We are delighted to introduce this year’s 10 single, independent and downright fun group of people. Haruki Murakami put it best when he wrote, “If you can love someone with your whole heart, even one person, then there’s salvation in life.”
Our singles put forward their emphasis on love and loyalty along with their favorite love stories and songs. So, take your time and peruse because you might just find the love of your life.
Tessla DiMaggio– 28, waitress/bartender at Finn’s. Lives in Joplin, Missouri.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time.
I’m 28. I work at Finn’s, and I’m a bartender. I have two cats and three ferrets. I love to eat and cook as well as anything outdoorsy. In the summer, I enjoy swimming and visiting the ocean.
What are your dealbreakers?
When someone scrapes their teeth on silverware, smacking with food or gum. Dislike of kids and animals. Frequent drinking. No cheating or lying.
What do you look for in a partner?
Someone with a job and who is a good listener. An empath would be nice. Someone who enjoys being active and taking adventures. Living life to the fullest.
What is your favorite love story, and why?
Sweet Home Alabama and The Notebook.
When did you last sing to yourself or someone else?
On the way here to the interview in my car.
For what in your life do you feel the most grateful?
Most grateful for family, friends and music and dancing.
If you could learn one skill or ability perfectly, what would it be, and why?
I would like to learn freediving and surfing because of the ocean. There’s always something beautiful to discover under the sea.
What does your dream first date look like?
Cooking dinner because I love cooking. Cuddling and a movie, but if I don’t know you, maybe just the movie. Going on a hike or thrift shopping, car shows.
JD Buckridge – 44, president/CEO at Higher Vision, LLC. Lives in Joplin, Missouri.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time.
I’m a single dad of four kids and love spending time with all of them. I am also a small business owner and a part of a new start-up business that serves five states. I love all things sports and coffee, especially Notre Dame football. You can typically find me at a local high school home football game (go, Eagles!) on a Friday night or at my middle son’s football and basketball games throughout the year.
I am typically found at a local coffee shop sipping on my favorite go-to drink, and one may classify me as a bit of a coffee snob (they all vary from shop to shop because I love them all). I also enjoy playing my guitar on my front porch, diving into a good book or even catching a movie here and there.
What do you look for in a partner?
First and foremost would be a person of faith as I am a devout Christian. Someone who also shares my sense of values and love for entrepreneurship and small business. Someone who will be a true partner in life and not just a stay-at-home kind of partner. One of my personal passions is investing in small business owners and leaders, so I’d like to have by my side someone who can do the same.
What are your dealbreakers?
Anyone who will not pray for me or others. Again, faith is HUGE for me, so this is a must. Someone who cannot hold a back-and-forth conversation or makes the conversations only about themselves. Someone who is not willing to think outside of the box and go the extra mile for others. I’m really seeking someone who is selfless and loves to serve.
What does your dream first date look like?
A typical first date would be to start off at a coffee shop to really connect and just hang out first while waiting on reservations at a nice local restaurant. Then a nice dinner at a local spot and if things go well, drinks at the same establishment followed by another coffee run (did I say I love coffee already?) followed by a nice walk in Mercy Park or King Jack Park.
Favorite love song?
Oh, you got me there. I don’t have any favorite love songs, but I’m a huge Foo Fighters fan and can sing along with most tracks and even play some on the guitar. Of course, all things the ‘90s is always a good time.
Melissa Sorden – 59, executive baker at Finn’s Bakery and Restaurant. She lives in Joplin, Missouri.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time.
I’m a 59-year-old single mother of four adult children with 11 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. I was raised in Lamar, Missouri, where my father opened a doughnut shop/bakery when I was 12, and I worked there until I got married at 17. I opened a doughnut shop with my first husband. We eventually had seven different shops in the area.
After divorcing, I stayed in the bakery field and managed bakeries in Joplin, Carthage, St. Louis and Oral Roberts University in Tulsa before moving back to Joplin seven years ago.
For fun, I enjoy thrift shopping and spending time with my youngest daughter, my grandson and new great-granddaughter, and a wonderful crew of friends that fulfill my life.
What do you look for in a partner?
I look for someone who is spiritually centered and has a love for our creator. They must be self-reliant and secure. No time for jealousy or fighting, and I would prefer they have grown children and not little ones. They must have a love for animals and kindness toward humanity.
What are your dealbreakers?
Dealbreakers are not having a job or a plan for the future, unless you are retired. Another dealbreaker is a bunch of ex-wives and small children.
What is your favorite love story, and why?
My favorite love story in real life is of my great-grandfather, Weaver Duncan. (My grandparents) survived the early 1900s, the Great Depression, raising children in a small town, and they were still so very much in love. She mourned his death until her passing. As far as a movie that’s my favorite love story: “What Dreams May Come.”
.What does your dream first date look like?
My dream date would start with flowers and then a day trip to a new location I’ve never visited. Possibly a cultural event, music or just exploring new sites.
For what in your life do you feel the most grateful?
