Mormon Times briefing

Concerts will complement pageant

MANTI — A series of concerts, featuring Jenny Oaks Baker and Sam Payne, will be held between June 18-27 at the Manti High School auditorium during the Mormon Miracle Pageant. Performances will be at 2, 4 and 7 p.m. each day, followed by the pageant at 9:30.

The concert schedule includes Dale Jessee and Mary Knaphus (June 18), Jared Allen (June 19), Amy Van Wagenen (June 20), and Nicole Sheahan and Truman (June 23-24). Van Wagenen, Sheahan and Truman, a duo from Nashville, Tenn., featuring Chad and Ben Truman, were all finalists in the recent "Showcase" contest sponsored by MormonTimes.com.

Payne will be featured June 25 and 26, while Baker will perform June 27. Tickets, which are $10 for adults, $8 for students and $5 for children, can be purchased at www.ldsconcertseries.com. Tickets are $10 at the door.

BYU-I stats reflect increased hours

REXBURG, Idaho — Brigham Young University-Idaho students are taking more credit hours, according to a news release citing statistics from spring semester 2009.

While total enrollment increased only 0.5 percent from last April, the number of full-time equivalents increased by 6.4 percent. The university accounts for FTEs by dividing the total number of credit hours by 15, which represents a full credit load. FTEs rose to 9,370 from 8,808 last year.

"I think it really validates that the spring semester is becoming an equivalent, viable option for the winter/spring, spring/fall students, which bodes well for the enhanced enrollment goals which we have over the next several years," said Kyle Martin, university registrar.

BYU-Idaho's enrollment stands at 11,169 students.

Bountiful parade deadline is June 25

BOUNTIFUL — Churches, civic groups, businesses and others seeking to participate in the Bountiful Handcart Days parade must enter by June 25. Applications are available at www.handcartdays.org and include a $50 entry fee. Participation is subject to approval by the parade committee.