03/26/13 ONE ROADS ENDS, ANOTHER PICKS UP

CW14 Top 5 Finalists Drop in on the Murphy in the Morning Show at the WIXX Studios (Pictured here: Front Row - Former CW14 Star Maria Parmigiani; Back Row - WIXX DJ Nick Vitrano, Hanna Lindsay, CW14 Star Katie Phernetton, WIXX DJ Otis Day, Starla Golie, Megan Pospychala and Kurt Krauss)

It may not be news to anyone at this point, but for those of you following the contest, but are still unaware, CW14 announced Katie Phernetton as our new CW14 Star.  Katie will be the face and voice of the local TV station and will do a great job.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, March 26th and broadcast during CW prime time's hit-show Arrow.

As for me, this particular road, the "Road to Stardom - CW Style" comes to an end, however, another one picks up for this guy as the 'Confessions of a Sailor' momentum builds in its 12 1/2 weeks toward the film premier.  Still much work ahead, but I joyfully anticipate all the good things to come!  For Katie, too, her road picks up from this point in an exciting way, no longer a contestant, but a fun TV personality whose warm demeanor and enthusiasm is quite contagious.  Katie, you'll do awesome!

I'd like to offer a few words on the remaining three contestants.  During my actual sit-down job interview with the TV station, the dept. head spoke highly of the finalists and said each one brought something specific that they liked, and would make the deliberations difficult in naming the CW14 Star.  

I'd like to echo those words and add these: 

Hanna, Starla and Megan, I know the three of you will do great things wherever you go individually from here, and I sincerely mean that.  Be confident in the awesomeness of who you are.  You are a gift in the lives of those around you, and in those you meet.

WLUK Vice President / General Manager Jay Zollar: 

“We were thrilled with the caliber of finalists this year.  All of them had great strengths and should be proud of how far they got in the selection process.  Ultimately, we were deeply impressed by Katie's background and enthusiasm,  and we look forward to working with her as our new CW 14 Star.”

GOOD DAY WISCONSIN APPEARANCE

Good Day Wisconsin Co-Anchor Rachel Manek interviews 

CW14 Star Contender Kurt Krauss on FOX11 Friday morning.

A special thank you to each of you who tuned in to WLUK FOX11's Good Day Wisconsin for my 7:45am interview.  I appreciate you welcoming me and Rachel Manek into your home, joining you at your breakfast table to share a few laughs over a morning brew.

Good Day Wisconsin co-anchor Rachel Manek has a special gift, and as you can tell it's her warmth and kind personality that make conversation very natural.  An awesome interviewer!  If you've seen Friday morning's interview, we realized leading up to it that Rachel Manek and I have crossed paths before.  Last summer we were both involved at the Door County Triathlon--she as a competitor, which she's done for quite a few years, and I as a triathlon rookie lifeguard.  And yes, Rachel Manek was in no need of saving!

Timed segments like these go quicker than I imagined, but we also covered the great work of the Paul Mitchell makeover, the St. Paddy's Day festivities and the film I'm directing 'Confessions of a Sailor'.  It's been a busy week for all things 'C.O.A.S' as Saturday saw the unveiling of the 'Confessions' trailer at the Wildwood Film Festival, and this weekend it's going online.  You can read up on more about our film at http://confessionsofasailor.com/

Each day this week the CW14 Star Hopefuls had the chance as individuals to make a TV appearance and an audience appeal for votes, one finalist each morning.  Those of you who've been following the other contenders know that I had four very tough acts to follow.  These are some top-notch finalists, and it's anyone's guess who's going to be your CW14 Star! 

For those who missed it, you can still watch the interview at: Good Day Wisconsin 

CREATIVE ASSIGNMENTS

If you were to meander on over to CW14's homepage, you'd likely find our latest creative assignment videos uploaded to the CW14 Star pages.  Our recent endeavor was pretty interesting.  Working with our sponsor Paul Mitchell the School - Green Bay, each contestant was given a particular focus of their interview.  Each of us was assigned the task to interview an individual from that area, keep it flowing enough but also concise that all of it could be wrapped up in a minute flat.

My area of focus was financial aid, tuition and the help Paul Mitchell School could offer their students. I interviewed the financial aid leader, Mr. Bill Krah, who is known around the place as 'B.K' which as a name is pretty B.A.  I wish I had a cool nickname like that.  Of course, having the heavy German 'Krauss' name isn't half bad either. 

Financial aid was a particular area of interest for me as I owe a lot of my college success to the financial aid that was made available to me then.  Yeah, I've been there.  B.K. works with students, helping them with FAFSA, the Free Application of Federal Student Aid, and helps them figure out from there what grants, loans and scholarships they are eligible for.

And for you hair-stylists out there who want to pursue this career through the quality program offered at Paul Mitchell the School, B.K. will walk you through the finances, and work with you to make it happen!

To learn more about the excellent opportunities available at Paul Mitchell the School - Green Bay, please visit their site: Paul Mitchell the School

FINAL ROUND OF VOTING RESUMES

We're here!  It's hard to believe isn't it?  Monday, March 18th officially kicked off open voting for the Final Round of the 2013 CW14 Star Search.  We've been narrowed down to five contestants, and it will be a foot-race to the finish.  What started us out just a few months ago back in January with those initial auditions has transpired into something pretty awesome!

I've been the underdog in this competition; not making the initial Top 9, I was voted in by you as your Top 10 contender.  Judging by the four contestants I'm up against--four beautiful and talented ladies who have experience and personality--I'd say I'll be keeping my title as the 'Underdog' contestant right up to the finish!

A WEEKEND WITH CW14 STAR HOPEFULS

If you're in the Green Bay area this afternoon, you should swing by Comedy City to see some of your CW14 Stars performing on stage for a cause.  

