The October 2024 issue of the PRT is out now!

The October 2024 issue of the PRT is now live!

Click on the cover below to read the entire issue in PDF format.

You can also read every story from the new issue of the PRT at our website. Here are direct links to a few of the stories…

New $40-60 Million Sonoita Dude Ranch Gets First Permit

By Marion Vendituoli

A proposal by the Brophy family to develop a “5-star dude ranch” at their Babacomari Ranch cleared its first hurdle during a recent County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.

Integrity Counts

By Marion Vendituoli

Only one out of five candidates running for the state legislature this November bothered to respond to a PRT questionnaire regarding their positions on the issues.

Elgin/Sonoita Planning Group Forges On, Minus County Funding

By Pat McNamara

The County has paused funding for the ‘Wine and Cuisine Tourism’ initiative, but local volunteers are continuing to work on planning and marketing proposals.

Residents Continue to Push for Limiting Access to Cross Creek Connector

Santa Cruz County and South32 have addressed some of the safety concerns expressed by residents of Red Rock Acres Homeowners Association regarding the Cross Creek Connector, but one key issue remains.

The 2024 Santa Cruz County Fair 4-H/FFA Grand Champions

By PRT Staff Reporters

Members of the Rio Rico Rattlesnakes 4-H Club, Sonoita Mustangs 4-H Club, and Benson High School and Rio Rico High school FFA programs competed in the Livestock Show.

Elgin Mammoth Returns to Fairgrounds

By PRT Staff Reporters

In 1968, Elgin sixth grader Juan Padilla discovered ancient mammoth fossils near his school. Last month, Juan’s children were reunited with the ‘Elgin Mammoth’ when it was on display at the County Fair.

Metal Sculptor Finds Freedom in the Flow

By Mary Tolena

At the old P.I.G.S. gas station in Patagonia, behind the red Tamales y Tacos Elisa food truck and festive seating area, new art takes form at Dan McCabe’s metalworking studio.

Patagonia Volleyball Looking for Confidence Booster

By Dave Lumia

The Lobos won five of their first six games, but once the schedule got tougher, the victories have been harder to come by.

Notes From SEFD: Follow the Money

By Eddie McArthur

Here’s a look at how the Sonoita Elgin Fire District manages our communities’ tax dollars, with details on the procedures in place to prevent fraud and embezzlement.

A Good Time to Be a Bird Hunter

By Dave Brown

For those that chase and hunt wild birds throughout the west, this is the year we have all been waiting for.

Fright This Way

By Vince Pinto

Given that Halloween is just around the corner, now is the perfect time to contemplate local species whose names are linked to the lord of the underworld or some other evil avenue.

A Painting, Pizza and Prayers: Velvet Elvis’s Recipe for Success

By Carrie White

More than a place of food and drink, Patagonia restaurant Velvet Elvis at La Misión is an experience of joy brought to life by whimsy and color.

Gone to Mexico

By Doug Morris

A Sonoita family’s 1990 summer sojourn south of the border.

Finally! New Road to Meadow Valley on the Way

By Jac Heiss

After more than five years, the Forest Service has secured the resources and authority to cut four miles of new roadway which will ultimately connect FSR 58 to pre-existing roads within Meadow Valley.