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Photo of the Week
Above: One of our local pumas takin’ it easy upon her ledge outside of town. Since her last appearance in the PRT she’s brought three cubs to this grotto for cozy sunbaked relaxation … and to keep an eye on us. Female catamounts keep a range in Arizona of roughly 50 square miles, give or take 30 miles. It’s variable based on prey supply, other females, roaming vagabond males, water and local mining destruction. She’s been using this perch for years, sharing it with some coati and ringtail friends. Side note: Ringtails are not related to her, despite many folks calling them cats. They’re Procyonids, related to cute coatis and rascal raccoons. Well, I’ll keep hanging with this gracefully stoic puma and send an update about her in a couple years. — Eric Herman
News
Focus shifts to protections following
early actions agreement
By Dave Lumia
For the governmental entities that signed off in early March on the Early Actions Community Investment Agreement with the South32 mining company, approval was something of a no-brainer.
South32 will be providing up to $4 million in funding for 16 projects – six in the town of Patagonia, one in the city of Nogales, and nine countywide – as a stand-alone preamble to much larger investment once the four signatories come to terms on a Community Protections and Benefits Agreement, referred to as the CPBA.
“I think the council is very wise in moving ahead with this,” Patagonia Town Manager Ron Robinson said.
John Fanning, Santa Cruz County Supervisor for District 3, feels likewise: “I’m very comfortable with this. I’m happy we’re moving forward.”
But town and county officials caution that this was the easy part.
Click here to continue reading this article
Patagonia Postmaster Martin Perez
saluted on his retirement
The Patagonia Post Office held a retirement celebration last Wednesday for Postmaster Martin Perez, who retired Friday after 27 years with the Postal Service, including over a decade in Patagonia. We’ll have the full story about Martin’s reflections on his time here in the May issue of the PRT. Until then, feast your eyes on this wonderful “special delivery” farewell cake. Congratulations, Martin!
Patagonia Town Council sets April 8 half-hour hearing regarding citizens’ concerns about air protections in CPBA
The Patagonia Town Council has scheduled the second of five half-hour public hearings to gather “input from citizens … to take into the CPBA” for Wednesday, April 8, at 5:30pm.
Patagonia Mayor Andy Wood, who was not present at the series’ first hearing last week, which was concerned with water protections, is expected to attend the April 8 hearing.
Here is the official notice:
Lobos baseball ranked 15th heading
into final month
The Lobos take in the action from the dugout rail during Monday’s game vs. Ray. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Sophomore Matt Young delivers a pitch in the third inning. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Noah Gallardo fields a groundball prior to recording a forceout at third base. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Catcher Patrick Rohde elicits a smile from coach Ryan Shore as he comes out for a mound visit with pitcher Kannon Shore. Photo by Dave Lumia
By Dave Lumia
The Patagonia Lobos enter April ranked 15th in the Class 1A state baseball rankings, leaving them in reach of qualifying for the state tournament for the first time since 2021.
The Lobos have a 5-4 record with eight games remaining as they try to secure one of 16 state tournament berths. Only two of the eight games are on their home field, where they have won five of seven over the season’s first five weeks.
The five wins represent a dramatic improvement over recent seasons – the Lobos had three wins total for the previous three seasons – but they have struggled against tougher competition over the past two weeks. Patagonia lost 13-4 at ninth-ranked Duncan on Friday and was trailing 10-0 against eighth-ranked Ray when Monday’s game was canceled after three innings due to rain and lightning.
The remaining schedule will be a good test of the Lobos’ tournament worthiness. They have two games to play (one home and one away) against 12th/-ranked St. David , and one each against No. 16 Valley Union, No. 17 Fort Thomas, No. 19 San Simon and No. 20 Baboquivari, all on the road.
They are back in action on Monday, April 6, with a home game against St. David. The other remaining home game is a rematch against Duncan on April 22.
