There are three and a half candidates to consider; only one can win in November and go on to succeed President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman who will retire from the Clearfield County Court of Common Pleas at the end of his current term. We will introduce all four names in the order they'll appear on both ballots (Democrat and Republican). Again, as a result of the November election, it is highly probable that one of the following will be his successor, moving the winner onto the bench--joining Judge Paul E. Cherry (who will elevate to the title of President Judge).

Josh Maines

Josh Maines has officially declared his intention to run for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Clearfield County.

In his announcement, Maines shared the following message: “My career as an attorney has provided me with a broad range of experience and the respect of my colleagues. I am running for Judge not out of a desire for power or status, but because I have the experience, integrity, and commitment to fairness and justice that this position requires.

“I am proud to have served Clearfield County as Assistant District Attorney for over five years, handling jury trials and state and federal appeals. During this time, I earned the respect of law enforcement officers, which has carried over into my private practice.

“As a private attorney, I have handled a wide variety of cases, including criminal defense, real estate disputes, energy lease negotiations, family law, estate planning, and civil litigation. While I began my practice primarily in Clearfield County, I have expanded to represent clients in the Courts of Common Pleas in 26 counties. This extensive experience has given me valuable insight into the diverse processes, programs, and approaches in courts across the state, which I believe will greatly benefit me if elected as judge. I have also argued numerous cases in appellate courts, covering both criminal and civil matters. Throughout my career, I have been honored to be recognized as ‘Best Criminal Attorney’ by Best of Tri-County and ‘Best Criminal Defense Lawyer’ in The Progress Readers’ Choice Awards.

“Beyond my legal practice, I have contributed to public service as a member of the Pennsylvania State Law Enforcement Advisory Commission, where I worked with a talented team to review policies and make recommendations aimed at improving both public and law enforcement officer safety.

“I am an active member of the Clearfield County, Centre County, and Pennsylvania Bar Associations. For the past 14 years, I have served as the music director and worship leader at Gethsemane United Methodist, and I have participated in numerous community and charity events, including those focused on overdose awareness, domestic violence prevention, and cancer support.

“Above all, I am the proud father of five incredible children—Dominic, Angelo, Nicolette, Santana, and Sophi—and the husband of the most supportive wife and life partner, Nikki. These are the titles I hold most dear.

“I look forward to engaging with the community throughout this campaign and discussing my vision for the office. Should I be entrusted with the responsibilities of this position, I pledge to bring fairness, justice, and respect for the rule of law to every case I oversee. I will bring with me the practical wisdom and life experience of a first-generation college student from a working-class family who has not forgotten the challenges and opportunities that have shaped my journey.”

Adrianne Peters Sipes

Attorney Adrianne Peters Sipes, owner of Compass Estate Planning & Elder Law, has announced her candidacy for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Clearfield County. As part of the election process, candidates can cross-file their petitions, allowing them to appear on both the Republican and Democratic ballots in the May 20, 2025 primary election.

Peters Sipes shared, "I am running for judge because I have faith in the ability of the judicial system to provide fairness, accountability, and justice to our community. With my legal background, unwavering commitment to the law, and devotion to serving the public, I aim to ensure that everyone entering the courtroom is treated with fairness and respect. I am passionate about making decisions that have a positive impact on people's lives and about ensuring justice is delivered fairly. I plan to bring an impartial, thoughtful approach to the bench, contributing to a more just and strong society for Clearfield County."

A native of Clearfield, Peters Sipes graduated from Clemson University and the Charlotte School of Law. She began her legal career in 2010 with the firm of Lavelle & Peters, Ltd. in DuBois before founding Compass Estate Planning & Elder Law in Clearfield. Over the past 14 years, she has practiced in multiple areas of law and appeared in numerous courts across Pennsylvania, including appellate and administrative courts. She is the only attorney in Clearfield County accredited by the Veterans Administration, allowing her to represent claimants before the VA. Peters Sipes is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and before the United States Supreme Court.

Currently serving as president of the Clearfield County Bar Association, Peters Sipes is also active in the Pennsylvania Bar Association, where she holds positions on the Board of Governors, House of Delegates, and serves as chair-elect of the Young Lawyer’s Division. Additionally, she is on the Executive Council of the American Bar Association’s Real Property, Trusts, and Estates Section and has held several roles in the ABA, including a past membership in the House of Delegates.

In 2022, Governor Tom Wolf appointed her to the Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council, and she was reappointed by Governor Josh Shapiro in 2024.

Peters Sipes is committed to professional education and development, having earned licenses and approvals to offer continuing education to attorneys, financial planners, insurance agents, accountants, nurses, social workers, and nursing home administrators. She frequently presents statewide and nationally on topics including attorney ethics, estate planning, elder law, law firm management, and work-life balance.

