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Photo of the week
Above: A family of great horned owls, pictured above, has taken up residence at the Sonoita Fairgrounds as the facility’s Watch Team.
“Weโve affectionately named them The Henrys,” wrote Fairgrounds staff on Facebook, “[as] the name Henry comes from the Germanic name Heimirich, meaning ‘ruler of the home’ or ‘guardian of the household.’
“Known as the ‘Tigers of the Night,’ great horned owls are powerful and highly skilled hunters. They can carry prey several times heavier than themselves, and are even known to hunt and eat rattlesnakes.”
Regarding this photo, Fairgrounds staff wrote, “We recently spotted one of their parents perched next to them, keeping a watchful eye on the youngsters. Seeing all three together was a special reminder that the fairgrounds are home to more than just events, theyโre home to wildlife too. Weโre excited to share this glimpse of our growing owl family and will continue to keep an eye out for more owl updates to share with you all.”
News
Santa Cruz Humane Society to close in Fall
By Dave Lumia
The Santa Cruz Humane Society, a Nogales-based nonprofit that operates a no-kill shelter for cats and dogs, announced last week that it will be closing in early Fall due to rising operational costs and dwindling financial support.
In a letter addressed to โall our friends of the Santa Cruz Humane Society,โ board president Sue Rogers wrote that the organization will remain operational โuntil every animal in our current care is adopted or released to other rescues.โ The Nogales International reported that the facility is currently home to 38 dogs and 18 cats. The Humane Society has established a GoFundMe to help with expenses while it winds down its operations.
The organizationโs Facebook page said that annual expenses for the shelter โ including supplies, food and medications, utilities and payroll โ are approximately $384,000. It relies almost entirely on donations for revenue.
The shelter, located at 232 E. Patagonia Highway, serves all of Santa Cruz County, offering pets for adoption and low-cost spay and neuter surgeries and vaccinations.
Rogersโs letter said that Dr. Roberto Rojas will continue to provide services for as long as the shelter is operational.
Santa Cruz County Animal Control also operates a shelter for dogs and cats at 1368 N Hohokam Drive, but it has a smaller capacity than the Humane Society and is currently full.
Tonight’s Council meeting set to include hearing, possible vote on $6.9 million annual budget
By Jay Babcock
The Town of Patagonia will hold a regular Town Council meeting tonight, Wednesday, June 9 at 6pm in Town Hall Council Chambers at 310 McKeown Avenue. The meeting, which is open to the public, can also be attended via Zoom: meeting I.D. is 957-511-4862, password is 338501.
During the meeting, the Council will conduct a public hearing on the Town’s proposed $6,929,139 budget for fiscal year 2026-7, which begins July 1, 2026. The hearing will include public comments and discussions by Town Council, and will be followed by Council discussion and a possible vote to formally adopt the budget.
Although the proposed budget, prepared by Town Manager Ron Robinson, was previously discussed at Town Council study session on May 6, it has never been made available on the Town’s website. Yesterday, the Town provided the PRT with a collection of files forming the proposed budget, which PRT staff have compiled into a 10-page PDF, downloadable here.
The FY 2027 budget includes $3,346,000 in possible grant income, a massive increase from FY 2026.
The budget also includes an estimated $460,000 shortfall in expected annual sales tax revenues for FY 2026. At the May 6 study session, according to the official minutes, Town Manager Ron Robinson attributed the shortfall to South32 “busing their contractors and employee’s [sic] in for about a year to year and a half and the result of reduced traffic shows up in the local sales tax.”
The proposed FY 2027 expenditures, as listed on Schedule E in the document, include:
- Administration: $512,684
- Fire Contract: $75,000
- Parks: $182,236
- Library: $227,527
- Law Enforcement: $445,977
Other items on the agenda for tonight’s Council meeting include:
- Discussion and possible action to approve an agreement for fire protection and emergency medical services between the Town and Patagonia Volunteer Fire & Rescue.