The CW 14 Star hopefuls will try out their improv skills as part of theComedyCity 26.2-Hour Comedy Marathon. See them take the stage Saturday (March 16th) at 1pm!  This is a free show. Comedy City is taking donations for local children's cancer charities – The Angel Fund and Families of Children with Cancer.

How cool is that?!?  Some of your CW14 Star Hopefuls working with Comedy City and children's cancer charities to help some people who are going through a really tough time.  Go cheer them on!  Comedy City is located at the Green Room Lounge on 353 Main Ave, De Pere, WI.

Those of you in the Sturgeon Bay and Door Co. areas should hit up the West Side and Downtown Sturgeon Bay around 11am for the annual Sturgeon Bay St. Paddy's Day Parade!  St. Patrick will be there, portrayed by yours truly.  Because I'd already made this previous commitment to play the Patron Saint of Ireland, I could not join our friends at Comedy City.  That's okay!  The other four are doing great things today with this awesome fundraiser, and I am excited to see the masses gather on the chilly streets of Sturgeon Bay for a fun celebration!

A NEW CW14 STYLE

CW14 teamed up with Shopko to give this guy a new look in anticipation for my big debut on WLUK FOX11's Good Day Wisconsin interview scheduled for Friday, March 22nd.  

The first part of the makeover was the new hairstyle through Paul Mitchell the School in Green Bay.  Today, it was the wardrobe.  For those of you who found my old blue Dickie's coat to be a little drab, the talented folks in Shopko promotions and clothing came up with some good stuff.

They wanted to find an outfit that fit my personality, so had a few selections in mind.  I followed their advice.  At one point, they asked me as I walked in dressed in a new pair of Shopko jeans, a graphic T-shirt and dressier collared shirt:

"Do you normally dress this way?"  

I responded, "Kind of, but not this cool". 

Oh yeah, it's pretty cool.  I think this new Shopko look will come across the airwaves in one word: "stylin".  A special thanks to Abby, Ali and all the girls who were my 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th opinions who unanimously agreed on this trendy new look to be revealed Friday, March 22nd on Good Day Wisconsin around 7:45am.

NAMED INTO TOP FIVE! STAYS ALIVE!

On Monday, March 11th, Kurt Krauss was named into the CW14 Star Top 5!

We survived that round, and only one more to go!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Words alone will not be able to express my appreciation to each of you for your support, encouragement, votes and also helping me recruit voters.

Since the first days of open voting, I've been the underdog in this competition.  When the Top 9 were named, it was by your grassroots effort that I was brought into the Top 10 as the Voters' Choice contender. You've inspired friends, family and co-workers to vote daily and inspired me in the process.

Now in the Top 5, we're only a fourteen days away from the BIG DAY when CW14 announces their NEW STAR... (and I hope to finish this sentence with the name 'Kurt').

A NIGHT WITH ALGOMA COMMUNITY BAND

Best wishes as Wednesday winds down!  Where do I even begin to catch you up on the adventures of the last few days--an online journal is a good place to start.

First off, a shoutout to my friends of the Algoma Community Band, especially director Tom Mueller, who hosted me at their rehearsal tonight as they're preparing for their big performance coming up in a few short weeks.  It was great meeting so many of you, and thank you for allowing me to speak to your group!  We did some recordings and an interview and looking forward to posting that soon.

Since the late 1970's, Algoma Community Band has brought music to the lakeshore.  Playing concerts year-round, building up local talent as well as drawing musicians from surrounding counties, ACB. is an important part of the rich history of Algoma.  ACB also provides scholarships to students who desire to pursue music, helping them with college expenses.  What an awesome organization!  To read up more on the good things at work here, please visit their website: Algoma Community Band

Over the course of these last few weeks, it been really cool how many of you take the time each day to vote for me.  It really makes my day getting a quick email or FB message or text with your encouragement and thoughtfulness.  And whether its a friend or stranger anywhere in town here, your smile and a few simple but powerful words: "I've been voting for you" really lift my heart.

Also, wanted to say hello and thank you to my friends in Alaska who have been supporting me in my run to be the new CW14 Star!  I didn't realize until tonight that 'the Last Frontier' was a VOTE KURT state.  As your state flower is the Forget-Me-Not, I really appreciate you remembering a Wisconsin guy during voting.

PLEASE SEND COMMUNITY STORY IDEAS

Happy Sunday folks!  And look! We made it to March!  Cross old Feb. off the calender.  Done and gone!  My love/hate relationship with winter takes on a more positive perspective by the time March offers the first glimmers of spring hope.  

Winter is such a mixed bag of things.  Visually, awe-striking and often beautiful.  Fun in the outdoors.  It's also terrible on our cars, hands and skin, dangerous on the roads and ice and sometimes too dark for daytime hours.  But, as George Harrison reminds us "Here Comes the Sun" and right around this time of year, I especially cherish this song.

Changing gears!  Here's my question for you today: 
What would you like to see in some of these upcoming videos?  

Currently, I'm working on a few more YouTube videos, and they're mostly for fun.  But, while a lot of northeast Wisconsin is tuning in to the CW14 Star Contest, its a solid opportunity to promote a few of the things, people, organizations and events in our area that make our communities great!

So what are they?  Do you have a group, small business, interesting person etc. in mind?  Do you have a story idea of something/someone unique to our area?  

I've created a special email account specifically for this.  Please email me your ideas and suggestions to: cw14starkurt@gmail.com

The cool thing with this is if I advance in the Top 5, I can continue to produce these short YouTube videos, and hopefully some of these story ideas can be passed up to CW14, and maybe we'll be able to get a segment in the works on actual TV.  Can't guarantee anything, but it's a thought, and something I'd like to see happen.