Illinois quick hits: Armed sex offender sentenced; most are family farms

Illinois quick hits: Armed sex offender sentenced; most are family farms

December 5, 2025/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Armed sex offender sentenced

A Southern Illinois man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison after he admitted to distributing child pornography and obscene material to a minor.

Edward J. Bates, 57, most recently of Olney, Illinois, pleaded guilty to felony possession of a firearm, distribution of child pornography, attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor, and offense by a registered sex offender.

U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft said the sentence underscores his office’s commitment to seeking the most significant sentences possible for those who endanger kids.

Most are family farms

According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 93.2% of all Illinois farms are family owned, ranking Illinois 39th in the U.S. for family-owned farm share.

Farm Flavor researchers found that the state’s 66,296 family-owned farms collectively generate more than $25 billion of the nation’s nearly $600 billion in total agricultural output each year.

Gold Star Christmas tree lighting

The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2025 Gold Star Christmas tree lighting is set to take place Monday afternoon at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library in Springfield.

The tree, dedicated to Illinois heroes who lost their lives in combat, will be decorated by Gold Star families attending the event.

The program featuring IDVA Director Terry Prince and Major General Rodney Boyd, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard, is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Monee VB July 9

Monee Mulls Local 1% Grocery Tax to Recoup State Funds

The Village of Monee is contemplating implementing a local 1% sales tax on groceries to prevent a loss of revenue, following the state of Illinois’s decision to repeal its tax...
Monee VB July 9

Monee Board Approves Over $400,000 in Infrastructure Payments

The Monee Village Board authorized more than $400,000 in payments Wednesday for two major, ongoing infrastructure projects: the Village Hall remodel and the reconstruction of Industrial Drive and Cleveland Avenue....
Monee VB July 9

Village Moves on Real Estate Purchases, TIF Fund Transfer to Spur Development

In a series of moves aimed at furthering its economic development goals, the Monee Village Board on Wednesday approved the purchase of two properties in its central business corridor and...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Monee Village Board of Trustees for July 9, 2025

Police Department to Add Two New Squads: The board approved the purchase of two 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Utility Squads for a total of $114,128. The purchase will be made from...

Privacy Policy

Monee Local App Privacy Policy Effective Date: May 1, 2025 Introduction Your privacy is important to us. This Monee Local App Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect...
Will-County-Land-Use-July-3.1

Committee Rejects Troy Township Solar Projects Amid Strong Local Opposition

The Will County Land Use and Development Committee recommended denial for two controversial commercial solar energy projects in Troy Township on Thursday, following a wave of opposition from local municipalities,...
Will-County-Land-Use-July3.2

Controversial DuPage Township Rezoning for Outdoor Storage Advances

A contentious proposal to rezone a 20-acre parcel in DuPage Township from agricultural (A-1) to heavy industrial (I-3) for an outdoor vehicle storage facility narrowly passed the Will County Land...
Will-County-Land-Use-July3.2

Residents Allege Health Crises, Violations from Peotone Grain Facility

Two residents of unincorporated Peotone delivered emotional testimony to the Will County Land Use and Development Committee Thursday, alleging that a neighboring grain facility is causing severe health problems and...
Will-County-Public-Health-Safety-Committee-Meeting-July-3-2025

Health Department May Seek Property Tax Increase to Maintain Critical Services

The Will County Health Department is grappling with significant budget shortfalls as multiple federal grants have been terminated or reduced, potentially forcing the agency to seek additional property tax revenue...
Will-County-Land-Use-July-3.1

Crete Township Solar Project Approved Despite Township Objections

A 21-acre commercial solar project in Crete Township received a favorable recommendation from the Will County Land Use and Development Committee on Thursday, despite an official objection from the township....
Will-County-Public-Health-Safety-Committee-Meeting-July-3-2025

Health Department Opens Second Breast Milk Depot in Bolingbrook

The Will County Health Department has opened its second breast milk depot in partnership with Mother's Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes, expanding access to donated breast milk for...
Will-County-Land-Use-July3.2

Lockport Township Solar Farm Gains Committee Approval

The Will County Land Use and Development Committee on Thursday approved a special use permit for a 25-acre commercial solar energy facility in Lockport Township. The project, proposed by Daniel...
Will-County-Public-Health-Safety-Committee-Meeting-July-3-2025

Health Department Plans Back-to-School Fair July 12

The Will County Health Department will host a Back-to-School Health Fair Saturday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Health Center, 1106 Neal Ave., Joliet. The...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Will County Land Use & Development Committee for July 3, 2025

Green Garden Township Rezoning for Future Subdivision ApprovedThe committee recommended approval of a map amendment for an 81-acre property on South 88th Avenue in Green Garden Township. The applicant, represented...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Prairie State College Board of Trustees for March 25, 2025

The Prairie State College (PSC) Board of Trustees meeting on March 25, 2025, was highlighted by a detailed presentation showcasing significant growth and high achievement in the college's Allied Health...