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Customs and Border Protection scoping out new Border Patrol station near Sonoita
By Dave Lumia
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has been notified of the U.S. Custom and Border Protection’s intention of building a new Border Patrol station in the Sonoita area.
Board chairman John Fanning said he learned of the proposed facility about three weeks ago when the county was asked to provide comments to the agency’s Environmental Assessment for a “proposed acquisition of land and construction, operation and maintenance of a new Border Patrol Station near Sonoita.”
“When I received the letter, that’s the first that I had heard of it,” Fanning said. “We’ve been focused on the (proposed expanded) checkpoint on I-10 north of Tucson, and then all of a sudden we have this.”
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has identified two potential sites for the new station: Its preferred location is four miles southeast of Sonoita on an undeveloped parcel of approximately 40 acres; an alternative site would be a 75.76-acre parcel that borders State Routes 82 and 83.
Fanning said that other than the proposed locations he has no details about CBP’s timetable or plans for the facility. The PRT reached out to the Border Patrol’s Tucson Sector by phone and email but has not received a response.
“I haven’t had the opportunity to meet or discuss this with anyone in the eastern portion of the county that it would affect,” Fanning said. “How I feel about (it) is secondary to how it’s going to affect those stakeholder’s that live in that area.
“I don’t want to jump the gun and say we want this or we don’t want this because I don’t know how the citizens in that area feel.”
Click here to continue reading.
As property values increase, Fanning says taxpayers deserve steeper tax cut
By Dave Lumia
Santa Cruz County District 3 Supervisor John Fanning says the county has not gone far enough in reducing property tax rates.
The county is in year two of a four-year plan to reduce its primary tax rate by three cents per year per $100 of assessed value — for a total reduction of 12 cents over a four-year period.
But because Limited Property Values (LPV) — the value upon which property taxes are based — are rising 5 percent year after year, taxpayers will again see an increase in the amount owed when they receive their property tax bill later this month. And they will continue to climb on an annual basis.
“With our dropping of the tax rates three cents and the property values moving up 5 percent, it’s not a wash,” Fanning said. “So our goal, no matter what it takes — I can’t promise anything — is to make that a wash so that we do not have to have a Truth in Taxation hearing next year. Which means instead of the three-cent drop, it’s going to have to be more significant. I think we’re looking at 12 to 15 cents.”
Click here to continue reading.
County schedules presentation on spending limitation proposition
By Angelina Maynes
Santa Cruz County officials will host a presentation on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 5:30 p.m. at the county complex in Nogales to explain the ramifications of Proposition 417, which, if approved, would raise the county’s state-imposed spending limit.
The November ballot measure will ask voters to approve a permanent $1.5 million increase to the county’s expenditure base, beginning in fiscal year 2027-28. County officials say the formula for determining its annual spending limit is outdated and has become increasingly difficult to work with as the cost of providing services grows higher.
The county’s current budget is $156 million, while its spending limitation is $30.4 million. While certain expenditures are exempt, many core services count toward the cap. By adjusting the base limit, which was established in 1980, the county’s spending capacity would increase to $50.2 million, starting next fiscal year (July 1, 2027), and would be adjusted annually based on population and inflation.
While the new limit would give the board the authority to spend up to that amount, it would not be automatic, and it would not increase property taxes, sales taxes or create new fees. Spending within the adjusted limit would increase only as additional revenues become available. The county would still be required to operate with a balanced budget set by the Board of Supervisors each year.
Click here to continue reading.
