Circle Z Ranch is the PRT Weekly News Bulletin’s Premier Sponsor for 2026. We are grateful for their partnership. If you’re interested in sponsoring the Bulletin, click here for more information.
Got an eye-catching photo or video? A community or nonprofit event announcement or report? Maybe a volunteer opportunity, or birth/graduation/wedding news, or an obituary? Share your news with the PRT’s Weekly News Bulletin’s 2,000 subscribers! Please submit materials by Monday, 5 p.m. to editor@prtnews.org.
Photo of the week
News
Babocomari Bridge demolition ‘not a done deal’
By Carrie White
Public input: That is what John Fanning is hoping to garner from the Babocomari Bridge Open House scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Elgin Club.
“I want to hear from everyone,” said Fanning, Santa Cruz County District 3 Supervisor. “I want to hear if people support it and if they don’t support it, why not. But first and foremost, I want to make sure they (the public) understand that nothing is set in stone.”
The single-lane Warren pony truss bridge, referred to as both the Babocomari Bridge and Elgin Bridge, was constructed in 1922 to connect Upper Elgin Road over Babocomari Creek. In 2022 an ADOT report cited the bridge’s integrity as “poor,” and $3.9 million were secured for its 2027 replacement through the federal Off-System Bridge Program.
Since then, the bridge has been reevaluated for potential preservation as part of the Arizona Department of Transportation’s National Register of Historic Place Program.
Inclusion on the Register would not guarantee its survival, but it requires ADOT to go through a federal evaluation process to assess how government-funded or permitted projects might affect historic properties and archaeological resources. That process is currently ongoing.
For the open house, illustrated stations on the bridge will be set up with county officials present to answer questions and discuss the timetable of events that brought the project to this juncture.
“We’re also going to take a look at potential alternatives associated with this project,” Fanning said. Three different options are scheduled to be showcased.
Replacement of the bridge has generated vocal opposition from those looking to save the historic bridge. While critics of the new construction understand the need for a two-lane bridge that can withstand greater loads and has a safer alignment with intersecting roadways, alternatives have been proposed that would allow the preservation of the historic bridge as a pedestrian/bicycle crossing and centerpiece for a community park.
A new bridge site and necessary detours would require the purchase of land from owners of neighboring property. Fanning said the county has been in contact with a representative of the descendants of Patricia L. Lareau who inherited the property upon her passing.
“I know there are some folks out there that feel that everything is a done deal already. That’s not the case,” Fanning said. “This is a chance to get public feedback. That’s what we are looking for.”
The Babocomari Bridge Open House will immediately follow the Elgin Community Check-In, at which Fanning will be available to meet with constituents from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Elgin Club.
Letter to the Editor: Taxation without representation
Taxation Without Representation was a powerful slogan heard often back in 1760 in Colonial America. It was the main cause of the American Revolution. In the 41 years I’ve lived in Eastern Santa Cruz County I’ve experienced the same helpless feeling that high property taxes are collected, but we get nothing in return; few road repairs, poor law enforcement response, no parks, no playgrounds or walking and bike paths. Not even a public restroom or trash can for the tourists that our county government craves. As many know, it was a struggle just to keep the Justice Court in Sonoita. They did not listen then, and once again they are tone deaf to our community.
It came as no surprise when Santa Cruz County decided that destroying the historic Elgin Bridge was the cheaper option despite many in the community opposing the plan. We had hoped that finally Elgin would get something for all the property taxes we pay. We asked the county to preserve our historic 1922 bridge and turn the small patch of asphalt roadway approaching the bridge into a small park with signboards on Elgin history and buildings. The County is getting millions of dollars from the federal government to pay for the new bridge, but our county doesn’t want to spend a penny out of their pocket to preserve a beloved landmark cherished by the community.
Our county has built parks, playgrounds, walking paths and trails, but all are in other communities far from us. They have Calabasas Park, Damon Park, Kino Springs Trail, Sgt. Tapia recreational trail, DeSteffano Pathway (4 phases of improvements).
