The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) became law in March 2021, allocating about $7.6 billion to Arizona for COVID-19 relief and recovery, which the state dispersed directly to counties, municipalities, libraries, and schools. According to Patagonia Schools Superintendent Kenny Hayes and Sonoita School Superintendent Mary Faley, the first funds were dispersed in January 2021, again […]
Kat Crockett
Posted inLocal News
Relief Programs Available for Ranchers, Vineyards
Loss of income can hit hard when irregular and extreme weather events impact growing seasons and production yields for ranchers and farmers. Drought, back-to-back hailstorms, and early and late freezes/frosts over the past year have walloped the Sonoita – Elgin growers and cattle producers. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a variety of programs […]
Posted inLocal News
Investigations Show Areas of Concern
The Sonoita Elgin Fire Board (SEFD) has received reports stemming from a series of investigations initiated over the past several months. In January 2021, the Sonoita Elgin Fire Board (SEFD) Board terminated the employment of Chief DeWolf for misconduct because he increased his salary by $300 per week without Board approval. The County’s Sheriff’s office is now […]
Posted inLocal News
SEFD Board Seeks Attorney’s Advice, Adds New Member
On May 24, a public meeting was held at the Sonoita Fire Station that included an executive session to consult with the Sonoita Elgin Fire District (SEFD) attorney Donna Aversa on several issues. Upon reconvening the public meeting, a motion was unanimously approved to deny a $10,000 claim submitted by Peter Potoski alleging withholding of […]
Posted inLocal News
Wineries Win Awards
Kent Callaghan of Callaghan Vineyards in Elgin won eight awards at the 2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (SFCWC) on March 5. He earned Gold for 2018 Tannat; Silver for 2018 Petite Verdot and 2019 Love Muffin; and Bronze for 2019 North and South, 2019 Dry Grenache Rose, 2018 Petit Manseng, 2018 Claire’s, and 2015 […]
Posted inLocal News
SEFD Boards Discuss Budget, Chief’s Retirement
The Sonoita Elgin Fire District Board (SEFD) held a public meeting on April 19, focusing on the 2021-2022 budget. A draft budget was approved on April 26, which has been posted on their website for public review and comment for 30 days. The Board will then consider public input, tweak the draft if necessary, and […]
Posted inCommunity
Meet the PRT Writers
Introducing the writers who regularly contribute articles and columns to the Patagonia Regional Times. Look for more profiles in upcoming issues. Kat Crockett My wanderlust began in Hawaii, the second of five children. Dad was a career Naval Officer and mom a nurse who graduated from Patagonia High School in 1948 after grandpa moved there […]
Posted inLocal News
Tax Assessment Appeal Deadline April 29
SCC residents should have received their Notice of Value (Property Assessment) from the SCC Assessor. If not, contact their office at (520) 375-8030 to request a copy. Higher property assessment values means a higher tax bill, so it is important to review the Notice of Value and correct any errors or over-assessments. Notices provide the […]
Posted inLocal News
SEFD Overpayment Audit Received
At the SEFD Fire Board meeting on March 22, Chair Chris Johnson announced that the audit on overpayments to Chief DeWolf was completed by Walker & Armstrong, LLP. Chief Joseph DeWolf was terminated on January 5, 2021 for directing or allowing and accepting an increase in pay of $300 per week without obtaining SEFD Board […]
Posted inLocal News
Investigations Reveal Unauthorized Payments, Toxic Work Environment
A synopsis of the investigative report received by the Sonoita Elgin Fire District (SEFD) Board in late January, prepared by Green and Baker of Scottsdale, indicates that from late summer through fall, 2020, current and former SEFD employees and community members submitted letters (some anonymously) to the Board regarding SEFD employees Joseph DeWolf, Mark Bennett, Kathe […]