Soaring once again: We Energies helps save peregrine falcon

Soaring once again: We Energies helps save peregrine falcon

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- They used to proudly soar above Wisconsin, but in the 1950s and 1960s peregrine falcons became endangered throughout the state due to the heavy use of pesticides."This bird was virtually extinct and it took a concerted effort to bring the bird back and We Energies is really proud to be a part of that," said We Energies Spokesperson Cathy Schulze.It was in the late 1980s when We Energies began putting artificial nesting boxes on its power plants.This would attract birds to the area and provide them with a safe place to live and reproduce."Our power plants afford a very similar type of nesting environment being very high and open and it really gives them protection from a lot of different predators," said We Energies Environmental Consultant Mike Grisar.Through the years, the birds kept coming back.We Energies officials have been tracking the success of the program by banding the falcons."This year we`re expecting to have our 200th falcon naturally produced on our sites, which is almost 20 percent of the entire peregrine falcon population," said Grisar.This year there have been eggs laid in the nests of all 6 power plants.We Energies placed cameras in the nests to monitor the chicks, and through modern technology the utility is now able to live stream this video online for everyone to enjoy."It`s a way that all of us at home can stay connected with what`s going on in these nest boxes and follow the chicks from the time they hatch to the time they take flight for the first time," said Schulze.Watching the growth of a population we almost lost.If you're interested in watching the live stream of the peregrine falcons, CLICK HERE. 

POWER OUTAGE: Menomonee Falls customers have power restored

MENOMONEE FALLS (WITI) -- FOX6 News has learned a power outage affecting over 2,000 customers in Menomonee Falls has been addressed.The affected customers had their power restored by 9:00 p.m. Sunday, April 27th.A We Energies outage map shows the outage occurring around Bobolink Avenue and Shawn Circle.A total of 2,432 customers were affected -- according to the We Energies outage map.This power outage began around 6:45 p.m.A We Energies spokesman says this power outage was due to an accident where a car struck a utility pole.The crash apparently occurred on Silver Spring Road east of Marcy Road.Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates.

POWER RESTORED in Brookfield area; over 3,400 affected

POWER RESTORED in Brookfield area; over 3,400 affected

BROOKFIELD (WITI) -- A We Energies spokesman has confirmed with FOX6 News that power has been restored to all customers affected by power outages Sunday afternoon, April 27th in the Brookfield area.Power was restored around 3:00 p.m.FOX6 News had a crew on scene of a power outage affecting traffic lights and businesses in Brookfield near Bluemound Road.

Power restored to nearly 4,000 We Energies customers

Power restored to nearly 4,000 We Energies customers

NEW BERLIN (WITI) -- Power has been restored to nearly 4,000 We Energies customers in parts of southern Waukesha County on Saturday morning, April 12th.The outages started around 6:30 a.m.We Energies crews were able to restore power around 8 a.m., but are still investigating what exactly caused the outages.In the meantime, you can monitor the outage by CLICKING HERE.

Power restored to thousands on city's south side, West Bend

Power restored to thousands on city's south side, West Bend

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- More than 4,000 We Energies customers were without power — mostly on Milwaukee’s south side and in West Bend — early Friday morning, March 28th.According to the We Energies Outage Map, only a handful of people are still without electricity.The cause of the outage is unknown.Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.

Reward swells to $10,000 for info in peregrine falcon shooting

Reward swells to $10,000 for info in peregrine falcon shooting

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A reward has grown to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who shot and wounded an endangered peregrine falcon.The Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust had offered a $5,000.

We Energies crews work to restore power during extreme wind

We Energies crews work to restore power during extreme wind

BROOKFIELD (WITI) -- Most people can seek shelter indoors during the extremely windy weather southeastern Wisconsin has been dealing with -- but We Energies crews brave the conditions no matter what.Since 8 p.m. Thursday, February 20th, more than 9,500 customers have experienced outages.

We Energies Outage Map showing power outages Thursday night

We Energies Outage Map showing power outages Thursday night

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The We Energies Outage Map, available via We-Energies.com is showing 27 power outages in the Milwaukee area as of 10:00 p.m. Thursday, February 20th.According to the map, over 3,600 We Energies customers are being affected by the outages.It is unclear at this time what may have caused the outages, but we are under a High Wind WARNING through 9:00 a.m. Friday.A We Energies spokeswoman told FOX6 News she was getting reports Thursday night of wires down and tree limbs down.

Utilities to provide propane to help low-income citizens

Utilities to provide propane to help low-income citizens

MADISON (WITI) -- Governor Scott Walker has announced an agreement between the State of Wisconsin, Madison Gas and Electric (MG&E), and We Energies that will allow the state to access more than 117,000 gallons of propane currently stored at these utilities to help address the current propane shortage.“We are grateful to Madison Gas and Electric and We Energies for helping us address the needs of our citizens in this challenging time, and it is yet another example of the power of public-private partnerships,” Governor Walker said.  “We will use the propane from these companies as a contingency plan to help meet the need of low-income citizens in areas of our state where the supply is constrained.”Under the arrangements with the utilities, the state can access up to 42,000 gallons of propane currently stored at We Energies’ Oak Creek facility, with the possibility of an additional 30,000 gallons from We Energies’ Tomah facility.

Power has been restored to hundreds in Milwaukee Co.

Power has been restored to hundreds in Milwaukee Co.

SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN   (WITI) — Power has been restored to roughly 822 We Energies customers affected in Milwaukee County Friday morning, February 14th.According to We Energies, the power outage was caused by a We Energies equipment problem.CLICK HERE for tips on what to do during a power outage.CLICK HERE to view power outages on a map, via We Energies website