The county has met much opposition from residents when they have tried to push development and tourism. Rarely does the county listen. They do as they please as long as they can tap into more money. Just like with the bridge funding, they constantly seek grants, federal funding and any other sources of “free money.” But, it is not free, it is our hard-earned tax dollars.
Taking tax dollars without even allowing residents to voice their opinions on their community’s future is taxation without representation. We need to hold our elected officials and county management responsible for their actions and lack of listening. Our nation was created on the belief that the government works for the people. Do we need to remind them that they work for us, not themselves?
Sue Downing
Elgin
Town, county progressing on Early Actions projects related to CPBA
By Dave Lumia
As the deadline for community input on the Community Protections and Benefits Agreement (CPBA) approaches on Aug. 31, the signatories have continued making progress on the 16 items that were funded through the Early Actions Community Investment Funding Agreement that was signed in early March.
The early actions agreement — an outgrowth of the CPBA being negotiated between the town of Patagonia, city of Nogales, Santa Cruz County and South 32 — encompasses 16 projects that were identified in a “gap analysis” conducted by the University of Arizona College of Engineering, College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, and the Eller College of Management that highlighted significant gaps in services and infrastructure in Santa Cruz County. The action items funded by the agreement could then be implemented as part of the “benefits” in the CPBA.
Six of the 16 items are specific to Patagonia, one to Nogales and nine are countywide initiatives.
Patagonia Town Manager Ron Robinson said the town’s initiatives, including a day-care center for children up to age 5 and a five-duplex affordable housing project on Harshaw Road and an expansion of Town Hall, are moving forward rapidly.
Click here to continue reading.
Patagonia sets agenda for Wednesday council meeting
The second of two monthly Patagonia Town Council meetings will be Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 6 p.m. at Town Hall.
The agenda includes discussion and possible action to approve a $9,925 proposal from CPE Consultants for concept and design services for an addition to Town Hall. The addition is part of the Early Actions Community Investment Agreement being paid by South32 and would be used to reinstate the town marshal’s office.
Other possible action items include sale of about 3,000 feet of the town’s right-of-way adjacent to 240 S. Third Ave. and repealing and adopting a new town code Chapter 4 on Public Safety.
Sophomore Charlotte Myers receives a serve during practice. (Photos by Dave Lumia) 
Returning starters Monique Snell, Amaya Somoza and Nicole Cabrera await their turn for serving practice. (Photos by Dave Lumia) 
Coach Brenda Somoza directs the Lobos through practice. (Photos by Dave Lumia) 
Junior Monique Snell practices her jump serve. (Photos by Dave Lumia) 
“I knew I was going to have a big team this year, but I was surprised, yeah,” coach Brenda Somoza said about having 20 players out for the team. (Photos by Dave Lumia)
Lobos volleyball looks to build upon last season’s success
By Dave Lumia
In case anyone was wondering, the return of Patagonia High School volleyball is a big deal.
How big?
Twenty players big. That’s the turnout that greeted coach Brenda Somoza for preseason practice.
For a school with an enrollment of 60-some students, roughly half of those female, well – you can do the math.
“I knew I was going to have a big team this year, but I was surprised, yeah,” Somoza said. “A good surprise.”
There’s a simple enough explanation, of course. The one about success breeding success.
Last year the Lobos had their best season in over a decade, compiling a 18-5 record and hosting a state tournament game for the first time in recent memory.
“I think so,” Somoza said of the carry-over effect. “I think that everybody’s bought in. I had so many girls show up for the summer program. They want to win, they want to be competitive, they want to have another successful season.”
The new season begins Thursday, with a 6 p.m. home game against Tombstone, and then a trip to Willcox on Saturday for the Cochise County Roundup, with matches against Fort Thomas, Bisbee and San Simon.
Click here to continue reading
County gives assurance on cemetery access
By Carrie White
There will be access to the De La Ossa Cemetery in Lochiel when all is said and done. This assurance comes from Santa Cruz County District 3 Supervisor John Fanning as the double border wall in the San Rafael Valley rises and encroaches on the current access road to an ancestral resting place and chapel in the border hamlet of Lochiel.
