Oh, wow. I'm so grateful for this post. Literally the most I'd hope to get from making something like this.
*SPOILER ALERT*
Claire, the auto mechanic, can actually be your euchre partner to get the time capsule back from the bar owner if you bury the capsule behind your house in the first part of the game. You can also take her to get pizza or go to the diner once she's "in your party." Some people might get Fernando from the pizza shop before knowing that Claire is an option.
I originally wanted to have several different people around the town who could come along with you for various paths, but the scope of the game was getting too big.
Seriously, thank you so much for the comments. Made my day!