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Photo of the week
Bryce Reichardt captured this rainbow looking east from his porch in Singing Valley.
News
Engineers present costs, implications of 4 alternatives for Babocomari Bridge
By Carrie White
In a summary of findings prepared for Santa Cruz County on the Babocomari/Elgin Bridge, HDR Engineering Inc. outlined costs associated with each of the four options being considered and evaluated the implications of each alternative.
The bridge, an iconic 1922 structure, is scheduled to be replaced in 2027 using $3.9 million received through the federal Off-System Bridge Program. The one-lane span crossing Babocomari Creek remains one of a small number of surviving examples of a Warren steel half-through truss bridge in Arizona.
Elgin resident Sue Downing has been advocating for keeping the bridge as a pedestrian/bicycle crossing and the heart of a new community park, with the construction of a new bridge at a different site.
The four options currently being considered by the county include:
Option 1: Do nothing
Option 2: Construct a new bridge at a new location/alignment
Option 3: Rehabilitate existing bridge
Option 4: Construct a new bridge at the current bridge’s location
Summary of Evaluated Alternatives
| Evaluation Criteria | 1-Do nothing | 2-New location / alignment | 3-Bridge rehabilitation | 4-Current replacement concept |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retains Historic Bridge | YES | YES | YES | NO |
| Accommodates Two-Way Traffic | NO | YES | NO | YES |
| Addresses Existing Structural Deficiencies | NO | YES | YES | YES |
| Avoids Long-Term Maintenance of Historic Bridge | NO | NO | NO | YES |
| Avoids Construction Detour | YES | YES | NO | NO |
| Avoids Right-of-Way Acquisitions | YES | NO | YES | NO |
| Fits Within Current Project Funding | NO | NO | YES | YES |
| Meets Project Goals | NO | YES | PARTIALLY | YES |
Source: HDR Engineering
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Border Patrol’s preferred site appears to be next to Elgin Elementary
By Dave Lumia
Based on maps provided by Santa Cruz County, it appears that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) preferred site for a new Border Patrol station is directly adjacent to Elgin Elementary School in Sonoita.
The county was provided a vaguely detailed map showing two sites for the proposed station. The site designated as preferred is described as an undeveloped 40-acre parcel four miles southeast of the Sonoita crossroads. County manager Jesus Valdez said that in looking at parcel maps, it appears to be at the intersection of Elgin Road and State Highway 83. The property is currently being offered for sale by Sierra Vista Realty. Agent Beth Hughes said she is not aware of any inquiries regarding the property from CBP.
The “alternative” site listed in CBP’s communication with the county is a 75.76-acre parcel “positioned along State Routes 82 and 83.” Based on the vague maps it appears to be an expansion of their existing facility on Highway 82.
CBP’s request for county input on its Environmental Assessment of a new Border Patrol station says “the purpose of the new BPS is to accommodate the addition of new agents and personnel intended to enhance border security within the USBP Sonoita Area of Responsibility, with the ultimate objective of increasing the probability of apprehension of those that have entered into the U.S. illegally.”
The proposed enhancement comes at a time when a double wall is being installed along the border designed to prevent illegal entry. It also comes at the same time that CBP is proposing a new facility on 87 acres near Three Points, about 25 miles west of Tucson, and expanding the Border Patrol checkpoint on I-19 near Tubac.
John Fanning, chairman of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, said the county has requested “clear and detailed information” from CBP about the site selection process and the economic, social and environmental impacts on the community.
“We just want more information at this point,” said Valdez, the county manager.
Dan Erickson, superintendent/principal of Sonoita Elementary School District and Elgin Elementary, said he was unaware of a possible Border Patrol facility adjacent to the school but hopes to initiate a conversation with CBP officials within the next week.
“We always have had a good relationship with the Border Patrol,” he said. “I’m not sure it’s going to have much impact on us.”
A spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the Sonoita project is part of “long-overdue improvements to border security infrastructure. We are in the early planning stages for new and modernized Border Patrol stations and checkpoints across the Southwest border. … As potential locations are evaluated, CBP will seek input from local communities before projects move forward.”
The spokesperson said he was unable to answer whether the proposed facility would be in addition to the existing Border Patrol facility on Highway 82 or a replacement for it.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
The PRT is interested in your perspective on this important topic. Please feel free to send your thoughts and comments to editor@prtnews.org.