Big turnout for ‘No Kings’ demonstration
in Patagonia
Photo by Robert Gay 
Photo by Robert Gay 
Photo by Robert Gay 
Photo by Robert Gay 
Photo by Robert Gay 
Photo by Robert Gay 
Photo by Robert Gay 
Photo by Robert Gay 
Photo by Robert Gay 
Photo by Robert Gay 
Photo by Robert Gay 
Photo by Robert Gay 
Photo by Robert Gay 
Photo by Robert Gay 
Photo by Robert Gay 
Photo by Robert Gay 
Photo by Robert Gay
By Robert Gay
Over 220 protesters turned out last Saturday for a two-hour “No Kings” demonstration along Naugle Avenue in Patagonia. Signs were literate, inventive and even festive, mixing humor and morality with anger, resistance and commitment to reform. There were no speakers or loud music. The nonviolent group didn’t march or block traffic, and had no hostile encounters.
Obituary
Theresa “Terrie” Ann Kjos-Palmer, 1960-2026
Public Service Announcements
To submit an announcement, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
From East Santa Cruz County Community Food Bank:
Holiday Ham Distribution, Saturday March 28 starting at 9:00 am at the Food Bank, 772 Harshaw Ave, Patagonia.
ADOT’s SR 83 lane restrictions in Sonoita are scheduled to continue through April: click here for more information.
From Patagonia Regional Aquatic Center:
From Santa Cruz County:
JP-East Justice Court services are available every first and third Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Sonoita Community Space/County Building. We provide 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
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!
Above: Patagonia Elementary third grade students have been studying the importance of cattle ranching in Arizona’s history. On March 19, they visited the Empire Ranch to learn about its 150-year history and the tools/equipment found in a ranch tack room. Pictured here are the students with Empire Ranch docents Marti Conroy (in sunglasses) and Alison Bunting (in grey hat) in back.
Elgin Parent Teacher Club is looking for volunteers to help in the Snack Shack at Little Leagues games from April 1-May 13. All money fundraised goes towards school events and programs, like our upcoming Taiko Drumming! Please visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044FADAB28AAFAC52-63218856-ptclittle to sign up!
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!
Holy Week & Easter services at Santa Rita Abbey
From Santa Rita Abbey:
April 2, Holy Thursday – Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 5:15 p.m.
April 3, Good Friday – Solemn Afternoon Liturgy at 3:00 p.m.
April 5, Easter Sunday – Easter Vigil at 3:30 a.m., Easter Day Mass at 8:00 a.m.
All are welcome!
New “mini-pilgrimage” Stations of the Cross for Good Friday at Patagonia UMC labyrinth
A new Easter experience starting at the labyrinth in the courtyard of Patagonia Community UMC church has been designed by Pastor Katrina for this Good Friday, April 3.
Called “Stations of the Cross,” it starts outside on the labyrinth, winds its way into Thurber Hall, and finishes in the sanctuary of the church.
It’s a self-paced, reflective experience walking through the story of the cross. Where do you see yourself in the story?
The Stations of the Cross will be open from 10am-2pm. Come and go as you’re able — please allow about 15–20 minutes for this “mini-pilgrimage.” Everyone is welcome.
Event title: Border BioBlitz
Date: Saturday, April 4, 8am-11am
Location: Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve; 150 Blue Haven Road, Patagonia, AZ 85624
Description: Be a part of this citizen science effort to document the unique biodiversity along the U.S.-Mexico border! Please come prepared with a shade hat, water bottle, sturdy shoes, and a smartphone with the iNaturalist app downloaded.
April 11: Arizona250 Celebration at the Historic San Rafael Ranch
From Arizona State Parks:
Join us for a special Arizona250 celebration at San Rafael Ranch Historic District, located within the San Rafael State Natural Area.
This commemorative event invites the public to experience one of Arizona’s most significant historic ranching sites while celebrating Arizona’s rich heritage, landscapes, and communities. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore the historic ranch house, learn about the San Rafael Valley’s ranching and conservation legacy, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding short-grass prairie.
The park is not currently open to the public for general visitation, so this commemorative event is a do-not-miss. Connect with Arizona’s past while supporting the preservation of this remarkable place for future generations!
This event is brought to you by the Friends of San Rafael Valley and Arizona State Parks and Trails. Visit their website at https://fosrv.org. Stay tuned for updates on programming offered and educational partners joining the celebration.
