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News
Patagonia Volunteer Fire & Rescue to be featured on PBS broadcast tonight
From Patagonia Volunteer Fire & Rescue:
Following our recent interview with PBS for the “Tribute to America Turns 250” feature, we’re excited to share that the segment will officially air ‘America at a Crossroads’ this Wednesday evening, April 15, between 6:00 PM-7:00 PM.
A big thank you to Judy Woodruff and the PBS team for taking the time to highlight our department and the work we do in our community. We had an amazing cross-section of our team: from firefighters with 29 years of service to members who have just recently stepped forward to serve. We shared stories about how small towns like Patagonia have been — and continue to be — vital to America’s past, present, and future.
This will be part of PBS’s tribute to America turning 250 — celebrating the spirit of volunteering and neighbors helping neighbors that makes our country strong.
It’s an honor to represent Patagonia and share our story on a national level.
Be sure to tune in and catch the Patagonia Volunteer Fire Department in action!
A day in the valley
Visitors line up to tour the first floor of the historic San Rafael House. Photo by Marion Vendituoli 
The barn at the Ranch is probably too far gone to be restored. Photo by Marion Vendituoli 
Betty and Glen Dickens, of Elgin, staffed a booth for the Arizona Antelope Foundation, the organization that is responsible for the reintroduction and success of local antelope herds. Photo by Marion Vendituoli 
Dick Schorr demonstrates plaiting a rawhide riata. Photo by Marion Vendituoli 
Local musician Bruce Andre sang and played western music during the event. Photo by Marion Vendituoli 
Patti Oliver discusses movies filmed in the San Rafael Valley with guests touring the San Rafael Ranch House. Oliver played parts in several of the movies made locally. Photo by Marion Vendituoli 
Local artisan Fox Neville Johnson helps a visitor to the event create a leather key fob. Photo by Marion Vendituoli
Organizers weren’t sure how much interest there would be for the Arizona250 celebration at the San Rafael Ranch, held on April 11. After all, the ranch is located deep in the San Rafael Valley east of Patagonia, almost to the Mexican border and accessible only by a long drive on dirt roads.
It turns out there was considerable interest. About 1,100 people signed up to attend, and more than 600 showed up to tour the ranch house, experience one of the most beautiful spots in Southern Arizona and learn about work being done by local environmental and educational groups.
The event was the result of the collaboration between Arizona State Parks and Trails, which owns the 3,557-acre ranch, and Friends of San Rafael Valley, a local nonprofit committed to preserving the historic ranch headquarters and promoting conservation. Several other local and state groups also participated in the event.
“The collaboration was really great to see,” said FOSRV board member Linda Shore.
The main attraction for visitors was a tour of the San Rafael Ranch House, a large, graceful brick home built in 1900. Period furniture and displays depicted ranching life, historic displays, photos of the families that have lived in the house, and movies that were filmed in the area. Patti Oliver, of Elgin, sat in the kitchen of the ranch house surrounded by movie memorabilia. She shared stories of her experiences acting in several westerns and handed out photographs of her standing with John Wayne. Volunteers from FOSRV answered questions in each of the eight rooms on the main floor.
Only the first floor was open to visitors, as the second floor and basement still need major restoration. The roof, which had significant leaks, was recently replaced. According to Carol Bonchalk, FOSRV board president, the next big project will be the restoration of the porch, repairs to the brick pillars and the installation of gutters. The group has received a historic preservation grant to help with these repairs but needs to raise $33,000 to complete this project.
On the front lawn, visitors had the opportunity to speak with representatives from several local and state groups committed to preserving local history and conserving the short grass prairie on the ranch and throughout the valley. Local musicians Andy Hersey and Bruce Andre entertained the crowd with western music, visitors tried their hand at leather stamping, and Dick Schorr, who grew up in Canelo, demonstrated the art of rawhide riata making. There was also a dedication of the ranch as an International Birding Area.
Arizona State Parks has no plans to open the San Rafael State Park full-time. State parks have to be self-supporting, and the sentiment seems to be that the remoteness of the ranch would preclude there being enough visitors to warrant the expense of keeping it open. FOSRV would like to develop programs and events that could take place at the ranch, however.
“For us, this event was an opportunity to prove to the state that there was interest in the house,” Bonchalk said. “Yes, we can’t open it full time but going forward we can use it for educational programs, events and cultural activities.”
