Good morning, Belleville.

After Friday's EF-3 tornado damaged 5,000 homes and removed many roofs, local advertising companies repurposed old billboards as tarps to help cover exposed homes.

Alan Davis, 34, who is already in prison on an unrelated charge, was charged Thursday with first-degree murder in the 2011 killing of truck driver Truman Lee Smith during a delivery in East St. Louis—police said he was identified after an exhaustive investigation and is held at the Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro.

Kenya Sloan, 26, was arrested in Cahokia Heights after officers detained her while she fled a vacant home on Lazarcheff Drive—she is charged with arson and is accused of starting more than four fires across the area.

Rulito Videla, a fifth-generation clown, will perform at Carden Circus next week with shows in Jerseyville on May 27 at 7 p.m. at American Legion Post 492 + in Highland on May 29 at 7 p.m. at the Madison County Fairgrounds.

Families can enjoy a pre-show festival with pony rides, inflatables, and face-painting.

A bear was seen Monday at Sugar Loaf Farm in St. Clair County that damaged bee hives while a second bear appeared in St. Charles County near Wentzville and O’Fallon.

Officials urge residents to secure bird feeders, grills and garbage — they warn that bears will return if food is left accessible.

State Senator Christopher Belt secured over $8 million for bike and pedestrian paths in Belleville, O’Fallon and Venice under the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program — Belleville will use its $3 million grant for the West Belleville Bike Trail Phase II connecting the city’s west end to the MetroLink Bikeway.

A Metro East post office in Millstadt was renamed on Friday to honor fallen U.S. Marine Corporal Matthew Wyatt, who died in 2004 after stopping a vehicle loaded with explosives from attacking his military base in Iraq.

Congressman Mike Bost led the legislation and Wyatt's family with USPS officials attended the ceremony.

Senior Day Celebration

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Programs and Services for Older Persons — Free entry — Shop, dine, and enjoy an after-party with fun and giveaways in Downtown Belleville.

The IMPACT Formula Workshop

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Tavern On Main — Free entry with meal purchase — Discover six steps to foster a meaningful audience and make a difference with Bob Baker.

Hearts 'n Hands Quilt Guild Quilt Show

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Whiteside Middle School — Cost TBA — Explore over 250 beautiful quilts along with vendors, demonstrations, and special exhibits.