As property values increase, Fanning says taxpayers deserve steeper tax cut
The county is in year two of a four-year plan to reduce its primary tax rate by three cents per year per $100 of assessed value, but District 3 Supervisor John Fanning said future rate cuts need to be much larger — in the 12 to 15 cent range — to offset the annual increase in property value assessments.
WHAT’S NEW?
County officials meet with residents to seek common ground on Babocomari Bridge
County officials presented four options for the future of the Babocomari/Elgin Bridge at atown-hall style meeting and stressed that “nothing has been decided.”
Lobos claim Cochise Classsic title, remain undefeated
Patagonia sweeps four opponents to win the Cochise Classic tournament, overcoming poor first set to knock off 2A ALA-Sierra Vista in championship match.
LOCAL NEWS
Ceremony marks signing of Hermosa project’s Plan of Operation
The U.S. Forest Service signed South32 Hermosa’s Final Mine Plan of Operation on Wednesday at a ceremony at the mine’s base of operations in the Patagonia Mountains, authorizing South 32 to conduct operations on Forest Service land.
Grijalva, Butierez debate their candidacy for Congressional District 7
Incumbent Adelita Grijalva and challenger Daniel Butierez are running for the U.S. House seat for Arizona Congressional District 7. They appeared together to debate the issues with representatives of the Arizona Clean Elections Commission.
County gives assurance on cemetery access
Santa Cruz County Supervisor John Fanning said the De La Ossa Cemetery in Lochiel will remain accessible despite construction of the double border wall.
Democrats in Legislative District 19 state their case
Democrats Jackie Anderson, Aiden Swallow and Bob Karp discussed their campaign priorities for the Legislative District 19 general election at a forum sponsored by the Arizona Clean Elections Commission. The Republican Party candidates declined to participate.
Observations from the border: Lochiel protest camp expands as tree-sit continues
What began as a sparse, symbolic protest to save historic cottonwood trees from the destructive machinery of border-wall construction has blossomed into something much grander. A growing camp of activists have transformed the movement from symbolic to tangible – with a demarcated stopping point protecting the last remaining “grandmother” cottonwood in the path of machinery, and a show of binational solidarity…
COMMUNITY
Calling all canines: The Patagonia Pup-lick library welcomes you
The town library is a go-to gathering place for Patagonians — be they human or canine.
It’s prime time for documenting firefly sightings
It’s been a banner year for the firefly population locally, and locals can assist with conservation efforts by participating in the FireflyAtlas.org Citizen Science Project.
Public help sought for SEFD’s 20th birthday celebration
The Sonoita-Elgin Fire District turns 20 years old this year, and the district is asking for the public’s help in providing photos and documents as part of a community celebration on Sept. 28.
Pollinator garden habitat restoration project underway
A five-acre parcel of land in Patagonia near Harshaw Creek is being restored with native plants to benefit pollinators, birds and, eventually, residents and visitors.
Family Health Care Amigos transitions to expanded office, new leadership
Family Health Care Amigos and the Lending Shed have moved into expanded headquarters on McKeown Avenue to better serve their growing clientele.
SCHOOL NEWS
Lobos claim Cochise Classsic title, remain undefeated
Patagonia sweeps four opponents to win the Cochise Classic tournament, overcoming poor first set to knock off 2A ALA-Sierra Vista in championship match.
Lobos battle past Tombstone in season opener
Lobos overcame a fourth-set collapse to open the volleyball season with a 25-14, 15-25, 25-18, 24-26, 15-9 win over Tombstone in their season opener.
Lobos volleyball looks to build upon last season’s success
Last season’s success ledto a turnout of 20 players for this season’s Patagonia High volleyball team. The Lobos return four starters from a team that won 18 games.
County salutes top teachers
Santa Cruz County honored 21 educators who were selected as Teacher of the Year at their school, including Kyndra Ortiz of Sonoita Elementary, Audrey Doles of Patagonia Elementary and Elliote Codding of Patagonia High.
Sonoita students create lasting memories at Marine Institute
28 seventh- and eighth-graders spent 5 nights at Catalina Island Marine Institute learning about ocean exploration and ecology.
ARTS & CULTURE
Yarn-ing for a relaxing hobby? This club might be for you
Gather your yarn and acquaint yourself with the Knitting and Crocheting Club, which meets the first and third Tuesday of the month at the Patagonia Library.
Celebration marks Empire Ranch’s 150th birthday
The Empire Ranch will celebrate its 150th birthday on Aug. 22 with historical presentations, tours, exhibits, book signings, musical entertainment and, of course, birthday cake.
What the heck? Oddities of the Arizona Trail
Anyone missing a giant metallic cylinder? It can be reclaimed along the Arizona Trail in the vicinity of Casa Blanca Canyon.
Cookbooks are troves of story and wonder
Take home one of the 132 cookbooks listed on the Patagonia Library catalog, pour yourself a glass of iced tea and settle in for a lovely summer afternoon of beauty and inspiration.
Connecting with Patagonia ancestors
A mixture of Hohokam and Trincheras pottery sherds found in Patagonia suggest possible occupation of the area around the Patagonia Museum from the period of 900-1300 CE.
OPINION
Taxation without representation
Eastern Santa Cruz County taxpayers short-changed again by county’s unwillingness to preserve historic Elgin Bridge.
Hermosa Mine approval sets dangerous precedent for entire country
The Hermosa Mine Project poses serious risks to natural resources, public health and the local economy in Patagonia and Santa Cruz County, and the rushed approval process sets a dangerous precedent for how large-scale mining projects are reviewed and approved across the country.
Letters to the Editor, August 2026
Ernesto Portillo’s favorite town; fond memories of Pete Robbins; a stable and healthy Social Security solution.
CPBA survey is needlessly complicated
Pay no attention to the off-putting form, fellow citizens, and express your concerns in whatever means work for you.
By the bucket
There’s a restaurant in Tucson that sells spaghetti by the bucket and I think that is hilarious. Well, after driving past it countless times on our way to Costco, Zach and I finally gave By the Bucket a try.
COLUMNS
Starstruck: Good news from Orion
Just when you think good news is impossible to find along comes the Orion Molecular Cloud-2.
Take a hike: Cave Creek South/Crosses Canyon Trail
The Cave Creek South/Crosses Canyon Trail is an easy 2.5-mile round trip that begins approximately eight miles west of Highway 83 off of Gardner Canyon Road.
Super El Niño summer
An abundant variety of Sky Island species have prospered from this summer’s El Niño conditions.
Glimpses Into Our Past: Huachuca District Ranger Robert Thompson
Robert Thompson was the second district ranger for the Huachuca Forest Reserve, serving from 1922 until 1930.
Take a hike!: Crest Trail
If you’re looking for some high-elevation adventure, the Crest Trail is a good choice. Here’s why.
FROM THE PRT ARCHIVES…
Sonoita water customers face rate shock, water shortages
Over the last year, customers of the Sonoita Valley Water Company have been dealing with water shortages, low water pressure and leaking lines. Now they’re facing a doubling of their rates, too.
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.
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.