Whether the existing access will be preserved or new entry created has yet to be determined. Although Fanning is adamant that the cemetery and neighboring chapel will be accessible for annual family gatherings and future interments. The cemetery dates back to 1902 and the chapel to 1958.
“There will be access to the cemetery from some angle,” said Fanning, who met this week with representatives of Fisher Sand & Gravel on this issue. Fisher, headquartered in Dickinson, N.D., is the entity under contract by the federal government for road and border wall construction.
The first recorded burial at the cemetery in 1902 was that of Antonio M.F. De La Ossa. The graveyard and chapel are now maintained by the De La Ossa Family Cemetery Foundation.
Pickleball courts spruced up and ready for action
Patagonia pickleball players have a newly spruced up place to place to show off their skills thanks to the installation freshly painted courts behind the Patagonia Museum. The local pickleball club gathers every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 7 to 9 a.m., but the courts are also open to anyone wishing to play during the week, no reservations required.
The club welcomes beginners and members are happy to provide instruction, loaner paddles and balls.
Contact: email radarfain@gmail.com, or txt 928.380.6570.
History of Santa Cruz River presentation on tap for Aug. 29 meeting of Patagonia Museum
Historian Mauro Trejo will speak on the history of the Santa Cruz River at the next meeting of the Patagonia Museum Board of Directors, Saturday, Aug. 29, at 10:30 a.m. at the Patagonia Public Library. All are welcome to attend.
Trejo, whose family roots date back to 1780 in Tucson, is a staff and board member of the Tucson Presidio Trust, Los Descendientes de Tucson and the Anza Trail Foundation, a commissioner with the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission and a member of the Barrio Historico Advisory Committee.
Also on the agenda is a scheduled workday at the Lochiel Schoolhouse on Sept. 11.
Empire Ranch celebrates 150th birthday
Empire Ranch celebrated its 150th birthday on Saturday with period displays, historical presentations, music and cake! The celebration was attended by about 300 guests.
These cowpokes added to the historic atmosphere for Saturday’s 150th birthday celebration at the Empire Ranch. (Photos by Dave Lumia) 
Ken Brown and John Anderson provided the musical entertainment. (Photos by Dave Lumia) 
Docent Christine Haaksma serves up an ample helping of Empire Ranch’s 150th birthday cake. (Photos by Dave Lumia) 
That’s a lot of cake for 3-year-old Zander Saleh. (Photos by Dave Lumia)
Legislative District 19 General Election debate
Click here to hear from the candidates for Legislative District 19.
Pronghorn Pizza, Los Milics garner national recognition
The votes are in, and our tiny little corner of the nation has three of the most noteworthy establishments in the U.S. wine scene.
Pronghorn Pizza in Sonoita, operated in conjunction with Dos Cabezas WineWorks, was chosen as the nation’s eighth-best Winery Restaurant in voting for USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Award. The Casitas at Los Milics Vineyards ranked third for Best Wine Country Hotel, and Los Milics finished eighth in voting for Best Wine Tasting room.
The New York Post gave a special shout-out to Pronghorn, writing: “The unlikely hotspot operates as a separate establishment inside the Dos Cabezas WineWorks tasting room, making its appearance on the list of the nation’s top winery restaurants striking.”
Say hello to the Sonoita Rodeo Royalty
Sen. Ruben Gallego to hold Nogales Town Hall on Friday
U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego is holding a Town Hall in Nogales on Friday at 1:45 p.m. The stated purpose is to hear from constituents about “current federal policies, including affordability, border issues, and rising health care costs under the Trump Administration. For further information, to register and to submit questions in advance, click here.
Public Service Announcements
To submit an announcement, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
From Santa Cruz County:
JP-East Justice Court will be closed on Friday, Sept. 4. Services will resume on Sept. 18. The court typically is open every first and third Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Sonoita Community Space/County Building. It provides civil services, including small claims, civil complaints, evictions, orders of protection and weddings — bringing access to justice closer to Elgin, Sonoita, Canelo and Patagonia. We’re here to serve our community with fairness, empathy and integrity. Call: (520) 375-7661.
