Creig and Ione Mertens of Staples, and Stephanie Thomas of Crookston announce the engagement of their children, Kaylynn Thomas and Benjamin Mertens.

Ben is a 2006 graduate of Staples Motley High School and a 2007 graduate of MSCTC Carpentry. He is employed through Slominski Custom Harvesting in Minot, N.D.

Kaylynn is a 2009 graduate of Grafton High School, Grafton, N.D. and is enrolled at Central Lakes College in Brainerd.

A September, 2010, wedding is planned at Sacred Heart Church in Staples.