The 111th Best Little Rodeo in Arizona attracted record crowds to the Sonoita Fairgrounds. (Photos by Dave Lumia, Kat Crockett and Pat McNamara) The 111th Best Little Rodeo in Arizona attracted record crowds to the Sonoita Fairgrounds. (Photos by Dave Lumia, Kat Crockett and Pat McNamara) 
The 111th Best Little Rodeo in Arizona attracted record crowds to the Sonoita Fairgrounds. (Photos by Dave Lumia, Kat Crockett and Pat McNamara) 
The 111th Best Little Rodeo in Arizona attracted record crowds to the Sonoita Fairgrounds. (Photos by Dave Lumia, Kat Crockett and Pat McNamara) 
The 111th Best Little Rodeo in Arizona attracted record crowds to the Sonoita Fairgrounds. (Photos by Dave Lumia, Kat Crockett and Pat McNamara) 
The 111th Best Little Rodeo in Arizona attracted record crowds to the Sonoita Fairgrounds. (Photos by Dave Lumia, Kat Crockett and Pat McNamara) 
The 111th Best Little Rodeo in Arizona attracted record crowds to the Sonoita Fairgrounds. (Photos by Dave Lumia, Kat Crockett and Pat McNamara) 
The 111th Best Little Rodeo in Arizona attracted record crowds to the Sonoita Fairgrounds. (Photos by Dave Lumia, Kat Crockett and Pat McNamara) 
The 111th Best Little Rodeo in Arizona attracted record crowds to the Sonoita Fairgrounds. (Photos by Dave Lumia, Kat Crockett and Pat McNamara)
‘Best Little Rodeo’ enjoys another big weekend, thanks in no small part to stock broker
By Pat McNamara
This Labor Day weekend, Sonoita Rodeo Grounds hosted the 111th “Best Little Rodeo in Arizona,” with record attendance for the three-day event. Additional seating had to be added to accommodate the crowd gathered to watch the many and often rough-and-tumble events. The spectacular weather only added to the success, and the shopping and food available kept folks busy when there was a break in the action.
But then, what would a rodeo be without the “rough stock”? The broncs, the steers and the bulls? Enter stock contractor and Willcox native Cody Resor. He is a 19-year veteran of the business, and with the help of his family and 15 employees provides the livestock to challenge the cowboys and cowgirls and entertain the public.
He is one of five rodeo contractors for the Grand Canyon Rodeo Association, traveling from Texas to Wyoming to Utah, Nevada to Colorado and California, providing the livestock for 25 to 30 rodeos per year. He also fills in as a pickup man on occasion when not tending to the many needs of the 20-25 horses and 15-25 bulls along with the many roping steers and calves.
“Sonoita is one of the more challenging events because of the multiple arenas to keep track of.” Resor said, “but I really enjoy coming to this rodeo.”
When asked about how he obtains his living, breathing “inventory,” he said: “I used to raise my own rodeo stock but now buy them from breeders.” The horses can start their career as 5-year-olds and many stay actively working through their mid-20s. The bulls are ready to go to work as 3-year-olds. The really good ones become sires for the next generation when their careers on the circuit end. These animals receive the best of care and are “bred to buck,” with some worth six figures as they provide the livelihood for their owners and can be the winning purse for the cowboys willing to take them on. When taking a break from the circuit, the animals are maintained on the family ranch in Willcox.
Resor, his wife, Allison and their two young sons revel in their ranching and rodeo lifestyle as they travel from event to event. Ten-year-old son Taos and his pony Dario help to keep the roping steers lined up in the pen for their turn at the end of the cowboys’ loop. Fifteen-year-old brother Rio fills in as a pickup man for the bronc and bull riders. It’s a true western life for this young family in Arizona as they continue the western tradition of rodeo.
By the by, Resor’s bulls and broncs were undefeated in bull riding and bareback riding, with no cowboys earning a qualifying time.
Carson Clark of Eloy won the rodeo’s All-Around Cowboy prize, and Hannah Fullmer of Logandale, Nev., was All-Around Cowgirl. Other winners were Bridger Sanborn, steer wrestling; Angelina Calmelat, breakaway; Wes Crane, open tie down; Clark, incentive tie down; Brayden and Brock Grashuis, open team roping; Tony Bews and Sterling Fowlie, incentive team roping; Oistin Charleston and Greg Koehler (tied), saddle bronc; Stacey Padilla, open barrel racing; Faith Hudson and Leighton Billingsley (tied), incentive barrel racing.
