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News
Lobos sweep Valley Union to end losing streak
By Dave Lumia
The Patagonia Lobos got back to their winning ways Tuesday night with a 25-20, 25-19, 25-19 victory over Valley Union.
The victory ended a two-game losing streak for the Lobos, who improved their record to 12-2 in qualifying games. The first of the two losses came a week earlier to Valley Union, so the payback was satisfying. The back-to-back losses knocked Patagonia down from fourth to seventh in the state rankings.
“We needed that win,” said coach Brenda Somoza.
Click here to continue reading.
It’s Homecoming week at Patagonia High
Introducing the Patagonia Union High School Homecoming Royalty for 2026:
Patagonia Union High School’s homecoming royalty for 2026 (left to right): freshmen Ricardo Palazuelos and Julissa Santos; sophomores Troy Hawkins and Priscilla Cabrera; juniors Reyna Velasquez and Daniel Santos; prince Patrick Rohde and princess Krishna Agundez; king Joshua Woods and queen Amaya Somoza. (Photo by Dave Lumia) 
2026 Homecoming King Joshua Woods and Homecoming Queen Amaya Somoza. (Photo by Dave Lumia) 
Homecoming prince Patrick Rohde and princess Krishna Agundez. (Photo by Dave Lumia) 
Junior Homecoming royalty Daniel Santos and Reyna Velasquez. (Photo by Dave Lumia) 
Sophomore Homecoming royalty Troy Hawkins and Priscilla Cabrera. (Photo by Dave Lumia) 
Freshman Homecoming royalty Ricardo Palazuelos and Julissa Santos. (Photo by Dave Lumia)
Homecoming Week continues with the Homecoming Parade at 10 a.m. on Thursday, followed by volleyball vs. Superior at 5 p.m.; Night in Las Vegas high school dance on Friday at 7 p.m.; and Senior Night volleyball game vs. Ray on Saturday at 3 p.m.
Community Garden Pie Auction raises $4,400
The annual Patagonia Community Garden Pie Auction attracted some 100 obviously hungry attendees who gladly spent $4,400 to purchase 20 pies and two watermelons.
Of the proceeds from Saturday’s auction at the Community Garden, $500 will go to a scholarship for a senior at Patagonia Union High School, with the balanced used to support the infrastructure and activities at the Patagonia Community Garden.
The top earning treat was actually not a pie, but a French Apple Cake, baked by Gretchen Godwin, which sold for $250. (We’ve got the recipe for you, and it looks yummy! And make no mistake, a lot of work went into that $250.)
Next up on the earnings list were Caroline Carlson’s Bourbon Caramel Apple Pie, $220, and Kathy Pasierb’s Strawberry, Blueberry, Peach Pie, $210.
Cyclist killed after collision on Highway 82
An eastern Santa Cruz County resident/cyclist was pronounced dead yesterday afternoon after a collision involving a motorist traveling eastbound on State Route 82 occurred at 11:43 a.m. According to the Department of Public Service, the cyclist was airlifted to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tucson and pronounced dead at 2:41 p.m. Sonoita-Elgin Fire District, DPS and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department responded to the call. The incident is under investigation, with the name of the cyclist pending notification of next of kin.
Veterans Day ceremony at Patagonia Cemetery
The community is invited to participate in Veterans Day ceremonies at the Patagonia Cemetery.
The ceremony is being organized by Patagonia resident Murphy Musick, who explained: “The Veterans of our small town and remote area gave so much for our country I feel a need to honor them every year on Veterans Day November 11th. This honor was historically done by local service groups, particularly our local VFW. Over many years this group of veterans and their supporters aged until the local VFW had so few members that the group dissolved in 2015. I had been volunteering to put out flags with the VFW for the past 30 years and have personally been placing flags since then with help from The Patagonia Museum and many friends.
“I think that the cemetery offers a tangible site for reflection upon our past in a very personal way. This year I would like to invite residence of Patagonia to help Honor our Veterans.”
