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.
Unpacking the Funding Behind Missouri’s Pro-Life Push: Questions on Transparency in Grassroots Advocacy
Across Missouri, bright white yard signs with red and blue lettering bearing the words “Protect Life” and “MO Protects” have quietly but unmistakably appeared. Volunteers distribute them at local fairs, parades, and door-to-door events, promoting the upcoming Amendment 3 on the November 2026 ballot. The…
Exposing the Crony Capitalist Underbelly of Americans for Prosperity in Missouri: The McConnell/Ryan Wing in Missouri Politics
Grassroots conservatives in Missouri know the fight isn’t just against Democrats. It’s also against an entrenched wing of the Republican Party that protects corporate donors, preaches “free markets” while rigging the system, and tries to smother real populist reform. That wing has a name in…
Chariton County Schools Highlight Student Learning, Fall Activities, and Community Events
Schools across Chariton County continue to stay busy this fall, with students engaged in hands-on learning, community events, and activities that bring together families, teachers, and local supporters. Here’s a look at the latest from Salisbury, Keytesville, and Brunswick. Salisbury R-4 Salisbury High School is…
Mid-Missouri Arrests: High-Speed Chases, Felony Warrants, and DWIs Mark a Busy Week
Over the past several days, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers and county deputies across mid-Missouri reported a busy stretch of arrests, ranging from high-speed pursuits and felony warrants to numerous cases of impaired driving. The following is a roundup of arrests from area counties, with…
When Most Churches Fear Man More Than God
Across America today, something tragic has happened: the Gospel has been reduced to a message of self-fulfillment rather than self-denial. In countless pulpits, what is preached is not the Word of God in its fullness, but a false gospel. It is a gospel of “God’s love without justice”,…
Chariton County Schools Kick Off 2025-26 Year with Sports, Academics, and Community Events
The 2025-26 school year is underway across Chariton County, and students, staff, and families have enjoyed a vibrant start. Brunswick, Keytesville, Northwestern, and Salisbury schools hosted a variety of back-to-school events, athletic team introductions, and academic celebrations, while emphasizing safety, leadership, and community engagement. Thunder…
Central Missouri Law Enforcement: Weekly Arrest and Booking Report
Central Missouri law enforcement agencies were active throughout the past week, responding to a wide range of incidents spanning routine traffic violations, driving under the influence, drug offenses, and serious felony charges. Across the region, officers conducted traffic stops, served warrants, and executed arrests, reflecting…
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,…
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