
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 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…
Area Schools Prepare for Back-to-School Events, Football Season
As summer winds down, school districts across Chariton County are preparing for the 2025–2026 school year with student registration events, open houses, and the kickoff of Thunder Football season. Families in Keytesville, Brunswick, and Salisbury will have multiple opportunities in the coming days to get…
Chariton County Schools Prepare for a Vibrant 2025-2026 School Year
With the 2025-2026 school year approaching, Chariton County’s school districts—Keytesville R-III, Brunswick R-II, Northwestern R-I, and Salisbury R-IV—have been bustling with preparations, offering dynamic academic programs, thriving athletic teams, and strong community involvement. Serving students across Chariton County, these districts embody a commitment to nurturing…
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Upcoming Activities
- Oct 31Oct 31 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pmGlasgow Chamber of Commerce Annual Trunk or Treat and Halloween Costume Contest
- Oct 31Oct 31 @ 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm2025 Harvest Fest
- Oct 31Oct 31 @ 8:00 pm - Nov 1 @ 12:00 amBoos & Booze with DJ/Karaoke with Willie Schmitt
- Nov 1Nov 1 @ 2:00 am - 5:00 amPlaying season
- Nov 1Nov 1 @ 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm2025 Keytesville Alumni Banquet









