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Photo of the week
Above: The players for the Santa Cruz Minor League and Major League teams gather around coach Evan Raley for instruction prior to practice last week at the Sonoita Fairgrounds. Santa Cruz’s Minor League team closed out its regular season with a 12-0 record. The Major Leaguers finished with a 9-3 record after a 10-7 loss in Tuesday night’s finale in Benson. Both teams will move on to the District 8 tournament in Sierra Vista next month. Santa Cruz is the defending district champion for the Minor League age group. —Dave Lumia
News
Former County Attorney’s Office employee indicted for $190k theft
From Santa Cruz County:
May 19, 2026
Indictment Made on Former County Attorney Employee for Theft
Recently, Victor Huerta Jr., a former Santa Cruz County Attorney’s Office Property/Collection Specialist, was indicted by a Grand Jury for Count 1 – Theft, a Class 2 Felony; Count 2 – Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices, a Class 2 Felony; Count 3 – Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices $100,000 or More, a Class 2 Felony; Count 4 – Forgery, a Class 4 Felony; and Count 5 – Money Laundering in The Second Degree, a Class 3 Felony.
On May 18, 2026, Huerta was arraigned on the pending charges in Santa Cruz County Superior Court. It is alleged that Huerta stole $190,412.21 over a period of years while employed by the County Attorney’s Office. The indictment and arraignment are the first steps in holding Huerta accountable for his alleged violations and for violating the public’s trust.
“The indictment also sends a clear and loud message that public employees are not above the law and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The Santa Cruz County Attorney’s Office looks forward to justice being served and will continue to cooperate with the Attorney General’s Office,” said George Silva, Santa Cruz County Attorney.
May 20, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.: ‘Community Workshop Open House’ in Patagonia regarding environmental protections
The Mayor and Council of the Town of Patagonia are conducting an “interactive workshop” this Wednesday, May 20, 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., at Thurber Hall “to gather your specific concerns and local knowledge to help shape environmental protections.” Here is the promotional flyer for the event:
Altercation at Senior Center leads to two suspensions, new ‘no weapons’ sign
By Patra Kelly
Two men, both seniors, got into an altercation at the Patagonia Senior Center on May 1 during the center’s daily lunch hour. Although a loaded gun was involved in the incident, there was no serious physical harm done to the two men or bystanders. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s department responded to a call for assistance, but made no
arrests at the scene.
Security camera video footage reviewed by Senior Citizens of Patagonia Board members shows how the altercation developed.
The two men were sitting at the same table. One man pushed the table toward another during a conversation and also threw water in his face. The second man then got up and violently clawed the first man’s face, who then pushed him against the table, whereupon the second man drew a loaded handgun from a holster.
The first man grabbed the second man’s wrist, thinking now that he was fighting for his life. He knocked the handgun from his opponent’s hand and threw him hard on the floor, thinking he still was armed. When he realized he was not, the fight ended. Soon after, another diner picked up the handgun and unloaded the bullets, then gave it back to its
owner. The sheriff’s office was called and a deputy took the gun and interrogated each man.
On May 11, the Senior Citizens of Patagonia Board decided that both men would not be given lunch at the Senior Center for three months. The town manager later put a no-weapons sign with the town’s logo on the front door of the Senior Center.
One board member who had been a preschool teacher said, “Seniors and 4 year olds are a lot alike.”
‘Snow White’ gets the Club Theater treatment
Snow White (played by Ayla LaDage) finds a new home with the dwarves. Contributed photo 
Six dwarves played by Anderson Porter, Logan Doles, Magali Santos, Ben MacKay, Aurora Aguilera, Espen Hayes. Contributed photo 
The mirror, played by Charlotte Fernandez, made big trouble for Snow White. Contributed photo 
Hi, Ho! It’s off to work for the six dwarves. Contributed photo 
Cast of Snow White and the Six Dwarves. Contributed photo
By Sondra Porter
Club Theater has done it again. After weeks of planning and rehearsals every Friday afternoon, a lively group of adult volunteers and local kids pulled off three impressive productions of “Snow White and the Six Dwarves” directed by Anita Clovesko-Wharton and Kayla Miller.
Club Theater is a theater-based program for local students ages 9-16 sponsored during the school year by the Patagonia Creative Arts Association. Students and adults meet at the Tin Shed on Friday afternoons to create dramatic presentations twice a year for the public.
A total of over 260 children, families and community members attended performances of “Snow White” on May 11 at the Tin Shed Theater in Patagonia. Ayla LaDage put a bit of magic into her role as Snow White, and in addition to all the outstanding student performances, costuming and set design were especially good. Musical guests included Cameron Peak and Nicolas Botz, Patagonia Schools’ music teacher.
Clovesko-Warton gave special thanks to Jeff Gudenkauf for creating the glass coffin and to Cassina Farley, PCAA’s director.
Club Theater is already planning a fall production, making it 20 years of continuing theater in Patagonia.
Scenes from the annual KPUP Luau fundraiser at Patagonia Lumber Co.
News from the Research Ranch, as the Sonoita Plain fades from spring into summer
By Steven Prager, Research Ranch Director, Audubon Southwest
That’s a wrap! The 2026 Potluck Presentation series on the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch is officially over.
During the final event of this year’s season, Jennifer Presler, Nongame Bird and Mammals Biologist with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, introduced the group to her favorite grassland engineer, the black-tailed prairie dog, and provided updates on the department’s effort to reintroduce the species in southeastern Arizona.
One of five prairie dog species in North America and one of two in Arizona, the black-tailed prairie dog once had the widest range of all north American prairie dogs, with colonies dotting the landscape from south-central Canada to northern Mexico.
