Kayla Rae Thompson of Cowden and Neil Anthony Barns of Altamont have announced their engagement and upcoming marriage.

The bride-to-be is the daughter of Aaron and Anita Thompson of Cowden and the granddaughter of Darrell and Linda Hinkle of Villa Grove and Dale and Linda Denton of Cowden. She is the great granddaughter of Don Moffett of Cowden.

She is a 2004 graduate of Cowden-Herrick High School and a 2007 graduate of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville with a BS in Biology. She is currently attending SIUE for Masters in Arts of Teaching and will graduate in 2010. She is employed with Andes Health Mart Pharmacy.

The groom-to-be is the son of Larry and Kay Barns of Altamont and the grandson of Della Blom, the late Gilbert Blom, and the late Henry and Mary Catherine Barns, all of Altamont.

He is a 2002 graduate of Altamont High School and a 2005 graduate of Lake Land College with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. He is employed with Ramsey Welding.

A November 28, 2009, wedding is planned in Orlando, FL. A reception will be held at Heartland Gardens Banquet Hall in Effingham on December 12.