Those interested in participating are invited to meet at the Cemetery at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10 to “team up and have fun looking at each and every headstone to determine any clues as to their military service,” Musick said. “All worn flags will be replaced. The flags look beautiful and it is surprising how many there are.”
Community members are then invited to a ceremony at the cemetery flagpole on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. This is a very special time to reflect on and to honor our veterans.
Editor’s note: The PRT is assisting Musick in assembling a list of the area’s veterans buried in the Patagonia Cemetery. The current iteration can be found here. If you are aware of any errors or veterans whose names are not included, please notify us at editor@prtnews.org.
FEMA grant enables Sonoita-Elgin Fire District to replace breathing equipment
Sonoita-Elgin Fire District expressed its gratitude to the Santa Rita Fire District for undertaking and inviting it to join in an application for a $1.8 million regional FEMA grant that was awarded to six southern Arizona rural fire districts: SEFD, Santa Rita Fire District, Rincon Valley Fire District, Corona de Tucson Fire District, Tubac Fire District, and Rio Rico Fire & Medical District.
With its portion of the grant, SEFD will replace 12 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBAs), the breathing system used in instances from structural fires to hazardous material incidents and any situation where the atmosphere may be dangerous to breathe. The district’s current SCBAs are 11 years old, and the grant will enable it to purchase 12 new systems for roughly the price of one. The new, upgraded systems have better masks and smaller, more efficient bottles, resulting in carrying less weight.
SEFD joined Santa Rita District Chief Chuck Wunder in recognizing Santa Rita Deputy Chief Joe O’Brien for his work on this application. “Securing a grant of this magnitude takes an extraordinary amount of coordination, research and effort,” Wunder said.
SEFD Chief Marc Meredith said the grant exemplifies the benefits of cooperative efforts among regional districts. “We are proud to join with other local agencies both in firefighting efforts and in efforts such as this that give added protection to our firefighters without increasing the burden on local taxpayers,” he said.
Produce on Wheels discontinued at Vine Church
From the Vine Church in Sonoita:
Produce on Wheels has been discontinued in Sonoita at the VINE Church. This is
bittersweet for us, but we are now focusing on future outreach opportunities and
will keep you posted. Please check the Borderlands Food Rescue website to find your
closest location beginning in November. Thank you all for your continued support.
Gardenia at the VINE Church Sonoita.Holiday Food Drive
The Sonoita Community Food Pantry needs your support. We are running low and are in need of non-perishable food donations. Drop off Where: the VINE Church parking lot (across from Sonoita Propane) in the deck box in front of the pantry. *Food Drop-off any time. Who do we serve? Anyone who is in need of food. Pantry hours: Tuesdays, 9-11 a.m. Thank you in advance! For more information text Pastor Tom at 480.226.9779.New Volunteer opportunities:
Thanksgiving Day Community Dinner at the Sonoita Fairgrounds, Thursday Nov. 26th, hosted by the VINE, local churches, and businesses.We need you! Several shifts available! Food Prep: 9-3, Set up: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Serving: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., and cleanup: 2-5 p.m. If you’d like to make a financial contribution for the dinner contact Pastor Tom.
You can text Pastor Tom at 480.226.9779 or email theVINEchurchES@gmail.com, with your name, number and area you’d like to serve.
Thanksgiving Day Dinner is served from 1-3 p.m., and there will be plenty of food, games, football and fun for the whole family. *If you can, please bring a non-perishable food item for the Community Pantry. There is no cost for this event.
Patagonia High CTE Student of the Month
Ricardo Palazuelos was recognized as Patagonia High School’s Career and Technology Education Student of the Month for October at Tuesday’s school assembly.
Making the award was Troy Thygerson, Outreach Director for the Cochise College Technical District.
Palazuelos, a freshman, is enrolled in Welding 1, a class aligned with Arizona State Technical Standards and supported by the Cochise District.
Welding instructor Nathan Mershon nominated Ricardo for the honor, citing his work ethic and desire to help others.