SBA offers relief to local small businesses and nonprofits affected by drought
Low interest federal disaster loans are now available from the Small Business Administration. Here are all the details.
Patagonia Town Council sets April 22 half-hour hearing regarding citizens’ concerns about soil 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 22, at 5:30 p.m.
This is the third in a series of five hearings the town has scheduled to hear concerns from community members about specific subjects that could be covered in the Community Protection and Benefit Agreement. Last Wednesday’s hearing on air protections was attended by U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva, who did not speak.
Here is the official notice for the April 22 hearing:
Lobos shake off losing streak, snag win No. 6
By Dave Lumia
The Patagonia High School baseball team showed off its resiliency on Monday, bouncing back from a four-game losing streak to record an 8-4 victory at Valley Union.
It was the first road victory of the season for the Lobos and improved their record to 6-7. They remain in decent shape for their first state tournament appearance since 2021, ranking 13th in Class 1A with five games to play.
Coach Ryan Shore has praised the Lobos for their ability to shake off their poor performances, and that was needed on Monday following their most difficult stretch of the season. They had lost four consecutive games, including a 12-8 extra-inning loss to St. David on April 6 in which they squandered a five-run lead in the seventh inning and a 24-2 drubbing at the hands of Ray two days later.
The Lobos scored six runs through the first three innings against Valley Union to take a 6-4 lead and held the Blue Devils scoreless for the final four innings. Senior Noah Gallardo, primarily a third baseman, provided a big lift by relieving Kannon Shore with one out in the sixth inning and recording the final five outs, allowing just one hit.
Patagonia is on the road for its next two games – Thursday at Baboquivari and Monday at San Simon – before its final home game of the season against Duncan on April 22.
Lobos to host Tombstone on Thursday
in tennis season finale
By Dave Lumia
The Patagonia Lobos will close out their most successful tennis season since 2019 when they host Tombstone on Thursday.
The Lobos improved their season record to 6-4 on Monday, soldiering through red-flag winds, intermittent rain and the absence of two players for a 5-4 victory over Benson. Junior Alex Ruskowitz clinched the victory with a 6-0, 2-6, 10-8 win over Isaac Garcia at No. 3 singles.
Patagonia had to forfeit three points for lack of players but won three of four singles matches — by Ruskowitz and seniors Jaxon Yslava and Lenin Albarran — and swept both doubles matches that were contested: Yslava and Albarran at No. 1 and Ruskowitz and Skylar Sanchez at No. 2.
The Lobos are ranked 22nd among 47 schools in Division III – no small feat considering that enrollment in Division III ranges upward to 900-plus students.
The 2019 Patagonia team finished its season ranked 22nd with a 6-4 record.
CHOP receives state designation
of qualified charitable organization
From Community Homes of Patagonia:
Community Homes of Patagonia, Inc. (CHOP), a longtime local nonprofit focused on housing stability, has been designated as a Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO) for 2026 by the Arizona Department of Revenue. The designation allows Arizona taxpayers to receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on their state income taxes when they donate to CHOP, up to the annual limits set by the state.
CHOP is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has served Patagonia and surrounding communities for almost two decades. The QCO designation was granted on January 23, 2026, based on the organization’s work providing immediate assistance to income-qualified households for home repairs, one of the eligibility requirements under Arizona law.
For taxpayers, the designation offers a financial incentive to support local housing initiatives in a town that many love for its natural beauty, what it has to offer, and most especially the people they meet. Arizona residents who donate to CHOP may claim a state tax credit of up to $506 for individuals or heads of household, or $1,009 for married couples filing jointly on their 2026 returns.
Click here to read the full news release.
Spring bird migration in full swing
at Paton Center
From Tucson Bird Alliance’s Paton Center for Hummingbirds:
Spring migration is in full swing at the Paton Center for Hummingbirds! The Gray Hawks have returned, once again bringing their unmistakable calls back to the cottonwoods. They’re joined by a wonderful mix of seasonal arrivals, including Bell’s Vireos chattering in the brush, Lucy’s Warblers flitting through the trees, Black-chinned Hummingbirds bobbing around the feeders, Dusky-capped Flycatchers calling from shady perches, and even the striking Zone-tailed Hawks soaring overhead. It’s a great time to visit and experience the sights and sounds of spring! We hope to see you soon.
– Alexis Stark, Paton Center Site Manager
Can’t make it to the Paton Center in person? Check out our Haikubox to see what has been heard on-site recently or watch one of our streaming livecams! Check them both out at tucsonbirds.org/paton-center/
Remember When?