Self guided ranch house tours and educational displays will be offered throughout the day. A dedication of property as an Important Bird Area will be held at 10 a.m.
Know before you go! This location is in a remote area with no amenities, approximately 2 hours south of Tucson, east of Patagonia, Arizona. Plan ahead by bringing plenty of drinking water and fuel. Drive only on designated motor vehicle routes (includes dirt road surface suitable for most vehicles in regular conditions). See an area map and additional information from the Patagonia Mountains and the San Rafael Valley Recreation Opportunity Guide by the USFS – Coronado National Forest at https://www.fs.usda.gov/…/PatagoniaMountainsROG_RG-R3….
This is an Outdoors250 event: a proud part of America250, a nationwide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States and reflecting on our shared history, values, and future. Learn more at AZStateParks.com/Outdoors250.
EVENT OFFERINGS
– International Bird Area dedication at 10 a.m.
– Self-guided ranch house tours
– Educational displays (leather tooling demo)
– Guided bird walks
– Live performances by musicians Andy Hersey and Bruce Andre
– Food available for purchase from Las Vigas Steak Ranch and Food TruckPARTNERS and SPECIAL GUESTS
– 4-H Youth Development – UA Cooperative Extension
– Arizona Game and Fish Department
– Arizona Revegetation and Monitoring Company
– Audubon Southwest
– Arizona Antelope Foundation
– Friends of Sonoita Creek
– Mescal Movie Set
– Natural Resources Conservation Services NRCS
– Pimeria Alta Museum
– Rio Rico Historical Society
– Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area
– Tucson Bird Alliance
– United States Forest Service — Coronado National Forest with Smokey BearPlease register for this event at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SARATour04112026.
April 12th – Grupo Arizona – Classical and Jazz Fusion Chamber Ensemble
https://scfpapresents.org/performance/grupo-arizona-classical-and-jazz-fusion-chamber-ensemble-a-benderly-concert-event/
The Patagonia Community Garden is celebrating Earth Day in a big way! Structured learning sessions for grades K-8, and a BEE-R GARDEN and INFO FAIR, expert speakers 4-5 pm, our local environmental groups, and live music! Check out our cold custom cocktails and botanical mocktails, or enjoy a beer or wine during our Happy Hour, 5-7 pm.Great raffle prizes will support our scholarship for a local student.
April 24-25: Community flea market at the VINE church Sonoita
This event is open to anyone in the community who would like to have a yard sale, but would prefer to have it at a central location. Whether you are selling personal items or would like to share your homemade goods and crafts, this event is for you!
There are NO fees for this event! We kindly ask that you reserve your spot in advance by texting 602.292.1616, and let us know how many tables you will be setting up.
**We invite local sports clubs and schools who would like to host a fundraiser at this event.
Please call or text gardenia at 602.292.1616**
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.
Thursdays: ‘Open Forum‘ at Patagonia Senior Center
A time to share personal stories, interests and ideas.
Thursdays at 1 p.m. after senior lunch
April 2: DO I NEED A WILL? — Jim McMahon shares an attorney’s perspective
April 9: HISTORY OF MUSIC — Janet Palmer on Camina Burana
April 16: MY DEPRESSION’S LIGHT SIDE — David Krest
April 23: ALL ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY GARDEN – David Fain on opportunities for growing food
April 30: THE ART OF AGING IN PLACE — Amber Salinas on how to stay the boss when you need help
An 80-year-long study by Harvard University found that the quality of our relationships helps us live longer, happier lives, more so than genetics. Community provides the grounding force of being seen, known, and supported through life’s ups and downs. There is space in our lives for both self-care and community care.
The phrase “inconvenience is the cost of community” has become a popular slogan online, referring to the effort required to maintain meaningful connections with others—effort which we seemingly are less and less willing to make, even as we crave connection.
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.
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve Steward
We’re hiring for a Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve Steward to perform preserve operations at the 878-acre property in Patagonia.
Find the full position description and apply today at nature.ly/3NheXj4
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
To advertise in the PRT’s print edition, Weekly News Bulletin or website – or a custom package – contact Priscilla Bolanos at prtads@gmail.com or 520-313-6062.
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