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Agenda set for Town Council’s Aug. 13 meeting
The Patagonia Town Council will hold its first of two regular meetings this month on Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 6pm. As always, members of the public may attend the Council meeting in person or via Zoom: Meeting I.D. 957-511-4862, password 338501
Agenda items for this meeting include:
- Discussion and possible action to contract with Linda Shore to provide Library Director services on a part-time basis for two years.
- Discussion and possible action to spend $16,859.90 on engineering and installation of two solar-powered speed controllers on SR82 (Naugle Ave.).
- Discussion and possible action to spend $10,032.50 to install irrigation and a succulent rock garden around the south gazebo at Beaty Lane in Dr. Mock Park. The funds will be disbursed from the Surface Transportation Block grant.
Click here for more information, including the full agenda.
Candidates for Congress to debate in Patagonia this Saturday, Aug. 16
The PRT will host Democrat Adelita Grijalva and Republican Daniel Butierez at a special candidates’ forum this Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Tin Shed Theater in Patagonia.
The event is open to the public on a first come, first seated basis. Capacity is 100. Doors will open at 3pm, with the one-hour forum beginning at 4pm. Candidates will be available to speak with members of the public before the forum. In partnership with We Love Nogales, this event will be streamed live on YouTube and recorded in both English and Spanish.
The two candidates are facing off in a special election on Sept. 23 to determine who will serve the remaining 15 months of the late Rep. Raul Grijalva’s term in Congress representing Arizona’s 7th congressional district (CD7).
Rep. Grivalja died in office on March 13; Adelita is his eldest daughter.
All of Eastern Santa Cruz County is inside CD7, a geographically massive district that includes most of the Mexico–United States border in Arizona, as well as one-third of Tucson. CD7’s population is 811,000 and is 83.6% urban, 16.4% rural, 60% Hispanic and 29% white. As registered Democrats currently outnumber registered Republicans in the district by a nearly 2:1 margin (174,992 to 92,057), it is considered a safely Democratic seat.
Butierez faced the late Rep. Grivalja in the November 2024 general election and lost by 63.4%-36.6%.
PUHS’s Journee Hayes wins 2025 Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Patagonia Union High School teacher Journee Hayes! Click on the We Love Nogales-produced video above to watch Journee receive the award at the Aug. 8 ceremony in Nogales.
12-year-old Elgin girl survives nasty Mojave rattlesnake bite
By Pat McNamara
Twelve-year-old Elgin resident Bella Ramirez Schroeder had no idea what was in store when she ran down her family’s gravel driveway while playing with her sister, Valtina, earlier this summer.
Suddenly feeling a stabbing pain in her foot, Bella looked down and saw the source of the discomfort.
She had inadvertently stepped on a Mojave rattlesnake.
“I’ve been bit by a snake,” she quietly said to Valtina. Valtina, being the younger and more reactive of the two, screamed and ran to their mother, Jenny Schroeder. “Bella’s been bit by a snake!” Valtina yelled.
911 was called, but after receiving a response from the dispatcher informing them that they “couldn’t find the address in their computer system,” Jenny and her husband Max loaded the family in the car and drove to the Sonoita-Elgin Fire District (SEFD) station. As they sped to the station, Jenny made a call to a friend who worked there and told him of the situation. He made sure that the SEFD immediately dispatched a helicopter for flight to Banner Hospital in Tucson. On the drive into SEFD, Valtina “made me promise not to die,” said Bella. The helicopter landed 17 minutes after the Schroeder family’s arrival at the fire station.
“I wanted to cry and was really tired,” said Bella, describing waiting for the helicopter to arrive. Eventually she lost consciousness, and has no memory of the flight. When she arrived at the hospital, she regained consciousness and Valtina said, “Thank you for not dying!”
Upon arrival at the ICU and after an initial exam, Bella received her first dose of anti-venom, but the pain and swelling continued to worsen, so a second dose of anti-venom was administered. With this dose, Bella had an anaphylactic reaction: a condition that can cause swelling of the face and throat, trouble breathing, shock and other life-threatening symptoms. Several hours later, after allowing her body to recover from the reaction, she received a third and final anti-venom.
