HERMANN — Seven Gasconade County government officeholders began new terms Jan. 1 with the county and the nation locked in the grip of the coronavirus pandemic.

Indeed, the impact of the virus was apparent to all seven even before they formally became officeholders. Because of social distancing guidelines, the number of family and friends on hand was limited for the Dec. 30 swearing-in of the officeholders. About two dozen family members and friends were scattered throughout the audience area of the second-floor courtroom of the Gasconade County Courthouse to watch the oath of office being administered.

The lack of supporters was noted by Circuit Court Associate Judge Ada Brehe-Krueger, who administered the oath of office. “Under the circumstances, I’m sure there would be a larger crowd,” she said.

Those taking the office ranged from Southern District Associate Commissioner Jerry Lairmore, R-Owensville, who is beginning his seventh term, to newcomers County Coroner Jeff Arnold and Public Administrator Kelly Brehe-Thomas.

Also taking the oath were Sheriff Scott Eiler; Northern District Associate Commissioner Jim Holland, R-Hermann; County Assessor Paul Schulte and County Surveyor Vincent Klott. The terms of all county government officeholders except the assessor begin Jan. 1. The assessor’s term begins in September.

The first order of business for all officeholders, new or returning, was providing their latests budget requests to County Clerk Lesa Lietzow, the county’s chief budget officer. All departmental budget requests were scheduled to be submitted to the County Clerk’s Office by Tuesday.