LOHMANN CHALLENGED FOR EASTERN DISTRICT SEAT

PERRYVILLE -- One-term County Commissioner Dennis Lohmann faces two other Republicans in the Perry County Eastern District primary.

He must beat longtime political player Harley Geile and businessman Gary Lauck to retain his seat. No Democrats filed.

Lohmann, 51, was elected in 1994, running on promises of better roads and county growth. He said the commission has made strides toward both, but he wants to do more in a second term.

"I'm getting to know more of the people and getting to know the roads better," Lohmann said. "With the two years of experience that I have, I feel I can serve the people better than I have been."

A bartender at the American Legion Hall in Perryville, Lohmann is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, AmVets, the Sportsman's Club and Emmanuel Lutheran Church. He was commander of the American Legion for six years. His wife, Sandy, is employed by Wal-Mart. The couple have two grown children and a grandson.

Geile has run unsuccessfully for two Perry County offices: sheriff and presiding commissioner. He said his 30 years in construction qualify him for a county commission seat.

"I've done highway and quarry work," Geile said. "I know how to build roads and maintain them. If elected I will be the people's commissioner for Perry County."

He declined to give his age but said he has one son, Shawn Lynn Geile of Ste. Genevieve. Geile is a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War and a member of the American Legion.

Lauck, 43, has owned and operated Gary Lauck Trucking since 1971, and owns a construction company.

Having spent six years in the Missouri National Guard, Lauck is a life member of AmVets Post 94, a booster member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a third-degree Knight of Columbus. He also belongs to the Elks, Eagles and Sportsman's clubs.

"I feel that I am the most qualified candidate because of my background in business and the construction industry," Lauck said. "We haul rock, sand and dirt all over the county." He said he gets along well with people and wants to represent their interests.