A word about anti-venom. There are many derivations of this remedy, and it was originally formulated nearly 100 years ago, though not commonly used until the 1950s. For pit vipers, which includes rattlesnakes, copperheads and water moccasins, the donor animal is most commonly horses or sheep. These animals mount a robust immune response and are large enough to produce ample amounts of serum for several doses of anti-venom. The donor receives a non-lethal dose of poison (venom) to produce the antibodies or proteins that specifically target and neutralize the venom toxins. After their immune system has had time to respond, their blood is drawn, processed, then the plasma with the antibodies is harvested to produce the anti-venom. Throughout the world there are many species of animals used as donors, depending on the kind of anti-venom needed and donor animal availability.
Each species of venomous snake has a specific type of venom. For example, pit vipers, the most common rattlesnakes in Arizona (diamondbacks, sidewinders and many other subspecies) are mostly equipped with hemotoxic venom, which affects the blood vessels, causing tissue damage and disruption of normal blood clotting. However, here in the Sky Islands, we are “blessed” primarily with Mojave rattlesnakes. Even though it is also a pit viper, its venom has neurotoxic components, similar to the cobra, a non-pit viper. This type of venom can affect nerve function, potentially causing muscle weakness, paralysis and respiratory issues. Thus, a bite from the Mojave can be catastrophic and potentially fatal if not treated aggressively and in a timely manner.
Bella ended up spending four days in Banner’s ICU before doctors determined that it was safe for her to return home. A minor bout of “serum sickness,” often a reaction to the anti-venom, arose but was quickly addressed and gone in a few days.
Bella’s father, Max, spent each evening after the incident outdoors with a flashlight looking for any more rattlers on the property that could possibly threaten the safety of the family. The day after Bella was bitten, he found the offending snake near the same spot in the driveway and sent it “over the rainbow,” as we say.
The family appreciates all of the love and support from neighbors, friends and the community. Now fully recovered, Bella is back at school with quite a story to tell.
Local youths, and their animals, prepare for County Fair at SAILA shows
The Sonoita Fairgrounds was a sea of trailers, campers and kids working with their animals at the Southern Arizona International Livestock Association (SAILA) shows on August 2-3.
288 kids, aged 7 to 20, showed cattle, hogs, lambs and goats on Saturday, while on Sunday 284 exhibitors entered the showrings. There were 820 entries on Saturday and 817 on Sunday, as many of the exhibitors showed multiple animals.
Several Santa Cruz County 4-H and FFA members were on hand to show their animals, getting valuable experience as they prepare for the upcoming Santa Cruz County Fair in September.
“The purpose is to have a show in their community before their county fair so that the kids can get a practice weekend in and grow their skills before they go to their county fair,” said show volunteer and SAILA Vice-President Holly Norris. “There was a huge showing from your county. I was very pleased with all the local kids that came out.”
SAILA, which runs 20 shows a year over ten weekends around the state, was founded in 1935. These shows provide an opportunity for junior livestock exhibitors to gain experience raising and showing livestock, as well as offering education and scholarships.
“Raising and showing their animals teaches these kids responsibility,” Norris said, describing the value of the program. “They’re learning to be entrepreneurs. They’re not in front of a TV playing video games, that’s for dang sure.”
Monarch butterflies get their start at Patagonia Library
By Mary Tolena
“Come to the Library right now. We have an incident.”
When Patagonia Library acting director Linda Shore got that phone call from library assistant Jade DeForest last Friday morning, she didn’t know what to think.
Luckily, it was all good news: The first of six monarch butterflies that were being “fostered” at the library was emerging from its chrysalis.
The story began nine days earlier when library clerk Anne Vogt found six monarch caterpillars on the milkweed she had planted near the pond on her Wood Canyon property. She had purchased the plants from the Borderlands Native Plant Nursery, on recommendation of Francesca Claverie, Native Plant Program director.
“Arizona milkweed is the monarchs’ favorite, and it definitely grows best around here,” Claverie said. Borderlands has grown a whole field of it this year, funded by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation monarch butterfly and pollinator conservation fund.
Vogt carefully collected the caterpillars in a large net container, and transported them to the library, along with some milkweed. By the time they arrived, they had already attached themselves to the top of the netting.
Once their temporary home was stabilized, the caterpillars wasted no time proceeding with their transformation. Hanging upside down, they each formed themselves into a “J” and began to rotate slowly as they spun their green chrysalises, enveloping themselves in the process. “They only took about five minutes to do it,” Vogt said. “It was amazing!”
Eight days later, on Friday morning, the transformed creatures began to emerge as butterflies. Each one took about a minute to slip out of their chrysalis. Clinging to their former shell, they slowly expanded their wings to dry as they got their first look at the world as a butterfly.
