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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Crete Township Solar Project Approved Despite Township Objections
Health Department Opens Second Breast Milk Depot in Bolingbrook
Lockport Township Solar Farm Gains Committee Approval
Health Department Plans Back-to-School Fair July 12
Meeting Briefs: Will County Land Use & Development Committee for July 3, 2025
Will County Public Health & Safety Committee July 3 Meeting Briefs
Will County Seeks Asian Carp Provision in Federal Legislative Agenda
State Legislative Session Update: Transit, Energy Bills Stall Despite Democratic Control
Will County’s Major Capital Projects Hit Key Milestones, VAC Buildout on “Aggressive Schedule”
County Board Approves 2026-2031 Transportation Plan Despite Project Opposition
Contentious I-3 Rezoning for DuPage Township Storage Yard Narrowly Advances
Will County Legislative Committee July 1 Meeting Briefs
