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.