
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.
Missouri’s Rural-Urban Income Divide: Rusty Black and Tim Taylor’s Urban Bias Leaves Chariton County Behind
Missouri’s rural communities, including Chariton County, face a persistent income gap compared to urban centers like Kansas City and St. Louis, threatening the heartland’s way of life. From 2005 to 2023, rural median household incomes in Missouri rose from roughly $35,000 to $55,000–$60,000, while urban…
Farm Fire Safety in Spring: Preventing Agricultural Fires Across Missouri
As the spring planting season ramps up across Missouri, so do the risks of fire on farms and rural properties. Chariton County has already experienced several large field and brush fires in recent weeks. While many associate wildfires and farm-related fires with the heat of…
Safe and Secure
Matthew 10:31 “Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Do you know how much God cares for you? In this life, we will never come to a complete knowledge of the extent of God’s care, but the Lord has His…
Fauci, Birx, Walensky, and Other Top COVID Officials Face Criminal Referral Requests in Seven States for Alleged Murder and Medical Terrorism
Credit: Jabin Botsford / The Washington Post via Getty Images file Criminal referral requests have been formally filed in seven U.S. states—Arizona and Pennsylvania being the latest—accusing Fauci and others of heinous crimes, including murder, medical coercion, and even terrorism stemming from their COVID-era policies…
Gratitude for Missouri’s Election Champions
As Missouri’s Secretary of State, I have the honor of overseeing elections across our great state—but it’s the people on the ground who truly make democracy work. After yesterday’s municipal elections on April 8, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank the…
Secretary of State Denny Hoskins Honors Victim Advocates, Highlights “Safe at Home” Program at State Capitol Ceremony
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Office of Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins joined state leaders, service providers, and survivors at the State Capitol to recognize the courage of victims and the critical work of those who support them during Missouri’s annual “Crime Victims’ Rights…
Missouri State Archives Hosts Program Honoring Deaf Poet and Civil War Correspondent Laura Redden Searing
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins announced an upcoming public program at the Missouri State Archives that will celebrate the legacy of a trailblazing Deaf Missourian. Poet of the Rebellion: Laura Redden Searing and Deaf History in Missouri will take place…
Why Missouri’s Rural Senators and Reps Are Ignoring a Fairer Constitutional Amendment Process
Missouri’s Constitution is the backbone of our state’s governance, meant to echo the will of all its people—not just those in the biggest cities. Yet, the current process for amending this vital document is stacked against rural Missouri, amplifying urban voices while rural counties get…
In His Presence
Ephesians 1:15-16 “Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.” In these verses, the apostle Paul mentions two…
Secretary of State Denny Hoskins Highlights Investor Protection Tools During America Saves Week
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — As part of America Saves Week (April 8–12, 2025), Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, CPA, and the Securities Division are reminding Missourians of the importance of intentional financial planning — and the tools available to help protect their savings and…
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