Quilts for Veterans
From the Crossroads Quilters:
To commemorate the USA’s 250th anniversary the Crossroads Quilters have made patriotic lap quilts for our area veterans. Do you know a Canelo, Elgin, Patagonia or Sonoita veteran who deserves a quilt? Someone who gave selflessly to our country?
If you know someone, please nominate them by providing the following information:
Your Name:
Your Contact Information:
Your Veteran’s Name:
Your Veteran’s Contact Information:
Your Veteran’s service to his/her country: Share a story about your veteran’s military service. In which branch of the military did he/she serve? Did he/she serve overseas, in which conflict? How long has he/she lived in the Canelo/Elgin/Patagonia/Sonoita area?
Nominations can be mailed to Alison Bunting, P.O. Box 310, Sonoita 85637 or sent via email to alisbunting@gmail.com by September 30, 2026. The quilts will be ready for distribution in time for Veteran’s Day.
School News and Youth Events
To report school news or list an event, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format. To list an event, please submit by Monday, 5pm. Remember to submit your event at least one week before the event date. Thank you!
From Elgin School Parent Teacher Club:
The Elgin PTC is looking for new members to join our team and help make our school an even more amazing place for our students, staff, and families! Whether you can volunteer a few hours a month or help with a specific event, there is a place for everyone in the PTC! Interested in learning more? Send us a message at Elginptc@elgink12.com. We’d love to have you join our flock! Together, we can help Elgin soar even higher!
Upcoming Events
To list an event, please submit an image file 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!
Recurring Events
To list an event, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format. Remember to submit your event at least one week before the event date. Thank you!
Fresh vegetable distribution Mondays at the Patagonia Senior Center
Come with friends and pick up your weekly fresh vegetables from East Santa Cruz County Community Food Bank every Monday at the Patagonia Senior Center (100 Quiroga Ln, Patagonia) at 10:30am. Take what you need and give what you can.
The Sonoita Food Pantry at The Vine Church is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Monthly bird walks at the Paton Center
From the Paton Center:
Fun news: we will now be having regular monthly Paton Center bird walks led by docent Wayne Smith on the fourth Saturday of every month! Join us for a relaxing morning featuring short, easy walks (less than a mile total) along trails like the Cuckoo Corridor and Gray Hawk Birding Trail. We’ll also spend some unhurried time enjoying the activity around the bird feeders.
-Alexis Stark, Paton Center Site Manager
Boat tours at Patagonia Lake State Park
Every Saturday and Sunday, $7 per adult, $5 per child (13 years and under)
- 9 a.m. Avian Adventure Tour
- 10:15 a.m. Avian Adventure Tour
- 11:30 a.m. Lake Discovery Tour
- Twilight Tour on Saturdays only. Time varies.
Call the park to make your reservation: 520-287-2791
Boat rentals are available at the Patagonia Lake Marina.
Alcoholics Anonymous:
- Sonoita Bible Church – Tuesdays at 7pm, 3174 N. Highway 83, Sonoita. Doors open at 6:30. Zoom option: 601-758-3907.
- Patagonia Methodist Community Church – Thursdays at 6:30pm. 387 McKeown Ave., Patagonia. Contact Dave at 207-249-8302.
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
Overeaters Anonymous: The OA Sky Islands Recovery group meets every Wednesday 11am-12noon at the East Santa Cruz County (ESCC) Food Bank at 772 Harshaw Ave in the meeting room at the end of the driveway. For additional meeting info, go to oasouthernaz.org. Contact Adrienne H. for more info 520-404-3490.
Click here to consult the PRT’s ‘Community Calendar’ for additional events and meetings.
Employment Opportunities
To list an employment opportunity, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
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 Community United Methodist Church
Click here to consult the PRT’s ‘Community Calendar’ for additional events and meetings.
Our Advertisers
To advertise in the PRT’s print edition, Weekly News Bulletin or website – or a custom package – contact Priscilla Bolanos at prtads@gmail.com or 520-313-6062.
Want to know when a new PRT Weekly News Bulletin is out? You can receive an email the moment our Weekly News Bulletin is published every Wednesday. Click here to join the PRT email list.
A 2026 CORE Grant from the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona provides the Patagonia Regional Times with valuable operating support.