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Photo of the Week
“I was just leaving a friend’s house on 83 past mile marker 27 and had to get out of the car to snap this awesome sight yesterday. ‘Something wicked this way comes,’ bringing much needed rain.”—Jen Howard, Sonoita
News
Santa Cruz All-Stars fight on in state tournament
Chato Padilla celebrates with his teammates after scoring the winning run in Monday’s 8-7 state tournament victory over Arcadia. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Santa Cruz Little Leaguers race out of the dugout to congratulate Chato Padilla after he scored the winning run on a wild pitch. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Shortstop Jax Raley and pitcher Chato Padilla share a light-hearted moment. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Owen Thomas celebrates after his first-inning single gives Santa Cruz a 2-0 lead. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Hatley Mathews delivers a pitch in the fourth inning. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Santa Cruz players watch the action from the dugout. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Santa Cruz fans look on intently. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Head coach Evan Raley rallies the troops after Arcadia takes a 7-3 lead in the fifth inning. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Chato Padilla slides home to score on in the third inning. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Jax Raley fouls off a pitch. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Hays Thomas listens in as third-base coach Evan Raley gives base-running instructions. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Shortstop Bailey Orona throws to first to retire an Arcadia batter. Photo by Dave Lumia
By Dave Lumia
After Tuesday night’s state tournament game against Goodyear was postponed by heavy rain in Sierra Vista, the Santa Cruz 8-10-year-old All-Stars will try again tonight (Wednesday, July 16) at 6:30pm at Stone Field 2.
Santa Cruz is one of eight teams still alive in the double-elimination tournament after a dramatic 8-7 victory over Arcadia on Monday night. Santa Cruz rallied for five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to overcome a 7-3 deficit, scoring the final three runs on wild pitches.
The tournament is schedule to run through Sunday, weather permitting. Santa Cruz will play one game every night as long as it continues winning.
Click here to read the full report on Monday night’s sensational comeback victory.
Grijalva, Butierez win special election primaries for congressional seat
Democrat Adelita Grijalva and Republican Daniel Butierez each handily won their respective parties’ special election primaries yesterday to represent Southern Arizona’s Congressional District 7.
With 77% of the ballots counted, Associated Press was reporting late this morning that Adelita Grijalva received 62% of the Democrats’ votes on Tuesday, well ahead of Deja Foxx (21%), Daniel Hernandez (14.3%), Patrick Harris (1.6%) and Jose Malvido (1.1%).
On the Republican side, Butierez received 60.7%, easily trouncing rivals Jorge Rivas (25.1%) and Jimmy Rodriguez (14.2%).
Grijalva and Butierez will now face off in a special general election to be held on Sept. 23. The winner will serve in the House of Representatives through 2026, finishing the two-year term begun by Grijalva’s father, Rep. Raúl Grijalva, who died on March 13.
Grijalva is considered a shoe-in to win the seat, as registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by a nearly 2:1 margin in the district.
Effort to recall Sheriff Hathaway ends in failure
By Nisa Talavera
An initiative to recall Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway has ended unsuccessfully after organizers failed to gather the required number of signatures by the July 2 deadline. The recall effort, driven by community members who expressed dissatisfaction with Sheriff Hathaway’s leadership, needed 4,567 signatures—equal to 25% of the votes cast in the last sheriff’s election—to trigger a special recall election.
Organizers cited a “loss of trust and confidence” in Hathaway’s ability to ensure safety and fair treatment within Santa Cruz County. While Arizona law does not require specific grounds for a recall, those spearheading the initiative emphasized that their concerns were non-partisan and open to any registered voter within the county.
The recall petition was initially filed by Dan Dellinges, chairman of the Santa Cruz County Republican Party and former volunteer with the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team. Dellinges publicly questioned Hathaway’s decision-making on several fronts, including his handling of the high-profile George Alan Kelly trial, the county’s withdrawal from the federal border-patrol funding program Operation Stonegarden, and accusations of retaliation against volunteers who politically supported Hathaway’s former opponent, Mario Morales, who died on April 7. Hathaway’s office disputed these claims, attributing personnel changes to departmental restructuring and training requirements.
Despite these controversies and the energetic push by recall organizers, the effort ultimately fell short. Sheriff Hathaway will remain in office, at least until the end of his current term. According to the Arizona Secretary of State’s office, recall attempts must follow a strict 120-day timeline once petitions are approved, and failure to secure sufficient signatures within this window terminates the recall process.
Patagonia Deputy Town Clerk Isabel Van Nest retires after 40 years of service
By Andrea Sanchez, Town of Patagonia Office Manager
After 40 years, the Deputy Town Clerk has decided to retire.
June 27, 2025 was Isabel Van Nest’s last day walking into Patagonia Town Hall. She was greeted with balloons, flowers, cake, smiles and tears from the coworkers she has spent the last 10-15 years working with.
As I think back on the last 40 years, the knowledge of this town, the multiple town managers and the amazing clerks she has worked with, it’s hard picturing this town hall without an Isabel in it. Isabel was our dictionary for anything we needed to know town-related. When I started working here 15 years ago, I knew nothing about town government.
