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Photos of the week
It’s harvest season in our viticulture district. And if you happen upon the Queen of Cups in Patagonia these days, you’ll find Emmett Rahn-Oakes recreating Lucille Ball’s famous grape-stomping scene. Before you say “yuck,” say “yum.” Because this historic means of crushing grapes has a reason. Human feet apply the exact amount of pressure needed to break grape skins without cracking the bitter seeds. Cracked seeds equal bitter wine. Now you know. (Photos by Dave Lumia)
News
County officials meet with residents to seek common ground on Babocomari Bridge
A rock and a hard place: That’s the position the county finds itself in as related to the Babocomari/Elgin Bridge.
Rock: The demolition and rebuilding of a much-loved span over Babocomari Creek.
Hard place: The preservation of the iconic bridge for pedestrians and bicycles, with a new bridge constructed at a different location.
It would seem both outcomes pose positive and negative impacts, as local residents learned at a county-organized open house held Tuesday at the Elgin Club.
Four options for the bridge’s future were presented at the meeting:
>>Build a new bridge at a different location while keeping the 1922 structure for pedestrians and bicyclists.
>>Do nothing and continue with the existing one-lane structure and alignment.
>>Renovate the current bridge for higher weight loads and more lanes, requiring a temporary detour.
>>Take down the existing bridge and replace it with a new structure.
Click here to continue reading.
Lobos claim Cochise Classic title, remain undefeated
By Dave Lumia
Six opponents, six victories.
The start of the 2026 volleyball season could not have gone much better for the Patagonia Lobos.
After battling back from a near collapse in their home opener to beat Tombstone on Thursday, the Lobos traveled to Willcox on Saturday for the Cochise Classic and vanquished all four of their opponents: victories over Fort Thomas, San Simon and Bisbee in the round-robin portion, and then defeating ALA-Sierra Vista in the championship match.
The Lobos celebrate after blocking a Tombstone kill attempt. (Photo by Dave Lumia) 
Patagonia’s starting lineup: Amaya Somoza, Mina Sanchez, Monique Snell,, Nicole Cabrera, Charlotte Myers and Thais Snell. (Photo by Dave Lumia) 
The bleachers were packed for the Lobos’ home opener. (Photo by Dave Lumia) 
Amaya Somoza sets the ball for her teammates. (Photo by Dave Lumia) 
Monique Snell places a shot over the Tombstone block. (Photo by Dave Lumia) 
Charlotte Myers kills one past the Tombstone defense. (Photo by Dave Lumia) 
Nicole Cabrera receives serve. (Photo by Dave Lumia) 
Coach Brenda Somoza rallies the troops after dropping the fourth set. (Photo by Dave Lumia)
Then Patagonia traveled to Tucson on Monday and knocked off Palo Verde in straight sets.
Four of Patagonia’s six wins have come against 2A schools, but only Tombstone and Palo Verde will count toward state rankings.
Coach Brenda Somoza said the tournament competition was an important test for her team.
“It gives you come extra playing time, shows where you’re lacking, what you have to work on, and where you’re strong,” she said. “You get to see what the team’s like when they’re tired, are they able to push through. It’s like playing a higher level of volleyball (than typical 1A competition), and that’s what we strive for. We want to play teams that will challenge us.”
Click here to continue reading
Buckle up your britches: It’s Rodeo Weekend
As if you needed a reminder, Labor Day Weekend is coming up, which means it’s time to buckle up your britches for the 111th annual Sonoita Rodeo, otherwise known as the “Best Little Rodeo in Arizona.”
Gates open daily at 10 a.m. Saturday through Monday, with the Junior Rodeo (mutton bustin’, steer riding, barrel racing, wild ass ride and team roping) at noon, main performance at 2 p.m., a steak fry on Saturday and Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. and live music at 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday is First Responder Day, Sunday is Tough Enough to Wear Pin and Monday is Military Appreciation Day.
General admission is $17.
Patagonia Elementary Students of the Month
“Respect” was the August theme for Student of the Month at Patagonia Elementary School. And tapped for the distinction were seven students, one from each grade, as well as an overall honoree.
