To help local families stay warm on snowy winter nights, St. Vincent de Paul is holding its 20th annual Recycle the Warmth drive from Jan. 27 to Jan. 29.

Organizers are looking for new or gently used blankets and bedding that can be given to Madison residents struggling with poverty.

"We'll find folks who have nothing, and sometimes nothing means no bed and it means that a child in the family has a parka to pull over themselves at night instead of a blanket," said Ernie Stetenfeld, St. Vincent de Paul’s spokesman.

Donations can be dropped off at ShopKo stores, St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores and area churches. Many church congregations are also accepting these donations.

For a complete list of drop-off sites visit:

http://www.svdpmadison.org/recyclewarmth.html

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As a first time participant at the World Spirits Competition, Madison-based Yahara Bay Distillers emerged as the gold medal winner in two of the 12 spirit categories.

Competing against spirits giants from around the world such as Dewars and Bacardi, four products were selected in each category and given medals ranging from platinum to bronze.

Gold medals were given to Yahara Bay’s Premium Rum and Extra Dry Gin, competing in the White Rum and Gin categories. They were beat only by Don Q Cristal of Puerto Rico in the Rum category and Rogue Spruce of Newport, Oregon for Gin.

"Being recognized as world-class is very humbling," said owner Nick Quint, in a news release. "We’ve worked the last 4 years to create the finest products from local ingredients and this win is a wonderful win for both us and Wisconsin."

The eastbound Beltline between South Towne Drive and Stoughton Road will be closed Sunday, Jan. 29 from 6 a.m. to noon, according to Wisconsin Department of Transportation officials.

Eastbound traffic will be routed along South Towne Drive, Broadway and Stoughton Road to the eastbound Beltline, officials said.