Affordable housing, daycare center, Town Hall expansion on Sept. 9 Council agenda
The first of two Patagonia Town Council regular meetings for the month of September will be Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 6 p.m. at Town Hall.
The agenda includes discussion and possible action on three items that were included in the Early Actions Community Investment Funding Agreement agreed to in March as a precursor to the Community Protections and Benefits Agreement with South32:
- A proposal from CPE Consultants for design and engineering services for a five-duplex affordable housing project on Harshaw Avenue. Total cost of the project is $286,150.
- A proposal from CPE Consultants for design and engineering services for a daycare center on Harshaw Avenue. Total cost for the project is $138,700.
- A proposal from CPE Consultants for design and engineering services for expansion of Town Hall for court and sheriff’s office space. Total cost for the project is $79,900.
The council will also consider a special-event permit for Art State Arizona for the 37th annual Patagonia Fall Festival on Oct. 10-11 at Patagonia Town Park.
The meeting will also be streamed on Zoom, meeting I.D. 957-711-4862, password 338501.
Lobos volleyball remains unbeaten with another 2 wins
Patagonia High volleyball trekked to Tucson twice in the past week and came home with another two victories — maintaining their perfect record to start the 2026 season.
The Lobos overcame a shaky start last Wednesday to defeat the Gregory School by scores of 19-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-11. Junior Monique Snell was credited with a team-high 29 kills and 4.5 blocks, and senior Amaya Somoza had five aces and 52 assists.
Patagonia returned to Tucson on Tuesday and made quick work of ASDB, 25-6, 25-9, 25-13. The Lobos are officially 4-0 on the season, but that does not reflect four other victories in the Cochise Classic.
Next up is their second home match of the season, at 5 p.m. on Thursday against Duncan. Then comes more tournament action on Saturday: The Epic Tourneys Small School Invite, featuring 44 teams at six locations in the metro Phoenix area.
Elgin Elementary Students of the Month
Luna Sadorf and Brantley Orona were honored at the Elgin Elementary School’s September board meeting as August’s Students of the Month.
Luna, a kindergartener, was lauded for her positive attitude, thoughtfulness and acts of kindness by teacher Kim Crawford.
Brantley, a sixth grader, was recognized for his exemplary character and his ability to advocate for himself in seeking support on assignments.
Congratulations to both Luna and Brantley.
Tucson firm to document impacts of border wall near Lochiel
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors approved an $8,680 payment to Wilder Landscape Architects of Tucson to document landscape-related impacts from border-wall construction in the Lochiel area.
In approving the expenditure, County Manager Jesus Valdez said the goal of this inventory is to determine existing conditions and whether there is deterioration of the riparian habitat near where the Santa Cruz River crosses the border in the San Rafael Valley.
Valdez said if the vegetation and wildlife are not flourishing in the usual manner, the county will go after grant money to mitigate negative impacts. The survey area in question is 0.5 mile along the border, roughly centered around Lochiel.
According to the proposal submitted to the county by Wilder, the destruction and removal of landscape — including mature cottonwood trees in Lochiel — can be documented using aerial imagery from 2017 and 2024.
Now that work in the area is underway, the Wilder team can determine initial changes in the habitat. Valdez anticipates surveys will continue on an annual basis.
County officials will be meeting with Wilder within a week to nail down specifics, such as when this survey will take place. Before moving forward, the county must secure access to the project site from Customs and Border Protection and provide a contact who is aware of the team’s presence and purpose.
Butterfly bonanza is sign of healthy environment
What’s the deal with all these butterflies?
According to Dalton Trantham, steward at the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, strong summer monsoons brought forth a plethora of the lepidopterans. Trantham noted that among the 80 species in the area now are Monarchs, Queens, Gulf Fritillaries, Painted Ladies, Two-tailed Swallowtails, Cloudless Sulphurs and American Snouts. For a current list of butterflies to be found here, visit the Southeast Arizona Butterfly Association REPORTS page.