I am grateful for my children, my grandchildren and my group of close friends who have always made me feel like sisters. I’m always so very grateful for that. I am blessed to have a career I love doing. Every day is a new day, and I bring joy to people. What more could you ask for?
Richard Crouch – 41, regional medical sales manager for the Midwest and West Coast and former first responder with Newton County Search and Rescue/Dive Team. Joplin, Mo
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time.
I love the outdoors and all things nature, especially being on the water. I love to fish, scuba dive, paddleboard, hunt and play golf. In the summer, you can find me at the lake, fishing usually, or doing something water related. I love a night in or a night out on the town, I love to have fun and just be spontaneous and go with the flow of life. I am very outgoing and adventurous. I love hitting a trail and going off-roading in the Jeep. I enjoy spending time with my girls and taking them to do things. I love karaoke, concerts and all styles of music. I enjoy going to the gym, even though I need to go more. LOL. I’m also a member of the ELKS and attend One Church Joplin.
What do you look for in a partner?
Looks are important; there definitely has to be that physical attraction. However, personality is also a huge thing to me. Someone who can make me laugh and just smile is also very important to me
What are your dealbreakers?
Personality is huge to me and being real/genuine, just being you and who you are from day one. So, with that said, fake people, dishonesty and cheating.
When did you last sing to yourself or someone else?
All the time! Music for me is therapeutic. Chances are, if you see me driving down the road and at a stoplight, my very own jam session is taking place.
For what in your life do you feel the most grateful?
My daughters, friends and family. I enjoy watching Lacie and Lindsey, my two teenage daughters, compete in their sports/activities. Family, though, just isn’t blood. I have some very close friends I consider family and would do anything for.
What is your favorite love story and why?
It would have to be Johnny and June. To some people, they would say Johnny and June were toxic and there was bad in the relationship, and there was, but at the end of the day, they loved each other, they stood by each other and got through all of life’s challenges thrown their way together. They had every reason to give up, but they didn’t. When Johnny was once asked what his definition of paradise was, he responded, “This morning, with her, having coffee.” I mean, who doesn’t want a relationship like that?
If you could learn one skill or ability perfectly, what would it be, and why?
I love the outdoors and nature, so I would have to say perfect my golf game or hunting/fishing capabilities. I mean, who doesn’t want to get paid to do the things they love the most and just enjoy life?
Sydney Adams – 23, server at Club 609. Resides in Joplin, Missouri.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time.
I just recently graduated from Missouri Southern State University. I like to spend time with kids and interned at a children’s center. I like to travel, hang out with friends, outings, books and gyms.
What are your dealbreakers?
Cheating or lying. Someone who is unreliable, doesn’t appreciate what I bring to the table and doesn’t communicate. Someone who is not clean. If I walk into your bathroom and your toilet hasn’t been cleaned, I’m out of there.
What does your dream first date look like?
I appreciate face-to-face conversations. I don’t really like to talk to people via phone or text. An ideal first date is something that entails conversation and fun, going to a fair and going to an arcade to show off my skills.
For what in your life do you feel the most grateful?
Mostly for the challenges God has given me in my life, and for those who have been there to support me: my friends, my peers, my family, my mentors. I have lots of people to be grateful for.
If you could learn one skill or ability perfectly, what would it be and why?
I would definitely perfect communication. Sometimes I struggle with articulating what I’m trying to say and my tone. That is something I think would really help me out.
Brandon Wilkeman – 30, project manager for Abernathy Roofing and Solar. He lives in Joplin, Missouri.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time.
I’m a project manager at Solar, and I spend a lot of my free time playing music, enjoying the outdoors and hanging out with my miniature husky named Milo.
What do you look for in a partner?
A sense of humor is something I treasure in a partner or even just a first date. A knack for adventure is something else I look forward to and someone who has a general love for life.
What are your dealbreakers?
My biggest dealbreaker is probably smoking. Inside and outside the house, I do not like it.
When did you last sing to yourself or someone else?
I play guitar often, so probably whenever I do that. I would say about a week ago.
What does your dream first date look like?
I would love to camp or hike in the mountains. Also, hopefully one where you aren’t stood up.
For what in your life do you feel the most grateful?
I would have to say owning my home is something I am extremely grateful for. I also have my own dog, a miniature husky, whose name is Milo!
Cindy Randall is 64 and works from home. She lives in Neosho, Missouri.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time:
During my free time, I really enjoy spending time with my friends just playing all types of board or card games. Also, I enjoy watching a good documentary.
What do you look for in a partner?
I think communication is a key component but also comprehending what your partner needs, or the relationship will never succeed. Quality time, finding that special time for the two of you to have one-on-one time with no interruptions; a date night is always fun, as well.
What are your dealbreakers?
Cheating or lying. There is absolutely no room in my life for any of that. And, to some people, this next one might sound trivial, but smoking. I find it unattractive, and the smell is terrible.
What is your favorite love story, and why?