Patagonia to continue law enforcement agreement with county
By Dave Lumia
The town of Patagonia has abandoned plans to reinstate the town marshal’s office and will continue to contract with Santa Cruz County for policing and law enforcement.
“It was too expensive to bring the marshals back,” town manager Ron Robinson said after the Town Council’s Sept. 9 meeting.
Robinson had raised the idea of bringing back the marshal’s office in March when the Town Council approved the Early Actions Community Investment Funding Agreement with South32. One of the six Patagonia-specific projects in the agreement was up to $300,000 for expansion of Town Hall to accommodate the marshal’s office.
The expansion will still occur, but the additional space will be used for the town court and sheriff’s office space.
Mayor Andy Wood said the town’s cost for contributing to the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System was prohibitive. “That is super expensive if we have local law enforcement,” she said.
Click here to continue reading.
Patagonia-St. David volleyball showdown postponed until Oct. 19
By Dave Lumia
Patagonia High and St. David are two of the premier Class 1A volleyball teams in southern Arizona. But they are no match for Mother Nature and Leaky Gym.
With rain in the forecast for Wednesday and no guarantees that the roof on Patagonia’s gymnasium can withstand the precipitation, the decision was made to postpone the highly anticipated 1A South match and reschedule it for Oct. 19.
The Lobos will now be off until their Sept. 23 road match at Fort Thomas, which knocked Patagonia out of the state tournament last year.
The Lobos are coming off a 1-3 record at the Epic Tourneys Small School Invite in Scottsdale on Saturday. They played four matches over a span of six hours, losing their first three before finishing the tournament with a victory over Tempe Prep. All four of the matches were against Class 2A schools, which was by design.
“I told the tournament director we wanted to play tougher teams, we don’t want to play 1A competition,” coach Brenda Somoza said. “It’s good for the girls to see that kind of competition, because that’s what we can expect these next couple of games.
“Sometimes it’s not about winning. It’s about learning what you have to work on get better.”
PARA invites community to attend Sept. 21 meeting
The Patagonia Area Resource Alliance will host a community meeting on Monday, Sept. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Thurber Hall, 387 McKeown Ave.
PARA executive director Anna Darian will present at update on the U.S. Forest Service’s approval of the Hermosa mining project, hydrogeologist Chris Gardner of the Friends of Sonoita Creek will discuss a new community-based monitoring fund, Robin Lucky and Jay Thompson of the Calabasas Alliance will provide an update on air quality monitoring, and Carolyn Shafer will provide a status report on the Community Protections and Benefits Agreement with South32.
Sonoita-Elgin FD invites public into station for Sept. 28 birthday celebration
Planning continues for Sonoita-Elgin Fire District’s 20th Birthday Celebration on Monday, Sept. 28. Chief Marc Meredith is asking for help from the community to document the district’s history with any stories or photographs to help put together a timeline on display. Please contact the station if you have something to share and plan to join the district’s staff and volunteers at 11 a.m. on Sept. 28, immediately following the September board meeting.
Beware the chigger
Being eaten alive by something you can’t see sounds pretty Sci-Fi.
Except here, it is really happening.
Chiggers — microscopic bugaboos — are regaling in perfect conditions brought on by recent rains: high humidity, dense vegetation and mild daytime temperatures.
And while one would think a healthy dose of bug spray would dissuade the feeding frenzy, chiggers are not to be denied. (Hope you’re not eating.)
A species of mites (genus Trombicula), chiggers are not blood suckers. A relative of spiders, scorpions and ticks, the “harvest mites,” as they are sometimes called, attach to the skin and inject enzyme-ladened saliva. These enzymes break down skin cells, allowing them to feed on tissue. (Eww.) The body then treats this foreign substance as an invader, triggering inflammation.
What can be done? A hot shower and soap scrub will get remaining chiggers off the body. An application of calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream or anti-itch ointment will help with the itching. (Online suggestion: Don’t scratch. Yeah, right.)
Or don’t go outside until October, when chigger presence decreases significantly.
Public Service Announcements
To submit an announcement, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
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
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.
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A 2026 CORE Grant from the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona provides the Patagonia Regional Times with valuable operating support.