A Petersburg woman faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence leading to a crash that killed another Petersburg woman on Illinois 97 on May 11.

In all, Lori Beth Moreno, 40, faces six felony charges.

Moreno was in Menard County court July 2 on a first appearance before Circuit Judge Roger Thomson. Another judge, Michael Atterberry, recused himself from the case on June 11.

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Moreno was in a head-on collision that killed Marjorie “Marj” Hinds, 60, and seriously injured an 80-year-old passenger in Hinds’ van.

According to Illinois State Police, Moreno was northbound on Illinois 97 just north of Lincoln’s New Salem State Park when her pickup crossed the centerline and struck Hinds’ southbound minivan head on around 10 p.m. 

Moreno was also charged with two counts of aggravated DUI causing bodily harm; reckless homicide and aggravated reckless driving causing bodily harm.

Moreno was granted pre-trial release due to her own physical health resulting from the accident.

Menard County State’s Attorney Gabe Grosboll said as part of the conditions for her release, Moreno is on electronic monitoring and has been outfitted with an alcohol monitoring device. Moreno is not allowed to operate a motor vehicle.

Moreno was appointed a public defender, R. John Alvarez.

Moreno’s preliminary hearing is July 30.

Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.

In the early hours of a day that was no-doubt packed with Fourth of July festivities, Bret Bielema and his staff found another cause for celebration. They picked up a commitment from a face that may look familiar to some Illini fans.

On Thursday, Jershaun Newton, a 2025 3-star athlete according to 247 Sports, announced on his X that he had committed to Illinois.

He also held offers from Florida State, Indiana and Miami (Fla.), among others Power Five schools.

Newton was a dual-threat QB for Clearwater Central Catholic in St. Petersburg, Florida. In his senior season, he passed for 2,084 yards and 14 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,020 yards and five touchdowns.

On defense, he also played outside linebacker.

He’s the 13th pickup of the 2025 recruiting class, which is currently ranked 53rd in the nation according to 247 Sports.

Newton is the youngest brother of former Illinois DL Jer’Zhan Newton, who was drafted in April to the Washington Commanders.

The former fan favorite took to X to declare that he was “Jer’Proud” of his little brother.