong voice echoing from ballfields; his cheers from bleachers; his amazing dance moves; his quiet acts of service that strengthened the community; and unwavering support for those he loved most.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him and continue to inspire acts of kindness and dedication in others’ lives.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Village Funeral Home; 135 South Street Ortonville. Funeral service with military honors will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Legion-Chief Pontiac in Clarkston, the Ortonville Lions Club, or the VFW Post 582. You can also donate to the Michigan American Legion Foundation. supportmilegion.org/