Active in her community, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Aid Society, chairing the Adoption and Foster Care Committee and participating in the Youth Mentoring Committee. She is a former president and current board member of the Clearfield Soccer Association, where she coordinates pee wee soccer and has coached multiple age groups. Additionally, she serves as the vice president of the St. Francis School PTO and is a member of Grace United Presbyterian Church in Glen Richey, where she has also served as a Deacon for the Mt. Top Larger Parish.

Peters Sipes lives in Clearfield with her husband, Nick, from Cuwensville, and their two sons, Kade and Deklan.

Ryan P. Sayers

Clearfield County District Attorney Ryan P. Sayers has announced his candidacy for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Clearfield County. His decision comes after Judge Fredric Ammerman’s announcement to retire at the conclusion of his current term.

Sayers, who has served as the elected District Attorney of Clearfield County since January 2020, is currently in his second term. In this role, he manages a team of eleven staff members and works closely with local and state law enforcement to oversee more than 1,200 criminal cases each year.

Throughout his time as District Attorney, Sayers has prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases, from murders to drug offenses to crimes involving child victims. One of his key accomplishments was leading a lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors in response to the opioid crisis affecting the county. As a result, Clearfield County has secured over $2.5 million in settlement proceeds, which Sayers and county officials are advocating be used to establish a diversionary Drug Court to combat drug addiction and the associated overdose crisis. Studies have shown that Drug Courts have a positive impact, with participants being less likely to relapse or re-offend.

While awaiting the implementation of the Drug Court program, Sayers launched the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI), a diversion program designed to offer drug users the resources they need to overcome addiction. The program has seen a number of successful graduates, with many individuals continuing their efforts to transform their lives.

Sayers also holds quarterly meetings with law enforcement agencies throughout the county, enhancing communication and collaboration across various levels of law enforcement. This improved cooperation has led to successful prosecutions of large-scale drug cases at both the county and federal levels, including taking drug traffickers off the streets with long prison sentences.

Regarding his candidacy, Sayers stated, “Over the past five years, the people of this county have entrusted me with the office of District Attorney, and I’ve made decisions every day to protect the people of Clearfield County and seek justice. I’ve worked as a prosecutor, a defense attorney, and handled various civil matters, which gives me the unique experience to handle the diverse cases that would come before me as a judge. I’m running to bring that experience and a fair approach to the bench.”

He further emphasized his commitment to improving the legal system, adding, “Throughout my career, I’ve seen the positive impact of diversionary courts on people’s lives and community safety. As judge, I will work with Judge Cherry to implement a Drug Court in Clearfield County and revive the Teen Court program.”

Sayers is supported by the Committee to Elect Ryan P. Sayers, with campaign chair Roger Rorabaugh, vice chair Jim Moyer, treasurer Andy Spencer, and committee members Melanie Rorabaugh, Paul Sayers, Therese Sayers, C. Alan Walker, Judith Walker, and Susan Williams.

Outside of his professional work, Sayers is deeply involved in community service, volunteering with several nonprofit organizations, including the Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre, the Clearfield YMCA, the Clearfield County Bar Association, the Bucktail Council of Scouting America, the Good Samaritan Center, the Greater Clearfield Chamber of Commerce, and Young People Who Care. He has served as president for the YMCA, the Clearfield County Bar Association, and the Good Samaritan Center.

In recognition of his service, Sayers has received numerous accolades, including Duquesne University’s Mind, Heart, & Spirit Award, Scouting America’s Silver Beaver Award, and the Greater Clearfield Chamber of Commerce’s Director’s Choice Award.

In his personal time, Sayers is an active member of the Clearfield Choral Society, cantors at St. Francis Roman Catholic Church, performs in local community theater, runs ultramarathons, and enjoys outdoor activities like hunting, hiking, camping, kayaking, and golfing.

A graduate of Clearfield Area High School, Sayers earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Washington & Jefferson College before obtaining his Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University School of Law. He resides in Clearfield, and is the son of Paul and Therese Sayers of Frenchville and the fiance of Kayla.

William A. Shaw, Jr.

Formerly relevant Bill Shaw, practicing attorney (however you want to take that; spoiler: it doesn’t make perfect), has completed the necessary paperwork and, thus, secured the required amount of signatures to be listed on both ballots for common pleas judge.

He did not bother to announce. Bitch pleas; common pleas--vote for Bill. Why sell yourself when you can purchase vinyl yard signs? He comes packaged with all a voter could expect to be included in a has-been starter kit—the presumed endorsements of two gentlemen who have shot other men in the face, a former "Homeboy" police chief fired after being accused of criminal wrongdoing by an officer under his command, a former city manager suspected of stealing upwards of a million and a half dollars from the city he worked for, multiple canine retrievers, and a Dalmation-slaying battleax who couriers around stacks of money from ceiling safes that would be akin to a potential deleted scene in “Better Call Saul”.

He's politically prosecuted the innocent to success and failed to reel in the guilty—both on multiple occasions. This isn’t “Golden Girls”; you’re free to flip the channel on this rerun.