Sadly, in response to habitat loss and intentional culling, this range has been reduced to less than 2% of its historic extent. Prior to reintroduction efforts, the species had not been observed in Arizona since the 1960s, but today, thanks to the efforts of the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Prairie Dog Conservation Team, an 11-state coalition developed to work collaboratively toward prairie dog recovery, it can be found at reintroduction sites in Cochise, Pima and Santa Cruz counties. Head over to the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area and see these charismatic critters for yourself!
As the Sonoita Plain fades from spring into summer, Ranch staff members will move their focus away from public programming and toward their community of visiting researchers. But fear not, you’ll still have chances to keep tabs on what’s going on! Stay tuned for webinar presentations from this year’s batch of Appleton-Whittell Research Fellows and, if you just can’t wait, head over to Audubon Southwest’s YouTube channel to view past presentations.
Support the PRT – the best source for local news in eastern Santa Cruz County
While the Patagonia Regional Times print edition, website, Facebook page and Weekly News Bulletin are available for free to readers, we rely on the contributions of engaged community members, like you, to ensure local news is published. Please help us continue the vital work of reporting on the local stories that shape our lives and keep our community strong by donating during our spring campaign.
Below, PRT board member Chip Fears shares his reasons for supporting the PRT.
I’ll admit it: My brother loves to joke that I see life as a glass half empty – sometimes even cracked. But every time I pick up my copy of the Patagonia Regional Times, I’m reminded of the hope and resilience in our community. I’ll never forget when a dangerous wildfire threatened our neighborhoods last summer. While rumors swirled online, it was the PRT that brought us timely, accurate updates, helping families stay safe and connected when we needed it most.
The PRT is more than just a news source; it’s the heartbeat of our community. From covering school events and local businesses to investigating critical environmental issues and celebrating community milestones, the PRT tells the stories that matter most – stories that would otherwise go unheard.
“Without the PRT, I wouldn’t have known about the new food pantry that helped my family during a tough time. Their reporting makes a real difference in our lives.”
– Maria Lopez
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– Tom R., Sonoita resident
Today, I’m reaching out with urgency: The PRT can only continue this vital work with your support. Every dollar you give, whether it’s $10, $25 or $100, immediately helps us report on the local stories that shape our lives and keep our community strong.
Your donation directly funds:
- On-the-ground reporting of emergencies and community events
- In-depth investigative journalism on local issues (like water quality or school funding)
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Thanks to past contributions, we’ve launched a weekly online bulletin and sent reporters to cover critical county meetings that impact us all. These achievements are only possible because of community members like you stepping up when it matters most.
Your support is needed now. Please donate to our Spring Fundraising Campaign and help the PRT continue serving as your trusted source for local news and connection. Give whatever you can, every gift makes a difference. Send checks to Patagonia Regional Times, P.O. Box 1073, Patagonia, AZ 85624, or or donate online by clicking here.
With gratitude and hope,
Chip Fears
Patagonia Regional Times Board Member
So, you’re interested in ceramics …
From Patagonia Creative Arts Association:
We are looking to do an ongoing wheel throwing workshop here at PCAA. In preparation we would like to have a clay studio get-together to determine times/dates that work for everybody. We will meet at PCAA on Thursday, May 21, at 5:30 p.m. Call Martha Kelly 520-604-0300 with questions.
Philip Caputo saluted on PBS NewsHour, tributed at Patagonia Public Library
Phil Caputo, the renowned author and longtime wintertime resident of Patagonia who died May 7 at his Connecticut home at the age of 84, was remembered on the May 8 edition of the PBS NewsHour. Click here to view the segment:
The Patagonia Public Library is inviting members of the the community “to stop by the library to check out a book and write a note that we’ll share with (the Caputo) family.”
Remember When?
Take a walk down memory lane with this PRT article from 10 years ago …
Small, affordable houses
By Lynn Davison
May 6, 2016
Can a 300-square foot house meet a need for affordable housing in Patagonia?
A “tiny house” built by local developer Todd Lipton and contractor Kevin McKay at 446 Duquesne showcases the concept.
Click here to read the full article.
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 — 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. 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!
May 24 and 25: Memorial Day flag honors veterans in Patagonia
By Murphy Musick
The veterans of our small town and remote area gave so much for our country. I feel a need to honor them every year on Memorial Day. This honor was historically done by local service groups, particularly our local VFW. Over many years this group of veterans and their supporters aged until the local VFW had so few members that the group dissolved in 2015. I had been volunteering to put out flags with the VFW for the past 30 years and have personally been placing flags since then with help from a few friends.
On Sunday, May 24, at 9:00 a.m., I invite all people to help with this honor. We meet at the center of the cemetery, team up and have fun looking at each and every headstone to determine any clues as to their military service and if their flags need to be replaced. The flags look beautiful and it is surprising how many there are.
Maybe I will see you at the cemetery.
Sunday, May 24 at 9:00 a.m.: Memorial Day Graveside Flag Replacement
Monday, May 25 at 9:00 a.m.: Memorial Day Flag Ceremony at the Flagpole
Sponsored by The Patagonia Museum
The Patagonia Volunteer Fire Department Annual Steak Fry is set for Saturday, June 27th, 2026!
Mark your calendars and stay tuned — more information will be coming in the following weeks. We can’t wait to see everyone there for another great community event!
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.
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. We’ll also spend some unhurried time enjoying the activity around the bird feeders. The next walk will be May 23, sign up at https://tucsonbirds.org/?mec-events=patoncenter5-23-26
-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 – 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.
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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