In awarding the certificates, Superintendent/Principal Kenny Hayes lauded the students for their respect for each other as well as school property. On hand to offer congratulations was the Patagonia Lobo mascot as well as elementary school teachers and staff.
Congratulations to all!
Patagonia Library Dog of the Month: Say hello to Maddie
The Patagonia Public Library welcomes well-behaved dogs (and people) to its facility located at 346 Duquesne Ave. Library hours are Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Name: Maddie.
Age: Seven.
Breed: Australian Cattle Dog/Alaskan Husky.
Adopted From: From the Santa Cruz Humane Society after living there
two years
Favorite Food: Cookies/treats
Favorite Toy: Lambchop puppet
Favorite Movie: Adventures of Rin-Tin-Tin
If I were human, my job would be: Park ranger.
Human companions: David Christiana, Patagonia Lakes.
Dog and cat adoptions are available through the Santa Cruz County Humane Society and Santa Cruz County Animal Care & Control. The humane society, located at 232 E. Patagonia Hwy, Nogales, is open Tuesdays from Fridays 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Phone: 520-287-5654. Santa Cruz County Animal Care & Control is located at 1368 N. Hohokam Drive, Nogales and open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Phone: 520-375-7860.
Packed house hears Gallego speak of border issues
By Robert Gay
On the triple-digit afternoon of Friday in Nogales, U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego held a constituents’ gathering called “Town Hall on the Frontera.” The event packed the big chamber of the iconic Santa Cruz County Courthouse, about a half mile up Morley Avenue from the border, la Frontera, which served as a main theme of the event.
From the rotunda, Nogales mariachi provided traditional sounds and Mexicoyatl dancers provided a festive cultural introduction. Four Santa Cruz County deputies were present, and Sheriff David Hathaway was among several county and Nogales city staff among the audience of roughly a hundred.
About the border itself, Gallego expressed his belief that port staffing needed to be quicker and more efficient, and that entry into customs-related positions should be facilitated by on-the-job training for both service vets and former police officers. He said administration and maintenance of port infrastructure should be done locally, not by the distant and layered steps of the government’s General Service Administration. Gallego said he supported secure paths for citizenship and effective administration for migrants with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and Temporary Protected status. He said the mission of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) should focus primarily on deportation of known criminals, implying that many current ICE detainees should be released.
Concerning the Border Patrol’s proposal for major expansion of the I-19 checkpoint north of Nogales, Gallego painted it as lacking a clear plan or public comment, “a waste of $50-100 million.” He suggested more creative adaptation of checkpoints, facilities and enforcement strategies would be more effective enforcement against smugglers of people and drugs than a massive new and fixed physical facility, whose location everyone is aware of.
Gallego described President Trump’s tariffs on Mexico as “dumb,” leading to an evolving and unnecessary trade war. He also spoke out against cuts in social services, food stamps, financial support for higher education and public schools and housing affordablility.
Historian addresses changes, challenges to Santa Cruz River basin
Seventh generation Arizonan Mauro Trejo spoke at a meeting of the Patagonia Museum board on Saturday about the history of the Santa Cruz River. A lifeline for the Tucson Basin for millennia and an integral part of Southern Arizona’s flourishing history, the Santa Cruz River has faced a multitude of changes and challenges over the last 200 years as the area evolved. Trejo’s talk addresses the river’s importance in the development of the region and where it stands today.
Click here to listen to his presentation.
Lochiel Schoolhouse workday scheduled for Sept. 11
The Patagonia Museum will host a workday at the Lochiel Schoolhouse from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11. Chores include replacing the original school sign structure created by the Patagonia Elementary School students and the Patagonia Creative Arts Association in 2011. Volunteers are advised to bring water, gloves and lunch.
PRT 2025 Annual Report
The Patagonia Regional Times 2025 Annual Report is now posted on our website and available for download.
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
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A 2026 CORE Grant from the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona provides the Patagonia Regional Times with valuable operating support.