There’s a difference being a panelist than being the one who has to host and guide the conversation. Just watch Dennis Krause with Time Warner Sports, he makes it look easy.

On his roundtable sports talk show, he interviews state media personalities and they tackle current headlines involving our hometown teams.

Doug Russell, who hosts Brewers post games and "Wisconsin Sports Weekend" on WTMJ-AM 620, filled in for Krause on Time Warner Sports Channel roundtable recently.

"Dennis was going on vacation," Russell said in an interview last week, "(he) called me to do a few shows. I did the shows last week and the first two of this week."

Russell has been a panelist multiple times before, but jumped at the chance to be a fill in host again.

"I’ve been on the panel many times," he said. "But hosting there’s a higher demand … a different dynamic."

Russell praised the work of producers and staffers that made the hosting gig go really well. He considers Krause a mentor, since working with him as a producer at WTMJ-TV in the 1990s. On one of the shows, he had the chance to trade roles with WTMJ-AM co-worker and morning drive host Gene Mueller.

"I’ve covered for Greg (Matzek) in the morning, where he was leading the conversation. I was able to turn the tables," Russell said.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Chuck Steinmetz, general manager at WITI-TV Fox 6, sent along a note saying the station, through its two-day telethon events, helped raise more than $125,000. That total doesn’t include those that may have donated to the Red Cross through online sites or by text message.

It’s incredible, but if you are from here, not surprising. People from Wisconsin are among some of the best supportive people you’ll find anywhere. This just reaffirms the faith.

"Even though I grew up in Milwaukee it never ceases to amaze me how giving our community is," Steinmetz said.

VACATION AUCTION: WLDB-FM B93.3 auctioned a Funjet Vacations trip for two to RIU Palace Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, and the winning bidder was Mary Gabelbauer of Milwaukee. B93.3 teamed up with WDJT-TV CBS 58 to promote the action where the proceeds of $2,250.00 will go to the American Red Cross to aid in their efforts to help the people of Oklahoma affected by the recent tornadoes. 

"We wanted to do something to help, and we appreciate Mary’s generous contribution that we will be donating to the American Red Cross," Stan Atkinson, B93.3 program director, said in a statement.

The vacation package included airfare for two and four nights at the all-inclusive RIU Palace Punta Cana.

BUSINESS BANTER: On Tuesday, Fox Business Network recorded its first primetime win over CNBC for anytime outside of election coverage. At 9 p.m. "Cavuto" beat reality program "Crowd Rules" by 88,000 households. At 10 p.m.  a repeat of "The Willis Report" beat the second hour of "Crowd Rules" by 34,000 viewers and did better among the adults 25-54.

BREWERS TICKETS FOR HEALTH CHECK: Brain Brawn & Body, a health website aimed at African American men, is teaming up with Froedtert  and the Medical College of Wisconsin for a free prostate cancer screening at Miller Park on Wednesday. The first 250 participants will get two vouchers for a future Brewers game. Find more details at BrainBrawn&Body.com.