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News
Patagonia Mayor Wood to run
unopposed for third term
By Jay Babcock
Two-term incumbent Patagonia Mayor Andy Wood will run unopposed in the town’s July 21 primary election after no other qualified elector submitted a nomination package by the March 23 deadline, Town Manager Ron Robinson told the PRT on Tuesday.
Robinson said only one elector, Caleb Weaver, submitted the necessary paperwork to run for the Town Council seat currently held by Steve Finch. Robinson said Finch had decided not to seek re-election.
The PRT first reported the March 23 deadline on March 14, after a staff member spotted a one-page public notice regarding the primary election, dated Feb. 11, posted inconspicuously in the Patagonia Post Office lobby. The Town’s Feb. 11 notice had not been posted on the “Public Notices” section of the Town’s website.
Open meetings violation in Gutfahr case leads to ruling of ‘null and void’
On March 17, Dewain D. Fox, judge of the Superior Court of Maricopa County, declared Santa Cruz County’s lawsuit against the state of Arizona in the Elizabeth Gutfahr case null and void.
This is a significant development in that the county hoped to use any funds they might win from the State as a result of this action to help repay amounts owed to various other entities who suffered losses from former County Treasurer Gutfahr’s embezzlement. If the dismissal stands – and the county is certain to appeal the ruling – loss of this source of funds will be a big loss to the county.
Click here to continue reading this article.
Town Council to discuss spending limits, private $400K donation to library
The Patagonia Town Council will hold its second regular meeting this month today 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
Agenda items for this Wednesday’s meeting include:
- A public hearing for the presentation of an Alternative Expenditure Limitation Report by Town Manager Ron Robinson, followed by public comments, council questions, and possible action to adopt a resolution supporting an extension of the AELR through fiscal year 2031.
- Discussion and possible action to OK depositing a donation check from the Judith Whitcomb estate for $400,000 “into the local government investment pool designated for the Patagonia Municipal [sic] Library.”
- Discussion and possible action to sign an “ADEQ Open Burn Delegation Agreement” application with Patagonia Volunteer Fire & Rescue.
Today’s meeting will follow a 5:30 p.m. special public hearing centered on hearing citizens’ concerns about water protections with regards to the Community Protection and Benefit Agreement being negotiated by the Town, the City of Nogales, Santa Cruz County and South32 Hermosa. For more information, see “Town of Patagonia’s series of 5 public hearings on CPBA begins Wednesday.”
Patagonian man arrested in connection with 2025 traffic death
From Arizona Department of Public Safety, March 16:
Detectives with the Arizona Department of Public Safety Vehicular Crimes Unit arrested a Patagonia man in connection with the death of a 37-year-old victim who fell from a pickup truck in Tucson in September 2025.
On March 9, 2026, detectives took Jack Crawford, 52, of Patagonia, AZ, into custody for failure to stop at the scene of an accident involving death.
A lengthy investigation by Southern VCU detectives determined that on September 7, 2025, Michael Stewart, 37, was riding in the bed of a pickup truck driven by Crawford when he fell from the vehicle near State Route 77 and Golder Ranch Road. Stewart sustained fatal injuries and was later found deceased in the roadway by passing motorists. Detectives determined that Crawford did not stop to render aid and never reported the incident to law enforcement.
Through continued investigative work, VCU detectives located Crawford in Patagonia, where he was arrested without incident.
Holy Week & Easter services at Santa Rita Abbey
From Santa Rita Abbey:
March 29, Palm Sunday – Mass at 8:00 a.m.
April 2, Holy Thursday – Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 5:15 p.m.
April 3, Good Friday – Solemn Afternoon Liturgy at 3:00 p.m.
April 5, Easter Sunday – Easter Vigil at 3:30 a.m., Easter Day Mass at 8:00 a.m.
All are welcome!
The long awaited tick study update
By Eric Herman
Hello everyone, while the CDC was studying the ticks you donated, much happened: TIC toc blew up, TIC tacs faded out, our abioTIC and bioTIC features outside of town came under threat, my peripateTIC life continued, and I was TICKled to share we finally have some analyTIC data. Now that the emphaTIC puns have lost their imagisTIC touch, let’s get to the dramaTIC climacTIC finish …
To remind folks, in 2021 the communities of Elgin, Sonoita and Patagonia began collecting ticks, gifted them to me, and they were shipped to the CDC to test for the bacteria Rickettsia parkeri, which causes a form of spotted fever. The ticks collected were all the gulf coast (Amblyomma maculatum) species. The first batch of our collections have been processed with the rest stored for future use. As of now, 13.3% of the Santa Cruz County ticks had the Rickettsia parkeri bacteria. Collections in Cochise County yielded 41.4%. Now, it is nothing to be overly concerned about. Have a tick … take it off. There’s lot of information online, or e-mail me at Eric.Herman@atozec.com with any questions.
Thanks again for everyone’s participation; more so, thank you to all our doggos that brought home the ticks! I will let folks know when the CDC’s final paper is made available to the public.
102 seconds of Sky Islands critters captured on volunteer wildlife cams in February
From Sky Island Alliance:
FotoFauna highlights are in from February….
