Cortez Idol finalists are selected
The top 20 finalists have been named for the 2nd Annual Cortez Idol competition. The winner receives a $1,000 cash prize.
More than 50 singers auditioned over a two-week period. The top 20 finalists moving on were announced late Wednesday after the second round of auditions.
The top 20 finalist include: Chris Garcia, Brianna Van Rope, Branden Miller, Kate, Josie Sitton, Dan Mock, Koral Jackson, Kylee Sitton, Kelsie Dunham, Madison Sitton, Linella Miller, Lynda Cordova, Marla Sitton, Nate Mayfield, Misty Spore, Megan Demars, Rhed Leonard, Troy Hicks, Tegan Duncan and Whitney Dunham.
In the first round of competition Jan. 29, finalists are required to sing any song from the 1980s. The competition, hosted by Blondie’s Trophy Room on Main Street, starts at 8 p.m.
After the first round, a panel of judges will narrow the pool to 15. The second round Feb. 5, will feature songs from 1990s country. After that, three other singers will be eliminated.
The third round on Feb. 12, will feature tunes from Elton John. The top nine competitors will advance.
The fourth round on Feb. 19 requires competitors to sing two songs. One must be a hip-hop tune and the other must feature a song by a deceased artist.
The fifth round Feb. 26, featuring the top six competitors, will require a 1970s-era pop or rock song as well as a tune from a movie soundtrack.
The top three singers will compete in the final round March 5, for the $1,000 cash prize. Competitors will sing three tunes, including one of their choice, a judge’s selection and a 2013-recorded tune.
Two county planners are appointed
The Montezuma County Commissioners appointed Bob Clayton and Dennis Atwater for two-year terms to the Montezuma County Planning board. Mike Rosso and Mike Gaddy were appointed to serve three-year terms on the board. Terms began Jan. 1.
The commissioners held public interviews of all candidates. The next planning commission meeting is Jan. 23 at 6 p.m. at in the county chambers.
Kentucky fugitive nabbed in Mancos
A Kentucky fugitive wanted in connection to a rape charge will face an extradition hearing next month in Montezuma County.
Anthony Morgan, 26, appeared before District Court Judge Todd Plewe on Thursday, Jan. 23. Plewe informed the suspect that he faces extradition to Ballard County Kentucky on a charge of second-degree rape.
Morgan was reportedly apprehended by the Mancos Marshal’s Office on Dec. 28, 2013.
While in custody, local investigators discovered on Jan. 9, that Morgan was wanted in Kentucky on the rape charge, according to Plewe.
An extradition hearing was scheduled for 9 a.m. on Feb. 10.
No further details were immediately available.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com