
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.
Senator Cindy O’Laughlin Accused of Abusing Power in Shelby County Museum Break-In, Commenter Places Her at Scene
Shelbina, MO – Missouri State Senator Cindy O’Laughlin, Senate President Pro Tem, faces grave accusations of abusing her power in an alleged break-in at the Shelby County Historical Society Museum in Shelbina. A Facebook post from the Society, dated March 25, 2025, claims O’Laughlin and…
Power Plays Over People: How Missouri’s SS2 SB 4 Ties Campaign Cash to Utility Rate Hikes
In 2025, Missouri’s 103rd General Assembly passed SS2 SB 4, the Missouri energy bill 2025 pitched as modernization but operating more like a “Green New Scam”—a utility cash grab cloaked in eco-friendly rhetoric. Senator Rusty Black (R), representing northwest Missouri’s District 12, and Representative Tim…
The Rise of Populist Conservatism in Missouri: A Challenge to the Republican Establishment
In Missouri, a battle for the soul of the conservative movement is playing out between grassroots populists and the entrenched Republican establishment. While the GOP dominates state politics, not all Republicans represent the values of the people who elected them. Many in leadership have prioritized…
Tim Taylor’s Vote on HB 594 & HB 508: Tax Breaks for Corporate Farms, Higher Land Costs for Independent Farmers
Imagine a Missouri where family farms vanish, swallowed by corporate giants while land prices soar beyond reach. That’s the future Representative Tim Taylor is ushering in with his YES vote on HB 594 and HB 508, bills that grant a 100% capital gains tax deduction…
Local Schools Thrive, DESE Fails: Centralized Control Is Missouri’s Education Problem
In Missouri, local school districts like Brunswick R-II, Keytesville R-III, Northwestern R-I, and Salisbury R-IV are shining examples of what’s possible when educators focus on kids, not bureaucracy. Yet, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is dragging them—and our students—down with its…
Tim Taylor’s Voting Record: How Big Ag and Corporate Lobbyists Win While Rural Missouri Loses
In Missouri House District 48, covering Chariton, Cooper, Howard, and Randolph counties, Representative Tim Taylor (R) has served since 2021, pitching himself as a voice for rural Missouri. But his voting record paints a different picture—one where Big Agriculture (Big Ag) and corporate lobbyists cash…
Missouri State Senator Rusty Black and His Ties to Invenergy: A Threat to Property Rights in Chariton County and Beyond
For years, Missouri landowners have fought to protect their property from corporate overreach, and now, residents of Chariton County are facing one of their biggest threats yet: the Grain Belt Express. This controversial high-voltage transmission line, spearheaded by the energy company Invenergy, has sparked fierce…
Northwestern R-I School District: A Leader in Education Excellence
Nestled in Mendon, Missouri, Northwestern R-I School District continues to set the bar high for academic excellence and student achievement. In the past 2 years the district has achieved remarkable success, solidifying its reputation as one of the best in the state. Exceptional Academic Performance…
Missouri State Senator Rusty Black’s Deep Ties to Corporate Donors Revealed
In the world of politics, money often dictates priorities, and nowhere is this more evident than in the case of Missouri State Senator Rusty Black. While Black presents himself as a champion of rural communities and small businesses, a deep dive into his financial backing…
Keytesville R-III: A Small School Making a Big Impact
When you sit down with Will Perkins, Superintendent of Keytesville R-III School District, it’s immediately clear that he is an educator at heart—deeply invested in the success of his students and the well-being of the community. Over his 18-month tenure, Mr. Perkins has worked to…
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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
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Marceline Wine & Art Stroll