By Denise DePaolo
Images by Dan Thorson Photography
It’s tough out there. Our communities feel big enough until it’s time to find love. The pool of eligible folks seems to all but disappear. But they’re out there! South Dakota is full of single, smart, good-looking people also wondering why they can never meet anyone great.
Each year, a handful of these young men and women put their romantic fate in the hands of 605 Magazine. Through a highly scientific voting process (Surveymonkey.com), readers help to pair them up, then off they go. Join six brave singles as they navigate the world of blind dating in Sioux Falls.
Mike and Kayleen
Common factor: Shared hatred of Nicolas Cage.
Date location: Prairie Berry East Bank
This eatery opened in summer 2014, as an extension of Hill City-based Prairie Berry Winery. It features the brand’s South Dakota-made wines and craft beer from Miner Brewing Company. The menu consists of meticulously prepared, regionally-sourced artisan cuisine. To learn more about offerings from PBEB’s new epicurean bar, click here.
Mike Iverson
Age: 23
Hometown: Sioux Falls
Favorite TV show: Seinfeld
Favorite hobby: Writing music
Ever been on a blind date? No
Looking for someone who…”knows what they want. ‘I don’t know’ frustrates me.”
Kayleen Leonard
Age: 25
Hometown: Dell Rapids
Favorite TV show: New Girl
Favorite hobby: Anything outdoorsy
Ever been on a blind date? Yes
Looking for someone who…“will put me in my place and not let me walk all over them. There is such a thing as someone who’s too nice.”
To find out how Kayleen and Mike’s date went, click here.
Ashley and Travis
Common factor: Both are runners – Travis competes in triathlons; Ashley runs half marathons.
Date location: Sioux Falls Stampede game
The Stampede are part of the United States Hockey League. Founded in 1999, their new home ice is at the recently completed Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls. The USHL is the top level junior hockey league in the U.S., preparing players for college competition. Their highly-attended games are a favorite amongst local sports enthusiasts.
Ashley Eining
Age: 23
Hometown: O’Fallon, Mo.
Favorite TV show: Parks and Recreation
Favorite hobby: Running
Ever been on a blind date? No
Looking for someone who…”has a sense of humor and goals.”
Travis Baumtrog
Age: 26
Hometown: Medina, Minn.
Favorite TV Show: Netflix
Favorite Hobby: Fishing
Ever been on a blind date? No
Looking for someone who…“has a sense of humor. I’m pretty goofy. I could rub someone the wrong way if they’re really serious.”
To find out how Travis and Ashley’s date went, click here.
Hannah and Zack
Common factor: Both grew up on farms.
Date location: Rookie’s Comedy Club
Since 2013, Rookies has housed Sioux Falls only permanent comedy club. A popular sports bar and grill every day, Rookies holds comedy shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Thursday nights also feature open mic. Acts include locals and touring comics who regularly appear on Last Comic Standing and HBO specials.
Hannah Kuelbs
Age: 23
Hometown: Springfield, Minn.
Favorite TV show: Scrubs
Favorite hobby: Music/teaching piano
Ever been on a blind date: Yes
Looking for someone who…“is smart. With intelligence comes funniness. Someone who’s willing to be daring and adventurous.”
Zack Vos
Age: 26
Hometown: Clark
Favorite TV show: Breaking Bad
Favorite hobby: Video editing
Ever been on a blind date? No
Looking for someone who…“is trustworthy and intelligent, with a healthy dose of humor.”
To find out how Zack and Hannah’s date went, click here.
