Curtis Hickel of Great Bend and Robin Hickel of Claflin announce the engagement of their daughter, Laurel Hickel, to Austin Klaus, son of Brad and Jan Klaus of Hays. Grandparents of the couple are Don and Connie Redding, Betty Hickel and Florina Beilman, the late George and Jeanette Klaus, and the late Bob Beilman and the late Robert Hickel.
The bride-elect is a 2006 graduate of Claflin High School. In 2010, she graduated from Fort Hays State University. She is employed by Bank of Hays as a New Accounts Representative.
The prospective groom is a 2008 graduate of Hays High School. In 2012, he graduated from Fort Hays State University. He is employed by John O. Farmer, Inc., in Russell as a petroleum geologist.
The wedding is planned for Jan. 16, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hays.