Local News

Dean Jeffries next to his name on roll call board. Photo Credit – Mark Burdette

By: Mark Burdette | Posted: Sept. 7, 2018

On Friday Elk River native Dean Jeffries (R) was sworn in as the newest member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. Jeffries will serve the people of the 40th District which covers the Elk River Valley area in Kanawha County replacing Tim Armstead’s vacancy upon his recent appointment to the WV Supreme Court.

Surrounded by close family and friends, Jeffries was sworn in by Judge Dan Greear as other key members of the House of Delegates were in attendance. The new Speaker of the House, Roger Hanshaw welcomed Jeffries by appointing him to the Joint Committee on Flooding effective immediately.

Dean Jeffries First Committee Assignment Joint Committee on Flooding 9 7 2018 (Text)

Jeffries said,  “It was a great honor and blessing to have my family with me while I was sworn in by Judge Greear this morning to the WV House of Delegates. The response from the Elk River Community since being appointed has been overwhelmingly incredible. I love our people and our community. They were first and foremost in my heart as I took the oath today. The swearing-in ceremony today was for the Elk River Area. Those that were involved from the Legislature are well aware of my passion to serve the people of this District. I was welcomed with an antique photograph of the town of Clendenin and an appointment by the Speaker of the House to the Joint Committee on Flooding. Speaker Hanshaw understands my commitment to the revitalization of the Elk River Community. It was a huge honor to have Speaker Hanshaw’s confidence in me to place me on the Joint Committee for Flooding. I am excited and ready to serve the 40th District and the Great State of West Virginia. Before leaving my new office at the Capitol I placed a river rock from Queen Shoals in my desk drawer. I will never forget why I am there or who I am there to serve. God bless the Elk River Area and the Wonderful State of West Virginia!!”

Jeffries will face Melissa Riggs Huffman (D) in the general election on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

Listen to Dean Jeffries swearing-in ceremony and acceptance speech.

By: Mark Burdette | Posted: Sept. 5, 2018

CLENDENIN, WV – Earlier today Gov. Jim Justice announced that he has appointed Warren “Dean” Jeffries (R) to the House of Delegates seat in District 40. Jeffries fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Delegate Tim Armstead who himself was recently appointed to the WV Supreme Court.

The Clendenin Leader reached out to Jeffries for immediate comment on his recent appointment to the House of Delegates. Jeffries said, “I am humbled and honored by the governor‘s decision to appoint me to the seat vacated by former Speaker of the House, Tim Armstead. I love the Elk River Area and our great state. West Virginia is making a comeback. I will work as hard as I can to bring jobs to West Virginia so that those who love the state as much as I do can continue to call it home.”

According to Jeffries, his immediate priorities are to address the road issues plaguing Blue Creek area and Little Sandy Road along with school-related issues including the shortage of school bus drivers and the later start time that is specifically affecting Herbert Hoover High School. Jeffries went on to add that his number one priority is to bring jobs back to West Virginia and the Elk River. Jeffries said, “My heart is with Clendenin. Anything I can do for Clendenin I will. We’ve got to revitalize that town. My heart is there, I will tell you that.”

Mayor Shana Clendenin welcomed Jeffries’ appointment by saying, “Dean has been actively involved in the happenings of Clendenin and the Elk River for a long time. His appointment is a sensational victory for all of us in District 40.”

Jeffries’ appointment will conclude at the end of Armstead’s current term at the end of this year. Jeffries will be running against Melissa Riggs Huffman (D) for the 2-year term in District 40 coming up this November.

Jeffries, an insurance agent, resides in Elkview with his wife Stacey and four children, Tyler, Alexis, Brynn and Landon.