If you were driving along Route 40 last week, no, you were not seeing things. Especially if you thought you may have seen a cartoon-like bear walking down the highways and biways of Central Illinois. Bearsun, also known as Jessy Larios, 33, of Los Angeles, is walking across the country to raise money for various…

OctoChem of Vandalia was recently honored as one of the home-grown companies in the State of Illinois, and for its continued operation and expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kala Lambert, of the regional economic development director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunities, made the presentation during ceremonies held last Tuesday, Oct. 12 at…