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Share your news with this Newsletter’s 2,000 subscribers! Got an eye-catching photo? A noncommercial or nonprofit event announcement or report? Maybe a volunteer opportunity, or birth/graduation/wedding news? Tell us about it. Email your submission to prtadast@gmail.com
Photo of the Week
“While working in my office Monday morning Lisa excitedly informed me that a duck was flying over the house. I quickly ran out the door to observe what was really a Canada goose flying over our neighbor’s house then circle and land at the football field where it began to feed. Although it is not unusual to see geese in Arizona, it is certainly odd to see one in Patagonia as they generally travel in flocks or rafts to feed.” —Dave Brown
It is with deep frustration and disappointment that we address the ongoing situation regarding Elizabeth Gutfahr, the former treasurer, and her theft of more than $38 million in public funds.
While we respect the criminal justice system and the right to due process, we are increasingly disappointed with the delays in sentencing. The legal process has been dragging on for far too long, and it is unacceptable that justice continues to be postponed. Our hardworking taxpayers, the victims of this crime, deserve swift and decisive action and closure in this portion of the reparations.
We urge the Department of Justice and the courts to expedite the sentencing process and hold this individual accountable without further hesitation. The people who rely on us for responsible leadership and transparency should not have to continue waiting for justice.
Your voices are essential, and we will ensure they are heard in the ongoing process.
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is committed to restoring the trust that has been damaged and to ensuring that this type of behavior is not tolerated.
Note: Elizabeth Gutfahr’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 2025 in Pima County.
In an interview with the PRT’s Kat Crockett, the daughter of Congressman Raúl Grijalva discussed her decision to run and her concerns about the nation’s recent direction. Click here to read.
Patagonia Town Council to Discuss Tentative Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26
The Patagonia Town Council will meet tonight, Wednesday, April 2 at 6pm for a “budget study session.” The meeting, which is open to the public, will be held in Council chambers at the Town Hall (310 McKeown Ave.) and on Zoom (Meeting ID: 957-511-4862 Password: 338501).
Town Manager Ron Robinson is scheduled to present a tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26, to be followed by Town Council discussion and direction to Robinson.
This Sunday: A Celebration of a Cowboy’s Life
A ‘Celebration of a Cowboy’s Life’ will be held for William ‘Memo’ Y. Matus this Sunday, April 6 at noon at Cady Hall in Patagonia. The family invites the public to attend.
Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer caterpillars feed on the underside of a grape leaf. Handling pests like these will be the subject of the April 8 workshop.Photo by Nate Wescott
Handling pests like the Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer and diseases like red blotch will be the subject of a free workshop at Dos Cabezas led by Matt Halldorson, director of the Yavapai County Extension. The event is free and will run from 9am to 12noon.
Spring has arrived! The fruit trees are budding, the javelina are on the move, and the longer days are calling us back to the garden. Our dedicated volunteers have already been hard at work, preparing the community garden for another vibrant season of planting.
Eating, drinking, sniffing, moving through — it’s always fun to see these quiet, relatable moments for our borderlands wildlife. Enjoy this month’s FotoFauna highlights video, and consider joining us to help protect these wonderful creatures.
FotoFauna is a growing network of 298 individuals and organizations in the Sky Islands, with wildlife cameras set up in the U.S. or Mexico. It’s easy to get started. Just set up a wildlife camera in your backyard and submit an online monthly checklist of species you observe. In addition to being fun and another way to form community, the data will help us study when and where wildlife is present so we can better protect their habitats. To learn more, visit: https://ow.ly/5C3o50TTLT7
School News and Youth Events
Upcoming Events
To share information about an upcoming event in this newsletter, please submit a poster/flyer in JPEG or PNG format. Email your submission to prtadast@gmail.com by Monday, 5pm. Remember to submit your event at least one week before the event date. Thank you!
From Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch of the National Audubon Society:
Friday April 4, 5:00-7:00 p.m.: Conserving Southwestern Grasslands Presented by: Jonathan Hayes (Audubon Southwest)
Grassland birds are declining faster than any other group of birds in North America. In the Southwest our grasslands play an outsized role in supporting continental bird populations by providing crucial overwintering habitat. During this presentation, Audubon Southwest Executive Director, Jonathan Hayes, will discuss the challenges grassland birds face and what we can do in the Southwest to support them.
Event will begin at 5pm with the potluck dinner beginning at about 5:30pm (we’ll announce when it’s time to eat!). The presentation will immediately follow the meal. Come join us, invite a friend, and bring a dish to share. We also have a collection bin for food items to donate to the Santa Cruz food bank! RSVP required – sign up here.
Click flyer for more information and to make reservations
Click flyer to send email to Susan Corl
Click flyer for more info and to buy tickets
Click flyer to sign up or for more information
Recurring Events
AA: Alcoholics Anonymous:
Sonoita Bible Church – Tuesdays at 7pm, 3174 N. Doors open at 6:30. Highway 83, Sonoita. Zoom option: 601-758-3907.
Patagonia Methodist Community Church – Thursdays at 6:30pm. 387 McKeown Ave., Patagonia. Contact Dave at 207-249-8302.
Overeaters Anonymous: to find a meeting go to oasouthernaz.org. Contact Adrienne H. for more info 520-404-3490.
The Patagonia Senior Center has received a grant from Delta Dental of Phoenix to help seniors with dental expenses. Vouchers are provided for up to $350 to participating dentists. If interested, please call the Senior Center at (520) 394-2494.
To list an employment opportunity, please contact Nisa Talavera at prtads@gmail.com or 740-206-9594.
We are a mustang and a mule who need your help for approximately 1 hr./day to feed, water & pick up manure. Mon.-Thurs. $25. day. Sonoita 520-975-9920
Family Health Care Amigos/Purple Elephant, a certified charity, seeks a dependable part-time furniture mover for approximately ten hours a month at $20 per hour. Please call 520.256.7213 to set up an interview.
Santa Rita Abbey has a new part time job opening in its altar bread bakery. Position is Monday through Friday mornings assisting with the manufacturing of Communion Hosts. Contact Sister Pam for further details. 520-455-0481 (no text messaging) or cistercianab@gmail.com.
Click flyer for more info
Click flyer for more info
Farmers Markets
Patagonia Farmers and Crafts Market – Thursdays 10am-12pm by Red Mountain Foods.
Sonoita Farmers Market – Saturday Mornings 9am-12pm at the Sonoita Post Office parking lot (NW corner of Hwy 82/83)
For information on advertising in the PRT’s print edition, weekly newsletter, website, or a custom package, please contact Nisa Talavera at prtads@gmail.com or 740-206-9594.
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