
Jason Sears
Jason Sears is the founder, editor and lead reporter of The Chariton Beacon, a news site created to provide much-needed local coverage for Chariton County, Missouri. Recognizing the lack of accessible, reliable news in the area, Jason launched the site with the goal of keeping his community informed about the events and issues that matter most. With a deep understanding of small-town life, he is dedicated to ensuring that Chariton County has a trustworthy and comprehensive source for local news, strengthening connections within the community.
Exposed: Catherine Hanaway’s Corporate Ties and Liberal Leanings Fuel Grassroots Distrust in Missouri’s New Attorney General
Jefferson City, MO – On August 19, 2025, Governor Mike Kehoe appointed Catherine Hanaway as Missouri’s Attorney General, replacing Andrew Bailey, who resigned to join the FBI as co-deputy director. Hanaway, a seasoned attorney and former Missouri House Speaker, brings a robust resume, but her…
Local Schools Share Updates as Fall Semester Approaches
Districts across Chariton County have been sharing news with families as students prepare to return to the classroom. Northwestern R-I At Northwestern R-I, the district celebrated graduate Taylor Fry, a member of the Class of 2024, who completed basic training in San Antonio, Texas. Fry…
Missouri Lawmakers Are Choosing Politics Over Protecting the Unborn
Missouri’s abortion debate has entered a dangerous new chapter. With Amendment 3 looming on the November ballot, the legislature had an opportunity this year to secure equal protection for unborn children once and for all. Instead, they chose political compromise — and in doing so,…
Hometown Business Spotlight: Grand River Marketplace
Welcome to the very first edition of our new Hometown Business Spotlight series — where each month we’ll introduce you to a different small business that makes our communities unique. From family-run shops to local service providers, we’ll share the stories, the people, and the…
Opinion: It’s Time for Missouri to End Corporate Tax Breaks — And Let Small Businesses Thrive in Chariton County
Small businesses are the heart of Chariton County’s economy and community life. From R&R Apple Market in Salisbury to Sam Johnson’s Appliances & Furniture in Brunswick, these local entrepreneurs create jobs, provide essential services, and keep our economy vibrant. Yet despite their vital role, Missouri’s…
Missouri State Highway Patrol Arrests: August 2 through August 8
From high-speed chases to sobering drug busts, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has been hard at work keeping our roads and communities safe. This report, covering August 2 to August 8, 2025, shines a spotlight on arrests across area counties near Chariton County. From driving…
Chariton County Sheriff’s Office K9 Charco to Receive Lifesaving Body Armor
Keytesville, MO — The Chariton County Sheriff’s Office announced that K9 officer Charco will soon receive a custom-fitted bullet- and stab-protective vest thanks to a donation from the nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Donation Details The vest for K9 Charco is being sponsored by…
Local Schools Announce Registration, Practice Schedules, and New Hours
As summer break comes to an end, school districts across Chariton County are preparing for the 2025–26 academic year. This week, Northwestern R-I, Salisbury R-IV, Brunswick R-II, and Keytesville R-III School Districts released important back-to-school announcements for students, parents, and the community. Northwestern R-I School…
Why Missouri Needs a New Conservative Party
The Republican Party in Missouri is broken. What once stood for faith, family, and fiscal responsibility has been hijacked by career politicians, lobbyist grifters, and operatives whose only loyalty is to their own influence. It’s time for the grassroots to stop chasing scraps and start…
Missouri SB4: Rural Missouri Pays for Big Tech’s Kansas City Data Centers
In rural Missouri, where family farms and small businesses anchor communities like Chillicothe, Bunceton, and Keytesville, residents are facing a new challenge: rising utility bills driven by Senate Bill 4 (SB4). Signed into law by Governor Mike Kehoe in April 2025, SB4 has sparked debate…
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Upcoming Activities
- Aug 21Aug 21 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Third Thursdays in Salisbury – Community Market and Neighbor Night
- Aug 21Aug 21 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Summer Trivia at Beckett’s Winery
- Aug 22Aug 22 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Bingo Nightz
- Aug 23Aug 23 @ 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Glasgow Fireman’s Golf Tournament
- Aug 23Aug 23 @ 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Marceline Wine & Art Stroll