The CTE District also lauded Mershon for this work with students.
Justice Court discontinues service in Sonoita
Santa Cruz County announced last week that it is discontinuing the twice-monthly Justice Court services at the county’s satellite office in Sonoita, effective immediately, due to diminishing demand.
The announcement from Justice of the Peace Adriana Olaiz said the decision was based on “increasing input needed to operate the pilot program and maintain the services … against the diminishing demand from the community.”
The pilot program was started by Olaiz in January, handling civil cases on the first and third Friday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon. The Justice Court deals with small claims, civil complaints, evictions, orders of protection and weddings. Those matters will continue to be heard at the Nogales Justice Court, 2160 N. Congress Drive, Suite 2100.
Fire District Board to discuss Elgin Resources Facility
The agenda for the Oct. 26 meeting of the Sonoita-Elgin Fire District Board of Directors includes presentation, discussion and possible action on a funding request, not to exceed $75,000, for Phase I of the Elgin Fire Resources Facility. The meeting will be at 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, at the station house, 3173 N. Highway 83 and is open to the public. It can also be attended via the district’s Zoom account, Meeting ID: 839 6668 2690.
Public Service Announcements
Blood pressure checks at the Senior Center
From the Patagonia Senior Center:
Did you know the Patagonia Senior Center is offering blood-pressure checks for seniors (ages 60 or over) on the first and second Monday of every month, from 10:15 a.m. until 11 a.m.? We hope to see you there!
To submit an announcement, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
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!
Patagonia High School, Elementary School honor rolls
Congratulations to first-quarter Honor Roll students at Patagonia Union High School and Patagonia Elementary School.
Click here for high school honor roll.
Click here for elementary school honor roll.
Elgin School first-quarter academic honors
The Elgin School announced academic honors for the first quarter of the 2026-27 school year.
Thirty-four students earned Academic Excellence honors (All A’s) and 44 others were named to the Honor Roll (All A’s/B’s).
From the Santa Cruz Valley Democratic Party:
The weekend of Fall Festival 2026, the Santa Cruz Valley Democratic Party booth featured youth art from across Santa Cruz County. To see the talent of our young people was delightful. It was incredible to discover the County School Superintendent’s expanding arts program and support of our youth to develop their creative skills. On October 22, 2026, there will be a CELEBRATING YOUNG ARTISTS program from 4 to 7 p.m. at the 1904 Historic Courthouse at 21 E Court Street in Nogales.
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!
Coffee with the PRT returns to the Quail Covey on Friday, Oct. 23, from 9 to 11 a.m. Stop by and meet Executive Director Amy Glass and newly appointed Managing Editor Gerald Gay and let them know how we can make the PRT an even more valuable part of your lives. (And enjoy a small cup of coffee on us.)
From the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve:
Jeff Servoss, a Wildlife Biologist specializing in herpetology at the USFWS, discusses behavior, adaptations, defense mechanisms, physiology, conservation biology, habitat ecology, biological diversity, folklore, human safety and first aid, and other concepts that pertain to our native venomous reptiles. Live specimens of Arizona’s most fascinating venomous reptiles are displayed in lockable enclosures specifically designed for exhibition in an interactive forum.
The Friends of Sonoita Creek will host a presentation from author and journalist Mary
Reynolds about her book The Quake That Drained the Desert on Saturday, Nov. 7 at
10:30 a.m. at the Patagonia Library. In May of 1887, a major earthquake centered just
south of Douglas, Arizona, caused significant changes to our area. A letter written in
1942 by J. A. McCarty to Clarice Oldfather describing this earthquake is on display in
the Centennial Room of the Patagonia Museum.
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 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
Attention Patagonia residents:
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
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A 2026 CORE Grant from the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona provides the Patagonia Regional Times with valuable operating support.
Funding for the Patagonia Regional Times’s operating expenses is supported by a generous contribution from the El Paso Community Foundation Borderland News Fund.
