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.
WHAT’S NEW?
Deadline for CPBA comments extended to Aug. 31
Timeline moved back after public concern about complexity of filing comments.
Customers vent frustrations with Sonoita Valley Water Company
Water shutdowns, billing issues and poor customer service from prompted a town-hall style meeting in Sonoita, where several customers of Sonoita Valley Water Co. vented their frustrations.
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.
LOCAL NEWS
100th anniversary of Lon Parker’s death commemorated by Border Patrol, family, friends
Family, friends and Border Patrol personnel from Naco, Nogales, Sonoita and Tucson gathered in the Huachuca Mountains on July 25 along with friends and family to commemorate the death of Inspector Lon Parker, murdered 100 years earlier.
Voting irregularities and voter misunderstandings dog 2026 Primary
Several of Arizona’s rural counties experienced a variety of voting irregularities in July’s primary election, according to county recorders.
Activists stage tree sit in battle to save cottonwoods from border wall construction
July 29 update: Activists scale tree in fight to preserve ancient cottonwoods from border wall construction near former border town of Lochiel.
County approves legal counsel for defendants in Auditor’s Gutfahr embezzlement complaint
The County’s action was described as necessary protection against legal risk and financial exposure as a result of ‘frivolous litigation.’
A new section of the billion-dollar border wall in Arizona is bent out of shape
At least four panels of the wall in the San Rafael Valley were mysteriously damaged months before a controversy-plagued contractor even finished construction.
COMMUNITY
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.
Hardware shopping gets a lot more convenient
5,000-foot addition at Sonoita Hardware means expanded inventory for do-it-your-selfers and professional contractors.
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.
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.
Fire districts working to reduce firefighter cancer risk
Local fire departments are taking measures to reduce the risk of “occupational cancer,” related to consistent exposure to smoke, byproducts of combustion, vehicle exhaust, firefighting foam and chemicals in uniforms.
SCHOOL NEWS
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.
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.
Valedictorian: Valeria Castellanos
A self-taught artist, star basketball player and owner of a 4.2 GPA, Valeria Castellanos says the key to much of her academic success was simple: Don’t procrastinate.
Salutatorian: Skylar Sanchez
Skylar has tried a bit of everything during his years at Patagonia Union High School, and closes that chapter of his life as salutatorian.
Donor ‘pays it forward’ with $25K scholarships for two PUHS grads
Brianna Majalca, a graduating PUHS senior, and Brianna (Young) Hubbell, a 2021 graduate, have been selected to receive the Michael R. Snyder Living Trust Scholarship.
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.
What is that?
This was small and easily concealed flask came in handy for travelers and workers.
OPINION
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.
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.
Letter to the editor, June 2026
Can anything be done about all the accidents that keep happening on Highway 82? Binx Selby of Patagonia has an idea.
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.