FotoFauna is a growing network of 326 individuals and organizations in the Sky Islands, with wildlife cameras set up in the U.S. and Mexico. It’s easy to get started. Just set up a wildlife camera in your backyard and submit an online monthly checklist of species you observe. In addition to being fun and another way to form community, the data will help us study when and where wildlife is present so we can better protect their habitats.
To learn more, visit: https://ow.ly/5C3o50TTLT7.
Public Service Announcements
To submit an announcement, please email prtadast@gmail.com. Image files should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format.
From East Santa Cruz County Community Food Bank:
Holiday Ham Distribution, Saturday March 28 starting at 9:00 am at the Food Bank, 772 Harshaw Ave, Patagonia.
ADOT’s SR 83 lane restrictions in Sonoita are scheduled to continue through April: click here for more information.
From Patagonia Regional Aquatic Center:
PRAC is happy to announce we have some fun events coming up in April, as well as a pool opening date!
Our first event is a FREE OPEN HOUSE PLUNGE PARTY happening Saturday, April 11 from 12:00 to 3:00. They’ll be fun and games, light refreshments and a mostly heated pool. Lifeguards will be on duty. We’ll be selling pool passes and punch cards along with a raffle on April 12. (Details on fees will be provided shortly.)
Patagonia Lumber Company will be holding a PRAC fundraising party on April 12 from 3:30 to 7:00, complete with Greek food and music. We’ll also be selling passes at that event.
The most exciting part is opening for our spring hours on Monday, April 13!! Lap swimming at 9:00 and Water Aerobics at 10:45. Our spring hours will be Monday, Wednesdays 9:00 to 12:00, and Fridays from 9:00 to 2:00.
See you at the pool! And at PLC! Opa!
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.
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!
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.
Event title: Border BioBlitz
Date: Saturday, April 4, 8am-11am
Location: Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve; 150 Blue Haven Road, Patagonia, AZ 85624
Description: Be a part of this citizen science effort to document the unique biodiversity along the U.S.-Mexico border! Please come prepared with a shade hat, water bottle, sturdy shoes, and a smartphone with the iNaturalist app downloaded.
April 11, 2026: Arizona250 Celebration at the Historic San Rafael Ranch
From Arizona State Parks:
Join us for a special Arizona250 celebration at San Rafael Ranch Historic District, located within the San Rafael State Natural Area.
This commemorative event invites the public to experience one of Arizona’s most significant historic ranching sites while celebrating Arizona’s rich heritage, landscapes, and communities. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore the historic ranch house, learn about the San Rafael Valley’s ranching and conservation legacy, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding short-grass prairie.
The park is not currently open to the public for general visitation, so this commemorative event is a do-not-miss. Connect with Arizona’s past while supporting the preservation of this remarkable place for future generations!
This event is brought to you by the Friends of San Rafael Valley and Arizona State Parks and Trails. Visit their website at https://fosrv.org. Stay tuned for updates on programming offered and educational partners joining the celebration.
Self guided ranch house tours and educational displays will be offered throughout the day. A dedication of property as an Important Bird Area will be held at 10 a.m.
Know before you go! This location is in a remote area with no amenities, approximately 2 hours south of Tucson, east of Patagonia, Arizona. Plan ahead by bringing plenty of drinking water and fuel. Drive only on designated motor vehicle routes (includes dirt road surface suitable for most vehicles in regular conditions). See an area map and additional information from the Patagonia Mountains and the San Rafael Valley Recreation Opportunity Guide by the USFS – Coronado National Forest at https://www.fs.usda.gov/…/PatagoniaMountainsROG_RG-R3….
This is an Outdoors250 event: a proud part of America250, a nationwide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States and reflecting on our shared history, values, and future. Learn more at AZStateParks.com/Outdoors250.
EVENT OFFERINGS
– International Bird Area dedication at 10 a.m.
– Self-guided ranch house tours
– Educational displays (leather tooling demo)
– Guided bird walks
– Live performances by musicians Andy Hersey and Bruce Andre
– Food available for purchase from Las Vigas Steak Ranch and Food TruckPARTNERS and SPECIAL GUESTS
– 4-H Youth Development – UA Cooperative Extension
– Arizona Game and Fish Department
– Arizona Revegetation and Monitoring Company
– Audubon Southwest
– Arizona Antelope Foundation
– Friends of Sonoita Creek
– Mescal Movie Set
– Natural Resources Conservation Services NRCS
– Pimeria Alta Museum
– Rio Rico Historical Society
– Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area
– Tucson Bird Alliance
– United States Forest Service — Coronado National Forest with Smokey BearPlease register for this event at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SARATour04112026.
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.
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 1 p.m. after senior lunch
March 26: ANXIETY — Patra Kelly on coping with the stresses of life
April 2: DO I NEED A WILL? — Jim McMahon shares an attorney’s perspective
April 9: HISTORY OF MUSIC — Janet Palmer on Camina Burana
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, Arizona.
Find the full position description and apply today at nature.ly/3NheXj4
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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