- Discussion and possible action to accept Rodrigo Sierra-Corona’s resignation from the Town’s Flood & Flow Committee and appoint Chuck Klingenstein in his place.
For the meeting’s full agenda, click here.
Little Leaguers prep for tournament
By Dave Lumia
Santa Cruz Little League, representing Sonoita, Elgin and Patagonia, will send a team
of 10 All-Stars to compete in the 9-11 year-old Minor League division at the District 8
tournament in Sierra Vista.
Santa Cruzโs first game will be Friday, June 26, at 7:30 p.m. vs. Nogales. The
tournament will continue through Friday, July 3. All games will be played at the Stone
Sports Complex.
Santa Cruzโs roster includes Atlas Bohm, Jhet Hubbell, Patrick Krizan, Hatley Mathews,
Brantley Orona, Eligh (Chato) Padilla, Ty Peterson, Jax Raley, Owen Thomas and Hayes Thomas. The team is coached by Evan Raley, Fred Bohm and Aaron Thomas.
Santa Cruz won the district title last year while competing in the 8-10 division and went
on to post a 2-2 record in the state tournament.
Cowbelles elect officers
Micaela McGibbon (far right), Arizona State Cowbelles President, was on hand at a recent meeting of the Santa Cruz County Cowbelles for installation of 2026-27 officers. Serving two-year terms will be (from left) Barbara Noon Harris, president; Karen Bond, vice president; Lou Apperson, treasurer; and, Tina Bockstahler, secretary. The SCC Cowbelles includes two chapters โ Elgin-Sonoita and Tubac-Amado. โ Carrie White
PVFR seeks donations for 4th of July fireworks
From Patagonia Volunteer Fire & Rescue:
The 4th of July is right around the corner!
Every year, the Patagonia Volunteer Fire Department is proud to help bring our community together with a fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day. This year, PVFD is solely responsible for funding the entire fireworks show, including all fireworks, permits, and associated costs. These donations are what make the fireworks possible.
If you enjoy this annual tradition and would like to help keep it alive for our community, please consider making a donation. Every dollar goes directly toward this year’s fireworks display.
Donation boxes are placed at several of your favorite local businesses around town. You can also mail donations to:
Patagonia Volunteer Fire & Rescue
P.O. Box 497
Patagonia, AZ 85624We greatly appreciate the support of our community and look forward to celebrating Independence Day together. Thank you for helping us make this year’s fireworks show possible!
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference.
Burro duo at large in Patagonia
By Jay Babcock
Two donkeys, possibly a mother and a youngster, have been loose on the streets of Patagonia since last Wednesday, June 3, easily evading capture by authorities and concerned residents while charming the rest of the town with their antics. Who are the owners? No one seems to know. Where are the burros now? In the cemetery. No, up on the mesa. Over by Nancy McCoy’s house. They were in the park late Friday night. The latest rumor, reported by David Luna yesterday, is that “Mini Burro has been roped and caught by two local kids on quad.” The PRT has been unable to confirm. Stay tuned.
Public Service Announcements
To submit an announcement, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
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 โ bringing access to justice closer to Elgin, Sonoita, Canelo and Patagonia. Weโre 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!
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!
Patagonia Museum events
From the Patagonia Museum:
On Friday, June 12, the Patagonia Museum will host a highway cleanup at 7 a.m. Please meet at Beaty Lane and Highway 82 a few minutes prior to 7 a.m. for a safety briefing.
On Saturday, June 13, the Patagonia Museum will host a workday at the Lochiel Schoolhouse from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please bring water, lunch and gloves.
From U.S. Forest Service โ Coronado National Forest:
National Get Outdoors Day is coming to Parker Canyon Lake! ๏ฟฝ
Join us on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a FREE family-friendly event focused on getting kids and families outdoors to explore, learn, and recreate in our beautiful public lands.
Enjoy a guided nature walk, live snakes, water games, photobooth, free gift bags (while supplies last, one per family), and visits from Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl!
We will also have the FREE military lifetime America the Beautiful pass available for veterans with proper ID.
