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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ScooterCabs, a local business created by three University of Wisconsin-Madison grads, aims to provide an affordable alternative to taking a taxi home or driving under the influence. 

The service was created as an extra option for patrons that drive out to a bar or restaurant and have a few too many drinks.  The concept is similar to a taxi, except for one fundamental difference; the taxi is now the patron’s own vehicle.  There is no longer a need for patrons to abandon their vehicle at the bar or restaurant to make it home safely.

"With Wisconsin’s high rates of drunk driving, Madison seemed to have a need for this type of service," said owner Justin Sisley, "but even for the majority of people who would make the responsible decision to call a cab, our service provides a much more convenient option for them.  No more waiting around for a friend or cab to take you back to your car in the morning."

A 22-year-old man who was participant in the Madison Police Department's Special Investigations Unit is in trouble again with the law, according to police.

Last November, the SIU put 10 repeat violent offenders on notice. They were told to turn turn their lives around, or face the prospect of going back behind bars. One of those men was Emon V. Hollins, police said.

"Mr. Hollins was provided with numerous resources, all of which could have helped him become a productive member of this community," said SIU leader Lt. Tom Woodmansee in a news release. "Instead of embracing the community's help, Mr. Hollins decided to continue a life of crime."

On Nov. 16, Hollins was arrested for a probation violation, but SIU detectives dug deeper and found he he had engaged in more acts of domestic violence. New criminal charges are pending in the Dane County District Attorney's Office, police said.