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Photo gallery of the week
Author Todd Goddard holds up a copy of his new biography on the late author/poet/screenwriter (and part-time Patagonia resident) Jim Harrison during a “fireside chat” about Harrison last Saturday at the Tin Shed. Photo by Jay Vandevoort 
Host/moderator Lars Marshall (left) enjoys an insight about Jim Harrison offered by his biographer, Todd Goddard. Photo by Jay Vandevoort 
Photo by Jay Vandevoort 
Photo by Jay Vandevoort 
Photo by Jay Vandevoort
Todd Goddard, author of the new Jim Harrison biography “Devouring Time: Jim Harrison, a Writer’s Life,” was in Patagonia last Saturday afternoon for a special “fireside chat” about the late author/poet/screenwriter — and part-time Patagonia resident — at the Tin Shed Theater. The event, moderated by Lars Marshall and presented by the Patagonia Public Library, attracted over 70 attendees. Video of the entire chat is available to stream at the Library’s YouTube channel.
News
Modest agenda set for tonight’s Patagonia Town Council meeting
The Patagonia Town Council will hold its second regular meeting this month on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 6 p.m. As always, members of the public may attend the Council meeting in person or via Zoom: Meeting I.D. 957-511-4862, password 338501.
Click here for the meeting’s complete agenda, as well as a link to archived video of the council’s Feb. 11 meeting.
Meet County Supervisor John Fanning in Sonoita next week
Lobos open baseball season at home today…
By Dave Lumia
The Lobos take on San Miguel in their baseball season opener today at 3:45 p.m. They are right back in action on Thursday, when they host San Simon.
Patagonia’s record climbed to 2-14 a year ago, with the two victories bookending the season. It’s been a gradual progression from 0-15 in 2024 and 1-15 in 2024.
Coach Ryan Shore is hesitant to put a number on his goals for the season.
“What I want to see from them (the team) is the same kind of attitude and the same kind of improvement that we had in basketball,” he said. “Being there every day, working hard, improving the whole season, and we’ll see who we can be at the end of the year.”
Click here to read our full baseball season preview.
… and tennis season starts Monday vs. Duncan
The Patagonia High School tennis season opens Monday with a home match against Duncan. The Lobos have a busy schedule, with 11 matches total (seven at home), plus the HT Clothier Invitational on March 7 at Duncan. The six-player roster is led by seniors Jaxon Yslava and Skylar Sanchez, and David Clovesko-Wharton returns as head coach. Patagonia will not field a girls team this year, as only one player turned out. —Dave Lumia
20 nonprofits awarded Santa Cruz Community Foundation grants
The Santa Cruz Community Foundation has awarded a total of $99,800 to 20 Santa Cruz County nonprofit organizations for 2025-2026. Click here for the complete list of this year’s grant winners. Congratulations to all of the winners!
Patagonia Pool updates the community on its plans for 2026
From Patagonia Regional Aquatics Center:
Spring is in the air … and the Patagonia Regional Aquatics Center volunteers have been busy maintaining the pool and planning for 2026, since the pool closed in November for the winter.
The work to keep our beloved pool running never stops. Fundraising appeals, grant writing, our famous yard sales and of course, caring for the pool itself — scrubbing, vacuuming, equipment maintenance. It all continues day in and out, around the calendar by our all-volunteer-run non-profit.
Click here to read the complete update.
My Furry Valentine: The honorable mentions!
Welcome back to the 2026 edition of the PRT’s annual My Furry Valentine photo contest. Among the more than 70 entries we received, dogs definitely ruled the day, but cats made a nice showing. This week we are featuring the runners-up in each of the five categories.
“Cutest” honorary mention goes to Pennie, “or La Frida, as she looks in this photo,” writes Samantha Morriss Collins. “Pennie is the most beautiful dog. Don’t be fooled, her full name is Penniewise the Hound as Stephen King’s character from his work, IT, is truly her twin flame. We love our little psycho so much, out of true love or fear we aren’t sure… but it’s all the same, right?” 
“Don’t Worry Be Happy” honorary mention goes to Sal. Starr Denzler writes, “Sal is my German Shepherd/Chow mix and the sweetest soul you could ever meet. She has the most charming habit of sitting like a human, balanced way back on her haunches, as if she’s part of the family conversation. She adores people and other dogs and has a disposition that simply draws smiles from anyone who meets her. Whenever she looks at you, you can’t help but smile—there’s something so genuine and joyful about her presence. We found Sal at the Nogales animal control facility. The moment our eyes met through the fence, I knew I couldn’t walk away. It was one of those instant connections that changes everything. Since that day, she has been by our side—traveling with us, flying like a champ, and accompanying us wherever we go. She even accompanies us into stores, where she is always welcomed and greeted by people who can’t resist petting her. Sal isn’t just a pet—she is my best friend. Her loyalty and gentle spirit make every day better. You truly can’t help but love this dog.” 
The “BFFs” honorary mention goes to Marley (dog) and Fiona. “They are the sweetest odd couple,” writes Heather Robinson. “He is so gentle with her and she is so bossy to him.” 
“Pets & People” honorary mention goes to Silver and Dorothy. “They have a special bond,” Rainey Carpenter writes. “Where she goes, he follows!” 
