A Goodbye Letter From Charene the Adventure Queen

As new adventures await Charene the Adventure Queen - she'll be stepping away from hosting the midday show on KYSS-FM. Things will sound a little different for your workday and Charene tells you why in the letter she wrote below. We're going to miss her and wish her the best on the great new adventure!

KYSS Nation,

To say that I have had fun in over 12 years in radio in Montana would be an understatement. Unfortunately I have had to make the very tough decision to leave radio for awhile to focus on nursing school and to obtain my LPN license. It's the only way I can justify going to college again is if I can focus most of my attention on that and solely that.

Radio has been my whole life for over 12 years. I have known some of my listeners longer then most of my family, as I met most of my family for the first time when I was in my mid-upper 20's, at that point I had been in radio in Montana for a few years. MANY people welcomed me as their own because I didn't have family in that area or really at all at that point. Radio means so much more to me then playing music, it's an outlet for the community, a public forum, a chance to engage and be heard, helping the community, teaching each-other, spreading kindness and being positive, winning things, and so much more. You have been by my side through really tough times. I had just started working in Missoula when I lost my grandma who was my whole world. Losing her I thought I lost myself, but thanks to you and fly fishing I was able to overcome the obstacle of losing the only family I consistently had, my grandma Dee. You let me share many stories to help keep her memory alive, that was my most cherished times o the radio when I was talking about her. You always listened and always shared support. We all deal with grief but it's so much easier to get through with amazing people by your side.

We have had some good times, many fundraisers including KYSSMAS for Kids, Knockerball, Community Fly Tying Nights, concert fun and contests (remember Where's Willie for Willie Nelson tickets?). So many times and good times I can't even begin to think back to them all. I was also gifted a trip to Pittsburgh from the Today Show, that was one of my favorite highlights. Montana is so special and we all know that but one of the reasons it is, is the people. Some of the best people in the world are right here in Montana. I know I will continue to see a lot of my favorite Montanans around.

I start school soon and am hoping I can succeed in nursing school. It's not easy and they are such an amazing profession, I hope I can do it justice. I will do my best and hoping that everyone has a Merry Christmas, I love you guys for supporting me on air and on all my adventures. I am not sure where I would be without you. I hope to be on radio once again in Montana someday, until then keep cranking the country! and FISH ON!

With Love,
Charene the Adventure Queen