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News
Limited civil court services coming to Eastern Santa Cruz County in January
From Adriana Olaiz, Justice of the Peace for Santa Cruz County:
Dec. 10, 2025
Exciting news for our eastern Santa Cruz County communities!
Beginning January 16, 2026, the Santa Cruz County Justice Court is launching JP-East, a pilot program bringing limited civil court services directly to Sonoita, Elgin, Canelo, and Patagonia.
JP-East will be available every 1st and 3rd Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Sonoita Community Space/County Building.
Civil cases only, and services apply to new filings made on or after January 16, 2026.
This program is about one thing: expanding access to justice and reducing barriers for our rural communities. I’m proud to take this step forward for the people we serve.
For more information, call (520) 375-7661 or email sccjc@courts.az.gov
This Saturday, Dec. 13: Holiday Food Bag distribution at Food Bank—includes frozen four-pound ham
From East Santa Cruz County Community Food Bank:
Come pick up your December Holiday Food Bag including a dozen eggs and a frozen four-pound ham, at the Food Bank, 772 Harshaw Ave, Saturday December 13, between 8:30 and 10:30am.
Telling it like it was
By Sondra Porter
Last Saturday, a standing-room-only group filled the Patagonia Library to listen to longtime locals share their stories about growing up in Patagonia and the surrounding areas when the region was a much different place from the one we know today.
Speakers at the event, entitled “Living Treasures,” included Patti Holbrook Oliver, Joe Quiroga, Arnulfo (Arnie) De La Ossa, Ophelia De La Ossa and Bob Bergier. Maureen De La Ossa facilitated. Saturday’s event was a follow-up to the first “Living Treasures” event earlier this year.
The PRT will have an extended feature report on the event in our Jan. 2026 edition.
New visions from Patagonia artist Paula Wittner on view now in Nogales
By Linda Jade Fong
Patagonia artist Paula Wittner’s most recent works are featured in a solo show called “It’s a Matter of Time” on now at La Linea gallery in Nogales.
Where does the title come from? “So many thoughts come into all my paintings,” Wittner explained. “And I put so much time into them, and the thoughts become matter, an actual thing, a painting.”
As for time, take the portrait she painted of Evan Kory, the concert pianist who has re-invented Nogales into an arts area and who was the first artist-in-residence here in Patagonia at the Opera House for the Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts. Kory said he actually sat for that painting for “maybe 20 hours or so, six or seven sittings. It was fascinating to witness her process from beginning to end.”
Wittner’s paintings are, to say the least, unconventional, and the titles add another layer of her patented absurdity and humor. See for example, a painting started during the pandemic and first titled “Hope” with a man planting a peach tree. “Then after the pandemic, the world started getting noisy,” said Paula. In a rework of the painting, suddenly in the sky appeared a clown. New title: “What was that sound?”
Viewers stepping into the show are surrounded by bold colors and expressions and surprising objects like alligators out of a hat or surgeons working on Mr. Potato Head—basically the unexpected.
“I find myself in each of her paintings,” laughed one viewer.
The show closes on Jan. 17, 2026 with a party from 5-9pm. Until then, the gallery is open Wed and Thu 6-9pm, Fri 11am-2pm, and Sat, when Paula is on site, 11am-2pm.
PRT ‘Starstruck’ columnist Harold Meckler leads free stargazing session Monday, Dec. 15
From the Nature Conservancy:
Join us on Monday, December 15th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. for a special evening event at Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve! All ages are welcome
After a short nature walk, we will look through a telescope with local astronomy enthusiast Harold Meckler. There will be heat lamps, but don’t forget to dress warmly and bring binoculars and a flashlight. RSVP by emailing Preserve Manager Aaron at aaron.mrotek@tnc.org. Learn more: nature.ly/3Y7d75O
Nominate your neighbor for the 4th annual PRT Good Neighbor Awards
Above: A few of the previous years’ winners of the PRT Good Neighbor Award.
The 4th annual PRT Good Neighbor Award will recognize the efforts of residents who are making exceptional contributions to our communities.
Do you have a good neighbor? Are there any unsung heroes in your community? Perhaps somebody has gone above and beyond the normal call of duty during these challenging times. Whether he or she has provided care and support for others, is always on hand when needed, performs acts of kindness, is an active volunteer in the community or has simply been a friendly face around your neighborhood, you can nominate them for the PRT Good Neighbor Award.
If you know someone who resides in Canelo, Elgin, Patagonia or Sonoita who is deserving of this recognition, please nominate them by providing the following information:
- Your Name
- Your Contact Information
- Your Good Neighbor’s Name
- Your Good Neighbor’s Contact Information
- Why is this person a good neighbor? Share a short story about what this person means to the community and what they have done to make it a better place. The more details you share, the better!
Mail your submission before December 30, 2025 to PRT, PO Box 1073, Patagonia AZ 85624, or email to editor@prtnews.org.
The PRT Good Neighbor Award winners, and their nominators, will be featured in the February, 2026 issue of the PRT and will be presented with gift certificates to local businesses.
Previous PRT Good Neighbor Award winners include Darlene Hilgeman (2024), Linda Shore (2024), Chuck Kelly (2023), Dena Ploetz (2023), Jan Pfitzenmaier (2022), Sylas Lattanzio (2022) and Susan Lange (2022).
Remember When?
We’ve published over 3,500 articles from past years’ print editions on the PRT website, with more to come. Take a walk not too far down memory lane with this article from earlier this year…
Locals Share Memories of Growing Up in Patagonia
By Carrie White
May 9, 2025
Maureen De La Ossa, Cynthia, Matus-Morriss, Emma Matus-Voss, German Quiroga and Sylvia Benedict shared memories of their early years here during the May 3 “Living Treasures” event at Patagonia Public Library.
On hand for this inaugural talk was a capacity crowd of 62 who laughed, smiled and chuckled at the ensemble’s youthful recollections: a flipped outhouse—Halloween prank—with De La Ossa inside; roller skating in Cady Hall, the Opera House and a rink positioned behind St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church. And, of course, the dances.
Public Service Announcements
To submit an announcement, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
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.
The Elgin PTC is looking for volunteers for the Community Ugly Sweater Party on Friday, December 19. Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044FADAB28AAFAC52-60871443-ugly#/. Questions can be directed to the PTC at elginptc@elgink12.com. Thank you!
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 Sonoita Fairgrounds:
Sonoita Small Town Christmas is this Saturday from 10am – 4pm. Santa will be here handing out presents from 11am – 1pm! We’ve got so many amazing vendors coming, you don’t want to miss it! Plus, activities for the kids and a Crown B Barrel Race. See you Saturday!
Christmas Eve service at the Patagonia Community Church (387 McKeown Avenue) will be at 7pm on Wednesday, Dec. 24. They write: “Please come and join us at the jewel box on the corner for an evening of special music and a closing candlelight procession. You do not want to miss this special service. “
Recurring Events
To list an event, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
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.
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.
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 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 United Methodist Church
Click here to consult the PRT’s ‘Community Calendar’ for additional events and meetings.
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