Thomas and Sandra Belden, Watertown, announce the engagement of their stepdaughter and daughter, Laurie Ann Altmire, Syracuse, to Richard Frederick Bantel, Syracuse, son of Inge Bantel, New Jersey, and the late Frederick Bantel. The engagement took place May 15 in Munich, Germany.

Ms. Altmire is a 1986 graduate of Watertown High School and a graduate of SUNY Oswego with a degree in economics. She is employed by Hancock & Esterbrook Law Firm of Syracuse.

Mr. Bantel graduated in 1980 from Delaware Valley Regional High School in New Jersey and received a bachelor's degree in printing management from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He is employed by A. Durie Pyle Co. in Syracuse.

A Sept. 27 wedding is planned.