“Most butterfly activity in our area continues through late summer and fall, as long as warm temperatures and flowering plants remain available,” Trantham wrote in an email. “As temperatures cool and nectar sources fade, butterfly numbers typically decline until spring brings the next wave of blooms and emerging insects.”
Butterfly benefits?
“As they visit flowers for nectar, they help pollinate many plant species. They serve as a food source for birds, bats and other wildlife, and their presence is often an indicator of a healthy, diverse environment,” Trantham wrote.
Ceremony marks signing of Hermosa project’s Plan of Operation
The U.S. Forest Service signed South32 Hermosa’s Final Mine Plan of Operation on Wednesday at a ceremony at the mine’s base of operations in the Patagonia Mountains, authorizing South 32 to conduct operations on Forest Service land.
The milestone follows the U.S. Forest Service’s issuance of its Final Record of Decision on July 7, which reflected the selected alternative identified by the USFS in its review process. Together, the two actions establish the federal framework under which South32 can develop and operate ancillary infrastructure on U.S. Forest Service land needed for Hermosa’s full development beyond its privately held land, including the Primary Access Road, a secondary dry-stack tailings storage facility, and other supporting operations.
Hermosa is an advanced mining project capable of producing up to five federally designated critical minerals, including zinc, silver and manganese. Construction is halfway complete on private land, with zinc mining underground expected in late 2027 and first zinc product from the processing plant in the first half of 2028. It is the first mining project added to, covered under, and completed in the federal FAST-41 permitting program, a fast-tracking process that expedites projects deemed essential for national interests.
The ceremony was attended by U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Alexander Vaden, other federal and local officials and busloads of South32 employees.
“I am thankful to our team, government partners as well as our lead agency, the Forest Service, who showed collective will and steadfast commitment to completing the permitting process with rigor and on time,” said Pat Risner, South32 Hermosa president. “Having our Mine Plan of Operations signed means we can begin developing the infrastructure needed to complete Hermosa and deliver on our vision for a different kind of mine designed around advanced technology, sustainability, and lasting value for Southern Arizona communities.”
Congressional District 7 debate: Grijalva, Butierez
Incumbent Adelita Grijalva and challenger Daniel Butierez are running for the U.S. House seat for Arizona Congressional District 7. They appeared together to debate the issues with representatives of the Arizona Clean Elections Commission.
Press Release: ADWR ignores Copper World’s failure to file aquifer impact reports
Tucson-based Save the Scenic Santa Ritas issued a press release on Tuesday regarding Hudbay Mineral’s failure to file aquifer impact reports for its proposed Copper World mining operation north of Sonoita:
The Arizona Department of Water Resources is ignoring Hudbay Minerals’ failure to file legally-required aquifer impact test results from four new groundwater production wells necessary to operate the company’s proposed Copper World mine, Save the Scenic Santa Ritas said today.
The information is needed to understand Copper World’s expected impact on the groundwater table.
“The missing aquifer impact data could show whether the wells can supply the proposed mine without causing excessive groundwater declines, reducing nearby well yields or worsening ongoing land subsidence,” said SSSR Executive Director John Dougherty.
“Hudbay’s failure to provide the required aquifer impact studies shows the company cannot be trusted to provide the public with accurate information on the mine’s impact to area groundwater resources,” Dougherty said.
Download the full release:
Public Service Announcements
To submit an announcement, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
Attention Patagonia residents:
Gardner Canyon controlled burn
The Gardner Pile Burn project is scheduled to take place from Sept. 9 through Sept. 23.
The project location is north of Gardner Canyon Road and east of Kentucky Camp near Sonoita. The project aims to reduce fuel loading adjacent to private properties, Bureau of Land Management, and State lands (see Gardner Piles map).
The purpose of this project is to minimize the potential for a high severity wildfire in the surrounding Wildland Urban Interface, wildlife habitat, range, and other sensitive areas. The fuels reduction project is not designed to stop fires but instead to change the fire’s behavior and intensity enhancing future wildfire suppression efforts.
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!
Register here
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.
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