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Hey, Swift Current and the southwest, I am your Southwest Explorer, Carianne Hunter, for the 2025 season, which is very exciting.
Now, here's a little background on me. I have lived and grown up in Swift Current. My family is from here. My mom, Jackie Hunter, is currently one of the owners of our family's business, Warrens Funeral Home. The fun fact is that it has been in business and family for 99 years! Crazy, I know, and my dad, Ryan Hunter, also grew up here. He is the fire chief for the Swift Current Fire Department. For siblings, I have an older brother named Davis. He played hockey here and in Caronport at Briercrest for hockey (PHA). He is currently at the University of Saskatchewan studying to become an accountant. Yes, we couldn't be more opposite if we tried, LOL.
Now, as for me, I went to Swift Current Comprehensive High School and graduated in 2022. Right after that, I went to Western Academy Broadcasting College in Saskatoon, where I learned how to be a broadcaster. I learned how to be a radio jockey (host) and how to be on camera and how to work them, plus be able to find news and write about it. After graduating, I got a job at Rawlco Radio in Saskatoon as an intern for three months, doing promotions and helping with events like the Big One Saskatoon Car Show and Shine. I was up at 5 a.m. that day and didn't leave till 8 p.m., but it wasn't that bad. I was beside the Corvettes all day, so I can't complain. Then, I returned to school at Saskatchewan Polytechnic to take some marketing courses in public relations, digital marketing, advertising, marketing/communications and public relations/programming. Yes, a lot of school for a girl who is not a fan of school, but I did it! I pray I don't have to go back. I'm over it.
Then, I interned at Saskatoon Media Group for a year and covered some on-air shifts when asked. I did a lot of promotions and assisted with events. Then ended up back home to be the Southwest Explorer! This is good because I needed a change from living in Saskatoon. Don't get me wrong, I miss my friends up there, but I don't miss the half an hour or longer to get from point A to point B.
If you are wondering what I do here in Swift Current, as the Southwest Explorer, I will be going lots of events in the Southwest. I have been on the radio, so if you heard me, you could now put a face to the name. I also write some stories for Swift Current Online. I also made the TikTok for our Swift Current Online account.
Now, if you are wondering about me outside of work/school, if you have seen a red convertible Corvette driving around town for hours, that would be me. Sometimes, I let my dad join me since it's his car that he claims I "steal" it. (He secretly loves that I take it. Don't let him tell you otherwise.) I love music, mainly Country and 80s, and the old man-dad rock. As a hobby, I target shoot at the gun range. No, I do not hunt. I know the last name is deceiving. I like being social and going out with my friends, even if I have to do a lot of convincing to get them to go out. Don't get me wrong, I loved being at home, too, but not being a hermit 24/7 is not for me.
I am very excited to be this year's Southwest Explorer. I have experience doing jobs like this, and I know this year is going to be 100 per cent better than any that came before.
You will have the first chance to meet me this Thursday at the Taste of Summer Community BBQ (out front of Innovation Federal Credit Union) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
I will be handing out Full Line Ag Fun Bucks for all the events I travel to this summer, which you can use to buy great prizes later this summer at our Million Dollar Auction. Keep an eye on the Southwest Explorer page regularly to see the upcoming events I will attend. You can also submit events for me to check out.