Isabel was the best mentor and teacher I could have ever asked for. She taught me so
much about this town and its people. If asked if I’m going to be the next “Isabel”, my response is, “Those are some big shoes to fill but I’m certainly going to try!”
Isabel will be greatly missed not only by us here in the office but by everyone she has come across while working for the Town. We wish her the best retirement, she deserves it!
Come on in, the water’s fine
“July 9, 2025: Here’s a screenshot from one of my trail cams: A javelina enjoying sitting in the kiddie pool, something that has become a recurring event. Everybody has been waiting for the rain.” —Anne Vogt of Wood Canyon in Patagonia
School News and Youth Events
Free lunch program for kids in Patagonia continues through July 24
From Elgin School:
Parents – please update your students enrollment for the upcoming school year! If you do not have access to ParentVUE, please schedule an appointment to utilize a school computer during business hours.
Contact Melissa Paul at (520) 455-5514, ext. 300, or mpaul@elgink12.com for:
• Questions regarding the registration process
• Issues with ParentVUE
• To schedule an appointment to use a school computer if you do not have access to one
• To schedule an appointment to drop off documentation
Upcoming Events
To share information about an upcoming event in the PRT Weekly News Bulletin, 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 PCAA and SCFPA:
Our Movies & Music series ends with an airing of “The Talented Mr. Ripley” at the Tin Shed Theater on July 18 at 6pm. $5 donation would be appreciated.
Follow this critically acclaimed viewing with some great music in the courtyard of the Opera House on Sunday, July 20 at 7pm when the U of A Brass Quintet will bring down the house. https://rebrand.ly/musicfc3427 Admission to the musical event is $15 if purchased online by 5pm on the day of the event. Admission will be $20 at the gate.
Recurring Events
From the Crossroads Quilters:
Are you a textile artist (weaving, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting)? The Crossroads Quilters invites all interested textile artists to our meetings. Bring a project to work on and enjoy a morning of information sharing and camaraderie. We meet the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 9am at the Sonoita Bible Church, 3174 N. Highway 83. For more information email: alisbunting@gmail.com
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.
Click here to consult the PRT’s ‘Community Calendar’ for additional events and meetings.
Employment Opportunities
To list an employment opportunity, please contact Nisa Talavera at prtads@gmail.com or 740-206-9594.
NOW HIRING: Firefighter EMT/Paramedic
Sonoita-Elgin Fire District is seeking motivated individuals to join our team! Whether you’re ready for a full-time commitment or looking for part-time opportunities, we have a place for you.
Full-Time Firefighter EMT/Paramedic Positions
Minimum Requirements:
• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Driver’s License
• Current CPR (BLS/HCP for all – ACLS, PALS for paramedics)Preferred Qualifications:
• NWCG Firefighter I or higher
• AZ EMT or Paramedic Cert
• AZ FF I & II (or equivalent)
• NREMT CertificationFull-Time Compensation & Benefits:
• Salary: $46,500–$50,000 (based on qualifications)
• Overtime + Wildland assignment pay
• Annual clothing allowance
• PSPRS participation
• Health/Dental/Vision – SEFD contributes up to $490/monthInterviews & testing will take place early August.
Must complete in-person interview, 1582 annual physical, and Fire/EMS assessments.
Hired candidates without AZ EMT must obtain it within 90 days. AZ FF I & II (or equivalent) required within 18 months.
Candidates not hired may be placed on a ranked eligibility list for future consideration.
PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!
Looking to serve part-time? SEFD is also hiring part-time personnel.Pay rates depend on EMS and Fire certifications
Ongoing training opportunities are available for growth and advancement within the fire service.
From Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office:
We are hiring!!!! We have openings for Patrol Deputy, Detention Officer, and Communications Officer (Dispatch).
No experience? That’s completely okay! We’re here to support you every step of the way by sponsoring your training through a trusted, certified academy.
Who’s eligible? We are accepting applications from certified officers and sponsored recruits.
Applicants for sponsored recruitment must be at least 21 years old, pass a physical and written test, undergo a polygraph and medical exam, and successfully complete a background check.
Where can you apply? Only applications received through the link below will be accepted.
https://www.santacruzcountyaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3602/Employment-Application?bidId=
Have Questions? Call the Santa Cruz County Human Resource Office at 520-375-7638 or email at SCCHR@santacruzcountyaz.gov
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)
Sierra Vista Farmers Market – Thursday 10am-2pm at Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Nogales “Little” Mercado – Fridays 4-7pm 163 Morley Ave, Nogales.
Church Events and Schedules
St. Therese Parish in Patagonia
Patagonia United Methodist Church
Click here to consult the PRT’s ‘Community Calendar’ for additional events and meetings.
Our Advertisers
For information on advertising in the PRT’s print edition, Weekly News Bulletin, website or a custom package, please contact Nisa Talavera at prtads@gmail.com or 740-206-9594.
Private collector interested in buying good quality minerals from the Patagonia area and other Arizona locations. Please contact Bob Stewart, 315-440-2786 (Sahuarita)
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