The PRT Newsletter for the Week of July 24, 2024
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News
It’s Primary Election Time!
Our primary election is this Tuesday, July 30. Get the lowdown on how to vote—and who’s running for what local office—at the PRT’s new one-stop 2024 PRT Voter’s Guide.
The 2024 PRT Voter’s Guide features information on mail balloting, local vote centers’ locations and hours, and how votes are counted and certified. We’ve also posted links to all of the interviews and forums the PRT has conducted with the candidates over the last few weeks, as well as their responses to our questionaires.
Click here to check out The 2024 PRT Voter’s Guide, and please share it with other community members looking for straightforward, nonpartisan information on this year’s primary election.
Here is the PRT’s July interview with Judge Miguel Lopez, who is running for Justice of the Peace:
Adriana Olaiz, a lead interpreter at the County Superior and Justice Courts, is also running for Justice of the Peace in the primary. The PRT’s interview will be posted on the website and across social media later this week.
Who’s Thirsty?
Jason Miller, the Vail-based independent wildlife videographer, has captured close-up footage of a host of southern Arizona critters coming by for a refreshing drink or three at his waterhole in the summertime heat. Here’s Jason’s highlight reel:
Miller says the waterhole was originally a natural basin that he noticed would collect rainwater for a few days before turning to mud. Using concrete and mortar, Miller base layered it to hold water longer.
“It is only six inches deep and two feet long and a foot wide,” says Miller, “so it is perfect for the little critters. This time of year, I don’t add any water because the rains fill it, but the rest of the year I top it off maybe twice a week.”
For more of Jason’s wildlife videos — including his widely publicized trail cam footage of a jaguar in the Huachucas from late last year — follow him at his YouTube channel and on Instagram.
Sheriff’s Office Donates Vehicle to High School Auto Shop
A 2010 Chevy Tahoe used by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, recently sidelined due to high mileage, was bound for auction. Instead, the Sheriff has been able to donate the vehicle to Patagonia Union High School, where it will be restored by students in PUHS’s Auto Shop program. Pictured above at the official key exchange is PUHS Superintendent Kenny Hayes, Commander Gerardo Castillo, Sheriff David Hathaway and Auto Shop instructor Jeff Gudenkauf.
This Saturday: National Day of the Cowboy at Empire Ranch
Click here for all the details on this year’s big event, happening this Saturday, July 27 from 8am to 1pm.
Patagonia Scientist Featured on History Channel’s ‘Ancient Aliens’
Patagonia resident and geoarcheaologist Dr. Caroline Whitehill has been turning up on the History Channel’s popular Ancient Aliens series in recent months.
Dr. Whitehill made her third appearance on Ancient Aliens‘ current season last Friday in Episode 14, ‘The Search for Extraterrestrial Life.” She also appeared in episode 9 (“Mysteries of Scotland“) and episode 10 (“Mystery of the Stone Spheres“). All of the episodes are available to stream from the History Channel website.
For more on Dr. Whitehill, visit her website at earthspaceconsult.com
Rare Birds and Volunteers at the Community Garden Work Party
The gang was all there at a work party last Sunday in the Patagonia Community Garden. From left: Jaime and David Sosna, Richard Gambino, Mary Sky Schoolcraft, Bob Brandt, Kathy West. Standing is Gisa Krueger. Not pictured: Michelle Ruston — and a rare bird, the Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, whose distinctive high-pitched call was identified by ear by Kathy West. What?!? To learn more, read Mary Sky Schoolcraft’s report here.
Remember When?
Over the last two years, we’ve posted over 2,800 articles from past years’ print editions on the PRT website, with more to come. But there were newspapers in this area before the PRT started publishing in 2009. One was The Santa Cruz Patagonian, which published from 1912-1929. Scans of most of the Patagonian’s issues are accessible at the Patagona Museum’s website. It’s a fascinating archive. Here’s a typical advertisement from a 1917 issue of the Patagonian:
Did you know that as part of our mission, the PRT does not charge to publish obituaries?
Please support the PRT — every dollar counts!
Upcoming Events
The PRT is committed to sharing information about upcoming events in our weekly newsletter. We will publish a link to your event page or poster/flyer, or a brief description of each event, provided by you. Poster/flyer submissions require an image in JPEG format, along with a brief typed description of the event. Email your submission to prtadast@gmail.com by Monday, 5pm. Remember to submit your event at least one week before the event date.
School Announcements
Local Items of Interest
The summer 2024 Bowman-Stradling History Center newsletter can be accessed HERE. It is filled with upcoming events, new acquisitions and news of the center’s annual community project, refurbishment of the Elgin Cemetery.
The Patagonia Senior Center recently received a grant from Delta Dental of Phoenix to help seniors with dental expenses. Vouchers are provided for up to $350 to participating dentists. If interested, please call the senior center at (520) 394-2494.
The Patagonia Museum has joined the Jim Click Millions for Tucson Raffle fundraiser. The grand prize is a 2024 Jeep Wrangler. 100% of proceeds sold by the Patagonia Museum will benefit the museum. Please contact a board member of the museum to buy your chance(s) to win. Click here to learn more about the grand prize. To learn more about the additional prizes that are available, click here. Museum Members, save the date – Oct. 19, from 4-8 pm for a complimentary meal, refreshments and entertainment at the museum facility.
Raffle for the Elgin Cemetery Refurbishment Project. Click here to learn more.
The Arizona Rangers Sonoita Company meets the third Thursday of each month at the SEFD training room in Sonoita. For more information contact Lt. Phil Burdine at (520) 990-4390
Employment Opportunities
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 United Methodist Church
Our Advertisers
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