The Eureka City Council addressed a variety of topics during its regular meeting on Monday, July 13, including approval of several infrastructure projects, concerns over cemetery maintenance, and declarations that two downtown buildings pose immediate hazards due to deteriorating conditions.
The council approved a sewer lining project in the Eastbrook neighborhood, authorized repairs to a section of 5th Street, received an update on the upcoming Main Street chip and seal project, and took action to address two unsafe structures on Main Street.
The consent agenda passed unanimously and included approval of the June 22 meeting minutes, claims totaling $527,163.38, and several purchase orders for fuel, chemicals, refuse services and engineering.
Committee reports focused largely on ongoing public works projects and maintenance concerns throughout the community.
Public Works Director Chris Mitchell presented a quote from Mayer Specialty Services, Inc., of Goddard, for $76,912.24 to continue the city’s sewer rehabilitation project in the Eastbrook neighborhood. The project will inspect sewer lines with cameras, clean the existing pipe as needed, install cured-in-place liners, and reopen service connections after the liner is installed. Officials noted the project had already been budgeted, and the council approved the expenditure unanimously.
The council also approved an $11,800 proposal from Ramsey Concrete to repair a failing section of concrete along 5th Street between School and Elm Streets. The project will stabilize the roadway, prevent further erosion along the creek bank, and reinforce the adjacent steps. City officials said the work is expected to be completed in September and will be funded through the city’s existing street sales tax fund.
Council members also received an update on the planned Main Street chip and seal project. Mitchell said he planned to meet with contractors on Wednesday, July 15, to finalize plans for the project, which will extend from River Street to 7th Street. After the chip seal is applied, the surface will cure for approximately three to four weeks before a fog seal is added and pavement markings are restriped. Main Street will remain open to normal traffic during the curing process.
The council also acted on recommendations from Code Enforcement Officer Steve French regarding two deteriorating downtown buildings.
Westerman said she decided during her junior year that she wanted to continue meat judging in college. She chose EOSC because of the team’s strong reputation and the opportunity to compete under a coach she already knew.
“I really enjoy all the people I’ve met along the way, as well as how beneficial meat judging has been to my daily life,” Westerman said. “I also enjoy working with a group of people who all have the same goal.”
Edwards said meat judging gave her a new perspective on the beef industry.
“As someone whose family relies on the beef industry, meat judging opened my eyes to a whole new side of the industry,” she said. “It gave me an inside look into what made our cattle valuable and what we should be emphasizing in our beef production.”
One of Edwards’ favorite memories as coach came during the 2025 season when she hosted the EOSC team at her family’s ranch near Hamilton while traveling to the American Royal. “I got to show them around the ranch, the Flint Hills, and enjoy a great steak supper together,” she said.
Edwards is the daughter of DJ and Arlene Edwards of rural Hamilton. She is a 2018 graduate of Eureka High School and a former member of the Madison Pacesetters 4-H Club.
Westerman is the daughter of Luke and Mindy Westerman of Eureka and the granddaughter of Harold and Mary Ellen Kline of Eureka and Darrel and Judy Westerman of Piqua. She plans to pursue a major in Animal Science and Life Science. Westerman will compete in her final Greenwood County Fair this weekend as a member of the Racing Wranglers 4-H Club before beginning her collegiate career at EOSC.
(Courtesy photos)
Coach Edwards (center) with EOSC 2025-26 Team