Plus, grab a bite from local food vendors offering coffee, lemonades, ice cream, Philly cheesesteaks, nachos, and more. (For purchase)
๏ฟฝ Free Day Use
๏ฟฝ Parker Canyon Lake
๏ฟฝ 9:00 a.m. โ 2:00 p.m.Come discover new ways to enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, and make lasting family memories. We hope to see you there!
From Tucson Bird Alliance:
Paton Center Firefly Survey with the Xerces Society
Wednesday, June 17, 6:30โ8pm
Did you know that there are fireflies in Southeast Arizona?! There are and they need our help.
Join Saff Killingsworth from the The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation for a presentation about Southeast Arizona’s amazing fireflies at the Paton Center for Hummingbirds. We’ll talk about firefly diversity and biology, their threats, and conservation efforts to protect these special creatures. We’ll also conduct a Firefly Atlas survey for the rare and imperiled Southwest springs firefly. Specific instructions will be emailed beforehand. Limited to 12 participants.
From Patagonia Volunteer Fire & Rescue:
Join us as we celebrate 102 years of service at our 49th Annual Steak Fry on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 4:00 PM โ 10:00 PM at The Gazebo in Patagonia Town Park.
Steak Dinner โ $25
Vegan Dinner โ $25
Children 12 & Under Ground Steak Dinner โ $15
Dinner includes: Steak or Burger, Beans, Coleslaw, Salsa, Tortilla, Drink
Live Music by Slack & Friends, Raffle, Live Auction, Fun for the Whole Family!
All proceeds and donations will be used to help improve department equipment and facilities, allowing us to continue serving our community.
Mark your calendars and come enjoy a great evening of food, music, and community while supporting your local volunteers. We look forward to seeing you there!
To purchase tickets:
โข Send us a message on Facebook
โข Contact any PVFD volunteer
โข Pick up tickets at The Velvet Elvis
โข Pick up tickets at Red Mountain Foods
No worries if you canโt purchase tickets ahead of time, they will also be available for purchase at the event!
Don’t waitโtickets are limited, and this is always a great community event. We look forward to seeing everyone there for a great meal, good music, and an evening supporting your Patagonia Volunteer Fire Department!
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.
The Sonoita Food Pantry at The Vine Church has new hours. It is now open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Monthly bird walks at the Paton Center
From the Paton Center:
Fun news: we will now be having regular monthly Paton Center bird walks led by docent Wayne Smith on the fourth Saturday of every month! Join us for a relaxing morning featuring short, easy walks (less than a mile total) along trails like the Cuckoo Corridor and Gray Hawk Birding Trail. Weโll also spend some unhurried time enjoying the activity around the bird feeders.
-Alexis Stark, Paton Center Site Manager
Boat tours at Patagonia Lake State Park
Every Saturday and Sunday, $7 per adult, $5 per child (13 years and under)
- 9 a.m. Avian Adventure Tour
- 10:15 a.m. Avian Adventure Tour
- 11:30 a.m. Lake Discovery Tour
- Twilight Tour on Saturdays only. Time varies.
Call the park to make your reservation: 520-287-2791
Boat rentals are available at the Patagonia Lake Marina.
Alcoholics Anonymous:
- Sonoita Bible Church โ Tuesdays at 7pm, 3174 N. Highway 83, Sonoita. Doors open at 6:30. Zoom option: 601-758-3907.
- Patagonia Methodist Community Church โ 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.
Farmers Markets
Patagonia Farmers and Crafts Market – Thursdays 10am-12pm by Red Mountain Foods.
Sonoita Farmers Market โ Saturday Mornings 9am-12pm at the Sonoita Post Office parking lot (NW corner of Hwy 82/83)
Sierra Vista Farmers Market โ Thursday 10am-2pm at Veteranโs Memorial Park
Nogales “Little” Mercado โ 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 โ or a custom package โ contact Priscilla Bolanos at prtads@gmail.com or 520-313-6062.
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A 2026 CORE Grant from the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona provides the Patagonia Regional Times with valuable operating support.