
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.
Legal Weed, Legal Worries: Missouri’s Marijuana Equity Engine Under Scrutiny
Missouri’s 2022 constitutional Amendment 3 legalized recreational marijuana, but it also embedded a complex and controversial regulatory structure directly into the state constitution. Critics argue this system is tailor-made for abuse, centralizing control and creating opportunities for insider favoritism, exploitation by bad actors, and even…
Profiting Off the Second Amendment: The Grift Behind the Missouri Firearms Coalition
They claim to be Missouri’s fiercest defenders of the Second Amendment. But a close look at the Missouri Firearms Coalition (MFC) reveals something darker: a professionalized fundraising machine built not on protecting rights, but on perpetuating outrage, concealing where the money goes, and manipulating well-meaning…
When America Pressures Israel, Judgment Often Follows
As Texas reels from the devastating floods that claimed dozens of lives—including children—many are asking why. While some will chalk it up to “just the weather,” others see a deeper spiritual warning in the timing. Just days before the floodwaters rose, President Donald Trump made…
Missouri Is One of the Most Dangerous States in America — and Our Politicians Are Still Pretending Everything’s Fine
Missouri politicians love to talk tough on crime. Whether they’re standing behind a podium at the state capitol or pushing out glossy campaign mailers, they boast about making Missouri safer. But behind all the speeches and slogans lies a hard truth: Missouri is one of…
Should Christians Vote for the Lesser of Two Evils? A Biblical Look at Elections and Political Discernment
As elections approach, many Christians feel the pressure to “do their civic duty” and head to the polls. Church leaders encourage political involvement. Social media influencers equate patriotism with discipleship. But what if voting—meant to reflect our values—is quietly compromising our faith? I want to…
Why Christians Must Reconsider Supporting MAGA’s Leading Voices
As a Christian rooted in rural Missouri, I’ve valued the MAGA movement’s promise to champion faith, family, and freedom. Yet, its leading voices—Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon, and Marjorie Taylor Greene—have embraced MAGA unbiblical rhetoric that contradicts scripture and sows division. Their recent statements,…
Where America Went Wrong: How We Lost Our Moral Compass
America was once seen as a city on a hill—a land of opportunity rooted in Christian values and a shared moral code. But today, many Americans feel something has gone terribly wrong. We’ve become politically divided, morally confused, and culturally fragmented. Families are struggling. Communities…
Missouri’s $1.5 Billion Stadium Boondoggle: Rural Communities Pay, Ungrateful Kansas City Billionaires Profit
On June 14, 2025, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill 3 (SB3) into law, locking in up to $1.5 billion in taxpayer money—plus an estimated $50 million annually for 30 years—to fund stadiums for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. For the farmers, small business…
Missouri’s Misguided Stadium Subsidies: A Betrayal of Taxpayers
Missouri’s elected officials, led by Governor Mike Kehoe and a Republican-dominated General Assembly, are barreling toward a fiscal fiasco that prioritizes the profits of billionaire sports team owners over the needs of everyday Missourians. In a state grappling with crumbling infrastructure, underfunded schools, and struggling…
Missouri’s Budget Blunder: Federal Dependency Threatens Chariton County’s Rural Heartland
Missouri’s state budget has been propped up by a flood of federal dollars, creating a mirage of prosperity with record-high spending on schools, roads, and healthcare. But for the farmers, small business owners, and families of Chariton County—living in tight-knit towns like Keytesville, Salisbury, Mendon,…
Latest Articles
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