We’ve published nearly 3,800 articles from past years’ print editions on the PRT website, with more to come. Take a walk down memory lane with this article from 10 years ago …
Patagonia Lake Park gets a facelift
By Lynn Davison
April 2, 2016
There is a new concession operator at Patagonia State Park. Ho hum, you say, what is newsworthy about that?
Actually, the new operator, Aramark, has plans to make some pretty swell improvements over the next year or two. A new marina, new rental boats, a pavilion with wine and microbrews, and rental cabins are planned. Click here to read the full article.
Public Service Announcements
To submit an announcement, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
ADOT’s SR 83 lane restrictions in Sonoita are scheduled to continue through April: click here for more information.
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!
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!
From Sky Island Alliance:
Ready to explore the surprising world of rattlesnake families and learn how these remarkable reptiles care for and protect their young?
Join us for our next virtual Coffee Break on Thursday, April 16, at 9:30 a.m. Our guest speaker is Melissa Amarello, co-founder and executive director of Advocates for Snake Preservation. For her talk, she’ll draw on more than two decades of studying and living with reptiles to show us what snakes are really like through stories and videos.
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
COME AND SHOP AT A GOOD OLD FASHIONED FLEA MARKET!
COMMUNITY FLEA MARKET @theVINEchurchSonoita – APRIL 24 & 25 FRIDAY & SATURDAY 8 a.m. -2 p.m.
If you’d like to set up and sell at this event, it is open to anyone in the community who would like to have a yard sale, but would prefer to have it at a central/public 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**
CELEBRATE WESTERN CULTURE AND CINEMA
What does Shakespeare have to do with a John Wayne western? Join Mountain Empire Rotary Club for a delicious dinner and the answer to that question. The Club will be
screening the Duke’s classic “McLintock” on Saturday, April 25 at the Sonoita Fairgrounds Pioneer Hall.“From the larger-than-life persona to the all-star cast, it’s a quintessential John Wayne film that happens to have been filmed largely at Old Tucson Studios and around Sonoita,” said Mountain Empire Rotary event co-chair Jean Miller. “Arizona is as much as part of the film as John Wayne himself.”
Guests are encouraged to dress ready to party like it’s 1895. In other words, get into the spirit of territorial Arizona when choosing what to wear. There will be prizes for the best dressed. No weapons allowed.
Each ticket is $65 and includes appetizers, buffet dinner plus two drink vouchers per person. Additional drinks will be available for sale. Tickets are available online. Seating is limited. All ages are welcome.
When: 5 p.m., Saturday, April 25
What: McLintock Dinner & Movie Night
Where: Pioneer Hall – Sonoita Fairgrounds
Presented by: Mountain Empire Rotary Club
Details: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLw2qq4VY/The evening also will feature raffles, silent auction and McLintock-inspired contests.
Funds raised support community improvement efforts of the Mountain Empire Rotary Club.
April 26th – Brahms Piano Quartet:
https://scfpapresents.org/performance/brahms-piano-quartet-a-benderly-concert-event/
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!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for this Sonoita Produce on Wheels (POWWOW)!
If you’d like to lend a hand, this is what you would be doing… Sorting and Packing fresh produce, and assisting participants as they go through our farmer’s market style line. The shifts are 6:00 – 9:30 AM AND/OR 8:00 – 1100 AM. *Those who volunteer for a shift will receive a complimentary unit of produce.
If you’d like to give back to your community in this way, please call/text gardenia 602.292.1616 and let us know which dates and shifts you’re able to volunteer. Thank you all in advance! What we do, we do together! GM
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This SATURDAY, April 18th Sonoita Produce on Wheels & Local Market, at the VINE Church! Due to our weather warming up our hours this month are ****7-10 AM****
Please come early! First come, first serve!
Borderlands POWWOW in Sonoita, AZ is always on the third Saturday of the month. – please text/call gardenia at 602.292.1616
*At POWWOW it is a $15 contribution for 70 LBS of produce. No residential or income requirements.
If you’d like to join the Community Volunteer Team or become a Market Vendor, please text/call gardenia 602.292.1616.
AND if you know of any youth in the community who would like or need volunteer hours, we can provide documentation for those who would like to volunteer ;D
Follow @SonoitaAZCommunityMarket on FB & IG to see our Veggie Varieties Friday afternoon!
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 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
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