Court News Ohio
Court News Ohio
Court News Ohio

Governor Fills Judicial Vacancies in Monroe, Belmont Counties

Two individuals with judicial experience were appointed to judgeships on Friday by Gov. John R. Kasich.

Former Monroe County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Clifford N. Sickler will become the new Monroe County Court judge a week from today. Sickler replaces Judge James W. Peters, the current county court judge. Peters defeated Sickler in November for the probate/juvenile judgeship after Gov. Kasich appointed Sickler to that seat. Sickler must win in the November 2016 general election to retain the county court office for the remainder of the unexpired term, which ends Dec. 31, 2018.

Additionally, Albert E. Davies III will take the bench in Belmont County Court Eastern Division on April 20. Davies replaces Judge John A. Vavra, who was elected to the Belmont County Common Pleas Court in November. Davies must win in the November 2016 general election to retain the seat for the full term beginning Jan. 1, 2017.

Sickler received his bachelor’s degree from Kent State University and his law degree from the University of Akron. His experience also includes service as the Noble County prosecutor and assistant prosecutor. He was admitted to the practice of law in Ohio on Nov. 4, 1977. He is a deacon at Calais Church and served as a councilman for the Batesville Village.

Davies received his bachelor’s degree from Miami University and his law degree from the University of Toledo. His experience includes service as solicitor for the Village of Dillonvale, law director for the City of St. Clairsville, and general counsel for numerous school districts in the Belmont County area. He was admitted to the practice of law in Ohio on May 17, 1993.

He was an acting judge for the western division and a magistrate for the common pleas court in Belmont County. Davies is a member of the board of directors for the Belmont County Special Olympics and of the St. Clairsville Chamber of Commerce.