The Notebook! To walk through your life with the one who got away and reunite years later is a miraculous blessing. Then to stay with your significant other during a debilitating illness like Alzheimer’s, the selflessness is phenomenal. What better way to go than to be in your loved one’s arms. It doesn’t get any better than that!
When did you last sing to yourself or to someone else?
I sing to myself every time I get in my car. Don’t we all??
What does your dream first date look like?
A first date is probably going to a cabin in the snow with hot-tubbing, fun food, maybe a glass of wine and getting to know each other better!
For what in your life do you feel the most grateful?
To forgive others and to be forgiven. It’s a hard thing to do for people, but it’s so worth it not having to harbor ill feelings forever. It’ll change your life!
If you could learn one skill or ability perfectly, what would it be and why?
To become an officer in the United States Air Force and a pilot for our fighter jets! What better honor is there to serve your country? I love the military, it teaches people to grow and learn discipline, respect and integrity.
Austin Headlee – 27, Quapaw Casino employee. Lives in Joplin, Missouri.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time.
I’m a pretty cheerful glass-half-full kind of guy. I go to the gym, go back home, relax with my cat, play video games and hang out with friends whenever.
What do you look for in a partner?
I look for someone I can travel with and try new things with and sit back and do nothing with. Just being in their presence. But above all, I value honesty and openness.
What are your dealbreakers?
I’m easygoing without many dealbreakers but being rude to wait staff is a big one. Treating people with respect is important to me.
What does your dream first date look like?
My dream first date would be a picnic with wine and a charcuterie board in nice hoodie weather. It’s nice, private and great for talking and enjoying good food.
What is your favorite love story and why?
Lady and the Tramp.
If you could learn one skill or ability perfectly, what would it be and why?
If I could learn one skill, it would be to be a great chef. I recently got a nice kitchen knife, and I’m trying to rediscover my love of cooking.
For what in your life do you feel the most grateful?
I am most grateful for my job, my friends and my family. I’m thankful for getting a start in my career so early in my life and having a great network for motivation around me whenever I need it.
Kacey Baugh– 42, owner of Maple Leaf Music Company. Lives in Carthage, Missouri.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time.
My name is Kacey Baugh, 42. I am the owner of the Maple Leaf Music Company in Carthage and a consultant with Higher Vision. I’m a songwriter and in my free time, I like to write music, spend time with friends and dine at fine restaurants.
What do you look for in a partner?
I’m looking for someone who loves the Lord and values their role as a spiritual leader. I’m a big believer that if you want someone to see you and value you, you have to value yourself. One of the principles of my life is to love your neighbor as yourself. Values family and marriage. Values people like God does. Forgives well.
What are your dealbreakers?
Addicts, cheaters and liars.
What is your favorite love story and why?
I’m a sucker for Hallmark cheesy romantic movies.
When did you last sing to yourself or someone else?
Last night on Facebook Live.
What does your dream first date look like?
I am really old-fashioned. I love dinner and a movie and some coffee and a walk downtown.
For what in your life do you feel the most grateful?
I feel most grateful for my friends, family and church.
If you could learn one skill or ability perfectly, what would it be and why?
I would want to be able to have wisdom because it is very hard to navigate this life without it. I want to have more and more of it.
Tron Peterson – 53, executive director of Peterson Outdoors Ministries. Lives in Oronogo, Missouri.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time.
I am a follower of Christ, a single dad of five children, only one of which is still in the home. I am the founder and executive director of Peterson Outdoors Ministries and Lodge of Hope, a local non-profit established in 2006 that provides outdoor recreational therapy and retreats for veterans and their families, first responders, and youth and adults with disabilities or terminal illness. I live my life every day to encourage others and to make a difference in this world.
My hobbies include anything outdoors, going on Jeep adventures, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, wildlife photography, videography, writing, grilling and fitness. I love our country, our veterans and our first responders.
What do you look for in a partner?
Faith, loyalty, trust, honesty, adventure lover, attractive. Someone who is younger than me and has a heart of compassion, a heart for Jesus and serving others, loves the outdoors and adventure and could see herself by my side as a partner who is willing to give 110% to a Christ-centered relationship and also isn’t afraid to pursue the purposes and passions God created for her to do.
What are your dealbreakers?
Someone who is dishonest, unfaithful or unwilling to see the importance of a Christ-centered relationship.
What does your dream first date look like?
If it was Christmastime, a fun date would be a romantic dinner, a sleigh ride in the snow or a walk in a lighted park full of Christmas lights.
If it was spring or summer, it would be fun to go kayaking, nature hiking or horseback riding with a picnic lunch, boating at the lake or fishing or hunting together.
What is your favorite love story and why?
My favorite love story would probably be the story of Noah and Allie in “The Notebook.” Their love lasted through some of life’s most brutal storms, and when Allie’s health got bad, Noah stayed by her side to the end. It reminds me of my parents’ love story. My favorite love song would have to be “Everything I Do, I Do It for You” by Bryan Adams.