The path forward: Business as usual or managed growth?
A new County-commissioned report lays out proposals for economic development in Sonoita-Elgin, including an emphasis on ‘agritainment.’ But is this what the community wants?
WHAT’S NEW?
Sudden closure of Montessori school concerns community members
For many in Patagonia, the closure raises broader questions about what led to the school’s sudden decline – and what happens next for the students and families it serves.
Our friend Phil
In the wake of Phil Caputo’s passing, the PRT invited local friends, neighbors and admirers to share their reflections on the renowned author with our readers. Here are some of the many responses we received.
LOCAL NEWS
Town collects community input for CPBA priorities
Patagonia Mayor Andrea Wood said community members had helped town officials establish protection priorities as the Town grapples with the impact of the Hermosa mine.
West-loving barber keeps things simple in new Sonoita location
‘Almost 70 year old’ Clark Wilson is welcoming customers into his Old West Barber Shop for a haircut, a beard trim and some friendly conversation.
New three-year contract, raise approved for county manager
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday on a new three-year contract for County Manager Jesus Valdez, whose annual salary will now be $194,000.
Accidents piling up on SR 82
An 11-mile stretch between Sonoita and Nogales has seen four significant emergency incidents in the past three weeks. Here’s brief summaries of each incident, plus tips on how to be alerted to emergencies affecting our area.
Altercation at Patagonia Senior Center leads to two suspensions, new ‘no weapons’ sign
“Seniors and four-year-olds are a lot alike,” said a member of the center’s board of directors who had been a preschool teacher.
COMMUNITY
The Coffee Ladies – more than a coffee klatch
Members of the Patagonia Coffee Ladies don’t really drink coffee, but they do exchange news, go on outings and help those in need.
Once trained, never bitten
Snake avoidance training helps dogs recognize and avoid snakes. Here’s how it works.
Pickup soccer focuses on fun for all ages and ability levels
A weekly pickup soccer game in Patagonia has picked up steam recently. “I didn’t know any of these guys,” said one new participant, “and now they’re part of my Thursday routine, meeting all these good folks.”
Signed, sealed, retired: Martin Perez closes career as Patagonia postmaster
As Perez reflected on his 14 years as Patagonia postmaster, he thanked his customers and the community itself. “Most of the people around the world are against each other, bumping heads,” he said. “Not here.”
Q&A with Alexis Stark, site manager at the Paton Center for Hummingbirds
The Paton Center’s new site manager reflects on her early months at the Center, sharing her impressions of the Patagonia community, the sense of connection she sees among visitors and volunteers, and the priorities she has set for the site.
SCHOOL NEWS
Senior Spotlights 2026, Part 2
Here is the second group of our profiles of the Patagonia Union High School Class of 2026.
Senior Spotlights 2026, Part I
This month, we begin our series of profiles of the Patagonia Union High School Class of 2026.
With Patagonia Montessori School set to close, principal writes letter to community
PMES’s board of directors voted on March 19 to close the school at the end of the fiscal year. Here is a letter with background on the situation from Jessie Beebe, the school’s principal and superintendent.
Lobos honor top athletes
Seniors Emma Lewton, Brianna Majalca and Miguel Albarran and junior Kannon Shore earned top honors at Patagonia Union High School’s sports awards banquet on Tuesday night.
Students, teachers and administrators embrace judicious use of AI
Local public school districts are approaching artificial intelligence as a useful technological tool.
ARTS & CULTURE
A coffee shop moment becomes a children’s book
Two strangers of very different ages reading together at The Quail Covey inspired one of them — Patagonia resident Joe Ciofalo — to write a book.
Check it out at the Library: Books on preparing for the last chapter of life
Patagonia Public Library is well stocked with resources to help you navigate difficult end-of-life issues.
Celebrating 1940s Patagonia and Santa Cruz County
A retrospective festival – happening in April and May – explores the 1940s through the voices and sounds that shaped our area’s cultural history. Here’s an overview of the era, and a schedule of the festival’s events.
What is that? (May, 2026)
Before lasers, there was this.
Great trees of Eastern Santa Cruz County: The regal Fremont cottonwood on the Empire Ranch
Possibly germinated before Arizona statehood, this regal behemoth is approximately seven feet wide at the base.
COLUMNS
Nature Journeys: Reptile resurgence!
The heat of May is primetime for our region’s reptiles, which includes 32 species of lizards, 43 species of snakes and five species of turtles.
Glimpses into our past: Rain Valley Ranch
A history of Rain Valley Ranch, stretching from the 1920s to the present day.
What is that? (May, 2026)
Before lasers, there was this.
Starstruck: Follow the stars
In times of strife – which seem to occur more often than not – our differences become focal points. That’s when, more than ever, it’s good to remind ourselves what we have in common.
Take a hike!: Mount Wrightson Trail
How to get from Baldy Saddle to the summit of Mount Wrightson — and what you’ll find when you get there.
OPINION
Channel your inner child and get the candy
It’s hard out here in the real world where the only thrills are breaking even on your taxes and paying off your car.
Letters to the Editor, May 2026
Letters from Daniel Blevins of Sonoita and Doug Morris of Sonoita.
Marshal talks should put ‘horse before the cart’
We need a thorough discussion of law enforcement needs before Patagonia relaunches a Town Marshal’s Office.
ESA program raises concerns about equity
School choice must be balanced with accountability, transparency and a firm commitment to equity for all students.
The PRT needs more writers
Help the PRT give the people something good to read: volunteer as a citizen journalist!
FROM THE PRT ARCHIVES…
Wilson’s donuts
Wilson could make or find anything, and solve employee, customer or logistics issues—whatever no one else could figure out. When Dad needed skilled cattle horses for the ranch — and word was that the best and cheapest were to be found in Mexico — Wilson and I got the assignment.
Community response ‘amazing’ during Sawmill Fire
When the Sawmill fire tore through Sonoita, displacing 400 people and leaving behind 47,000 acres of charred landscape, people from across Arizona and beyond responded to help out the community and the firefighters working to put out the fire.
Small, affordable houses
Can a 300-square foot house meet a need for affordable housing in Patagonia? A ‘tiny house’ built by local developer Todd Lipton and contractor Kevin McKay at 446 Duquesne showcases the concept.
Patagonia Lake Park gets a facelift
A new marina, new rental boats, a pavilion with wine and microbrews, and rental cabins are planned.
Town looking to close Marshal’s Office
At its June 23 meeting, the Patagonia Town Council will vote on a proposal to close the Marshal’s Office on June 30. Going forward, law enforcement would be supplied by the County Sheriff’s Office.