Milwaukee Meteorologist Departs, New Hotel Planned, and Kohl's Changes

Local business news roundup includes a meteorology shakeup, new hotel development, and updates to Kohl's stores.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 4:06pm

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The Milwaukee media market is seeing some changes, with a prominent local meteorologist departing their position. Additionally, a new hotel is planned for the area, and Kohl's department stores are implementing updates to their retail locations.

Why it matters

These business developments in the Milwaukee region reflect broader trends impacting the local economy and consumer landscape. The meteorologist's departure signals shifts in the media industry, the new hotel points to growth in the hospitality sector, and Kohl's changes are part of the retailer's efforts to adapt to evolving shopping behaviors.

The details

The meteorologist departure is from a local TV station, though the specific reasons are unclear. The new hotel is planned for Dodge County, just outside Milwaukee, as the area sees increased tourism and travel demand. For Kohl's, the changes include store layout updates, product assortment shifts, and potential closures of underperforming locations as the retailer works to remain competitive.

  • The meteorologist's last day is March 31, 2026.
  • Groundbreaking for the new Dodge County hotel is scheduled for June 2026.
  • Kohl's plans to implement store changes across its Milwaukee-area locations by the end of 2026.

The players

Tim Gibbons

A local Milwaukee news anchor who reports on business developments in the region.

Dodge County

A county located just outside of Milwaukee that is seeing growth in its tourism and hospitality sectors.

Kohl's

A major department store chain with numerous locations in the Milwaukee metropolitan area, which is working to adapt its retail strategy.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to see this new hotel project move forward and bring more visitors to our community.”

— Dodge County Official, Economic Development Director (local Dodge County press release)

“The changes at Kohl's stores are aimed at providing a more engaging and personalized shopping experience for our Milwaukee customers.”

— Michelle Gass, CEO, Kohl's (Kohl's corporate announcement)

What’s next

The new Dodge County hotel is expected to open to the public in the summer of 2027, providing a boost to the local tourism economy. Kohl's will continue rolling out its store updates across the Milwaukee region throughout 2026 and into 2027.

The takeaway

These business developments in Milwaukee reflect the evolving nature of the local economy, with shifts in media, hospitality, and retail sectors. The changes highlight the need for companies to adapt to consumer preferences and market conditions in order to remain competitive and serve their communities.