By Saturday morning, all six had emerged, and it was important that they be released promptly. Monarchs typically go through four generations each year, with the last one migrating south to Mexico. The library crew believes these butterflies are part of the migrating generation.
On Saturday morning, Vogt, DeForest, Shore and her grandson Nolan, and Mary Sky Schoolcraft, Community Garden co-manager, gathered to bid the butterflies fond farewells. The six monarchs left their enclosure and flew off to explore the vibrant flowers throughout the garden.
“It was such a beautiful experience to see them fly off,” DeForest said.
Jade DeForest, Nolan Shore and Anne Vogt prepare to release monarch butterflies in Patagonia Community Garden. Photo by Mary Sky Schoolcraft 
Jade DeForest and Mary Sky Schoolcraft prepare to release the monarchs while Nolan Shore looks on. Photo by Anne Vogt 
A butterfly pauses on Jade DeForest’s hand before flying off. Photo by Mary Sky Schoolcraft 
Butterfly fan James McKenzie visited the chrysalises with his mother, Amber, each day until they emerged. Photo by Mary Tolena
Public Service Announcements
Note: Community Thrift Shop co-managers Nell and Kyle are happy to accept drop-in volunteers to help pack up and move inventory during the first week of August. Please come by the Thrift Shop at 387 McKeown Ave.
Obituary
Jose Gerardo Martinez, 1931-2025
School News and Youth Events
Upcoming Events
To share information about an upcoming event in the PRT Weekly News Bulletin, please submit a poster/flyer 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 Borderlands Restoration Network:
Monsoon Mixer with Borderlands Restoration Network
Saturday, August 23 5-8 PM
Patagonia Lumber Company
Celebrate the season of renewal with Borderlands Restoration Network at our Monsoon Mixer! Join us for a casual evening gathering where you can connect with BRN staff, board members, and fellow supporters who care deeply about restoring and protecting the borderlands.
Enjoy music from Connie Brannock & Little House of Funk, a great beer and wine selection, and delightful company as we share updates from the field, stories from the borderlands, and our vision for the work ahead. This is a special opportunity to meet the people behind the work and learn how your support makes a lasting impact.
Let’s raise a glass to rain, resilience, and restoration. We can’t wait to see you there!
Award-winning early music ensemble Magdalena to perform free concert in Patagonia
From Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts:
We are thrilled to announce that the Benderly-Kendall Opera House has again been selected as the first of three venues for the concert winners of the 2025 Arizona Early Music Emerging Ensemble Residency Program. This prestigious program aims to support and showcase new talents in the field of early music (music from the 14th and 15th centuries, played on period instruments). We are honored to host Magdalena—this year’s winning ensemble—at our exquisite venue in Patagonia.
We hope you won’t miss this opportunity to be part of an exciting musical event!
Join us on Wednesday August 27 at 5pm in congratulating the performers and celebrating their dedication to enriching the world of early music!
Get ready for the 110th Annual Labor Day Rodeo — it’s almost here! Tickets will be available starting July 30 at SonoitaFairgrounds.com — so hold on to your hats and mark your calendars!
From the Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts (SCFPA):
The announcement for our upcoming season was designed by the talented Paula Schaper and inspired by Pat McNamara’s wonderful work of art. Please mark your calendars for the 2025-2026 season at the Benderly-Kendall Opera House. Tickets will go on sale September 15.
Recurring Events
From the 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
Alcoholics Anonymous:
- Sonoita Bible Church – Tuesdays at 7pm, 3174 N. Doors open at 6:30. Highway 83, Sonoita. Zoom option: 601-758-3907.
- Patagonia Methodist Community Church – Thursdays at 6:30pm. 387 McKeown Ave., Patagonia. Contact Dave at 207-249-8302.
Overeaters Anonymous: to find a meeting go to oasouthernaz.org. Contact Adrienne H. for more info 520-404-3490.
The Patagonia Senior Center has 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.
Click here to consult the PRT’s ‘Community Calendar’ for additional events and meetings.
Employment Opportunities
To list an employment opportunity, please contact Nisa Talavera at prtads@gmail.com or 740-206-9594.
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
Click here to consult the PRT’s ‘Community Calendar’ for additional events and meetings.
Our Advertisers
For information on advertising in the PRT’s print edition, Weekly News Bulletin, website or a custom package, please contact Nisa Talavera at prtads@gmail.com or 740-206-9594.
Private collector interested in buying good quality minerals from the Patagonia area and other Arizona locations. Please contact Bob Stewart, 315-440-2786 (Sahuarita)
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