Illinois quick hits: Armed sex offender sentenced; most are family farms
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy
Latest News Stories
Green Garden Township Residents Threaten Incorporation to Block 6,000-Acre Solar Farm
Financial Report Shows Projected Surplus and Debt Service Transfer
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Peotone Public Library District for Jan. 15, 2026
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Monee Township Board of Trustees for January 15, 2026
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Monee Village Board for Feb. 11, 2026
Executive Committee: Tension Rises as Republican Whip Removed from Panel
Board Reschedules March Meeting Due to Election Law; Discusses TIF Districts
Ad-Hoc Committee: County Stripped of Power to Regulate Motor Races, Must Drop Solicitor Fees Due to State Statutes
Commission Overrides Staff Recommendation, Approves Manhattan Township Barn Expansion
Community violence intervention advocates tout crime reduction, taxpayer funding
Pritzker’s social media fee plan faces cost, legality questions
Investigation: Wisconsin’s DPI took uncommon approach with Dells conference