“Golden Oldies” honorary mention goes to Tsala. Samantha M. Collins writes, “She is forever our Golden Girl, who would naturally fit in with Rose, Blanche, and the other two GGs!!”
Click here to see the contest winners, as announced in last week’s bulletin. And once again, our thanks to all of this year’s entrants!
Ellie and Ramos make it official
Ellie, the adopted daughter of Chris and Lori Johnson, and Ramos, the adopted son of Mike and Janet Veta, were joined in joyful matrimony on Valentine’s Day, marking the first recorded dog wedding in Sonoita. Photo by Pat McNamara 
The couple were supported by their best friends Abby as the maid of honor and Shiloh as the best man. Photo by Pat McNamara
By Pat McNamara
Friends, family and virtual strangers gathered at Sunset Ride Vineyards’ tasting room in The Coop on Valentine’s Day for the union of Ellie Johnson and Ramos Veta. Several of the attendees to the gala event were also accompanied by their canine companions to witness this momentous occasion.
Ellie, the adopted daughter of Chris and Lori Johnson, and Ramos, the adopted son of Mike and Janet Veta, were joined in joyful matrimony, marking the first recorded dog wedding in Sonoita.
Ellie was resplendent in her white silk and netted gown, her lovely pink collar festooned with rhinestones. Ramos sported a dashing but understated bowtie collar. The couple were supported by their best friends Abby as the maid of honor and Shiloh as the best man.
Music was provided by Terry Fox, whose rendition of Jimmy Buffett’s “Like My Dog” brought howls of laughter and a few tears to those gathered for this historic event, including their canine companions.
The bride is 9 years old and has a rather mysterious lineage and past. She was rescued by the Johnsons while residing at the Elgin dump. The groom has a more royal lineage, having a long line of Great Pyrenees ancestors in his pedigree.
The happy couple will reside in their respective family homes while maintaining their careers. Ellie is currently “assistant” manager and greeter at The Coop in Sonoita while Ramos is head of security at the Veta residence. They both share an interest in pest removal and couch warming.
The family requested donations to Pima County Animal Center instead of gifts.
First it was wide loads. Now it’s … coatis?
Drivers on local highways have become used to traffic being slowed for wide loads in recent months. Now, as seen in this video shot last week on SR 82 between Patagonia and Patagonia Lake by the PRT’s own Priscilla Bolaños, there’s a new reason you may need to give yourself extra time to get somewhere: Battling coatis are taking over the highway. With the County’s recent rabies alert in mind, Bolaños dutifully reported the unusual incident to animal control. We’ll let you know if we find out more.
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
BLM is offering permits to collect dead and downed mesquite west of Cieneguita Campground through March 1: click here for more information
JP-East Justice Court services are available every 1st and 3rd Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM 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.
(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.
Sonoita Elementary’s Erickson wins SOSAZ ‘Superintendent of the Year’ award
Sonoita Elementary School District Superintendent Daniel Erickson has been named the 2026 Superintendent of the Year by Save Our Schools Arizona Network as part of its “Champions of Public Education” awards. Click here to read the press release.
From Patagonia Parent-Teacher Booster Club:
Dine out for a great cause! Join us for our upcoming restaurant fundraisers and help support Patagonia students, events, and activities. Bring your family and friends and dine local on these upcoming dates! Click here for more details.
Free Fridays STEAM class for 4th-8th graders in Patagonia
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 Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch:
March 6 at the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch: join Olya Weekley from the Tucson Bird Alliance to learn more about the hidden hazards in bird-friendly yards.
RSVP required! Sign up for this and future potlucks: https://bit.ly/2026potlucks
March 6, 2026 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch
RSVP: https://bit.ly/2026potlucks
Bring a dish to share
From the Patagonia Museum:
The Patagonia Museum has been chosen to host the “Road to 250: Arizona Traveling Museum” on Saturday, March 7 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Patagonia Museum, 320 School Street. This traveling museum is housed in a 40-foot trailer and will be parked on our museum grounds. The traveling museum includes Arizona’s replica of the Liberty Bell as well as exhibits on American and Arizona history, as our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We hope to see you all on this very special day.
Are we excited that 2026 is the Year of the Horse? You bet your boots we are!
Come ride through rolling hills on trails that cowboys have travelled for over 100 years during our annual Spring Trail Ride on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the Historic Empire Ranch in Sonoita, AZ.
Two-hour guided rides depart at 8:00 am, 11:00 am & 2:00 pm. Rent a horse or Bring Your Own. Enjoy live music, docent tours, and lunch before or after your ride.
Registration closes on March 23, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to experience a piece of authentic western history! Sign-up today: empireranchfoundation.org
Recurring Events
To list an event, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
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 1pm after senior lunch
February 26: THE LORD’S PRAYER — Chuck Kelly on the prayer, as understood in Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke
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.
Research Fellow at Appleton-Whittell Ranch
We’re now accepting applications for our 2026 cohort of Appleton-Whittell Research Fellows.
Each year this program awards up to three early-career scientists with:
- A cash award of $1,000 to be used on any research-related expenses; gear, books, travel, conferences, etc.
- A $500 housing voucher to be used for lodging on the Research Ranch
- Opportunities to share their work through our annual AWRR Fellowship Webinar Series and Audubon websites, newsletters, social media, and more
Applications are due by midnight on March 30 and more information (including eligibility details, information about past fellows, and a scoring rubric) can be found here.
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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