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Photo of the week
Above: “Life on the Babocomari” by local photographer John Grant, who writes: “I love to photograph wildlife and was fortunate to find some pronghorns standing where I could have Mt. Bruce in the background. It was taken on Babocomari Ranch Rd. on Sunday, May 24.”
News
Letter asks Montessori board to consider a plan to ‘pursue the original mission’
By Pila Martinez
Community members and longtime supporters of the Patagonia Montessori Elementary School are calling on the school’s three-member board to explore ways to continue operations.
The board voted in March to close the school at the conclusion of fiscal year 2026, raising questions about what led to the decision and about the future of the 31 private preschool and charter school students enrolled at the school. There also have been concerns about how the nonprofit corporation that runs the school will wind down its affairs and dispose of its property.
A letter written by the school’s principal, Jessi Beebe, said she and her husband decided to leave Patagonia to be closer to family and that “it has become increasingly difficult to hire Montessori trained teachers. With most of our teachers and staff moving away at the end of this school year, we feel this is the right time to close our doors.”
The following letter was sent to board members this week:
Dear Members of the Board of Montessori Elementary School,
Several weeks ago the Patagonia community learned with surprise and sadness that the Montessori Elementary school had surrendered its charter, and made plans to officially close in the spring of this year.
Lots of wonderful educational experiences took place over many years, leaving lots of lasting wonderful memories. We salute the staff and teachers that labored long hours for the school, and extend our warmest appreciation for effort that was often beyond the call of duty.
Now that the existing staff and board have laid down the project, it’s time to look at the future. This letter is a bridge between the closing school and those in the community interested in the dream of continuing education in the Montessori tradition.
“Dream” is not too strong for the promise that existed when the school moved to its own quarters on the edge of town, over two decades ago. Not everyone now in Patagonia would remember, but only a few years into its 30-year history, the school acquired 40 acres on which to build its own model Montessori campus and programs. That was the work of a group of dedicated visionaries, who donated not only truly countless hours but also significant personal funds to get the land, and the plan, firmly put in place. Not all of those founders are still alive, but an enormous sense of community investment, and pride, still exists in a unique school, in a special location within a dynamic community.
Our hope is that the outgoing Board of the school will ask some of those community members to join the Board, or form a new one, with the aim of using any remaining assets to pursue the original mission: quality educational options, on the land, for the local community. Few communities of this size have the professional expertise, volunteer base, and overall community enthusiasm that Patagonia has shown repeatedly. A full community group working on education at the existing site is a very promising prospect.
Thank you, and please let us know when members of the interested community might meet with the Board to discuss these possibilities.
Respectfully,
David H. Budd, Gianna Martin, Meredith Aronson, Exelee Ruiz, Linda Fong, Lars Marshall, Binx Selby, Jim McMahon, Carolyn Shafer, Terry Woodhouse, David Luna
Town Council to discuss new MOU with South32 for road repair projects
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.
In addition to several routine items, the meeting’s agenda includes a “discussion and possible action to approve a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with South32 for minor road repairs not to exceed $100,000 per project.”
Click here to see the meeting’s complete agenda.
Accidents piling up on SR82
By Jay Babcock
You’re not imagining things. An 11-mile stretch of Highway 82 between Sonoita and Nogales has seen four significant emergency incidents in just the past three weeks.
On Monday afternoon, May 4, SR 82 was completely closed to through traffic at milepost 15 for nearly three hours as Department of Public Safety crews worked to clear a gravel truck that had gone off road, blocking the highway. The shutdown continued well beyond DPS’s original estimate, causing havoc for commuters and travelers trying to get between Patagonia and Nogales, without an alternate route available.
Late on Friday morning, May 15, a brush fire was reported at milepost 17 on SR 82. “The fire was initially extinguished by a passerby,” reported Patagonia Volunteer Fire & Rescue, “and after being dispatched, PVFR arrived on scene and fully extinguished the area to ensure there were no remaining hot spots.”
Emergency responders are encouraging drivers to follow simple safety measures to prevent roadside wildfires like this one.
“With the extremely dry conditions across our area, please help do your part to prevent wildfires,” PVFR said in a statement following the May 15 fire. “If you are towing a trailer, make sure safety chains are secured and not dragging, as even a small spark can quickly start a fire. Please also use caution with outdoor equipment, campfires, and anything else that could create sparks or heat.”
Then, on Monday, May 18, there was a serious two-vehicle collision between mileposts 13 and 14 on SR82. The highway was shut down for a short period as emergency crews, including PVFR, Sonoita-Elgin Fire District and Rio Rico Medical and Fire District, responded. At least one person involved in the accident was transported to hospital by medivac.
Finally, this past Monday, May 25 — Memorial Day — two vehicles were involved in an accident at milepost 26 on SR82. One lane was restricted as emergency responders from SEFD, RRMFD, DPS and other agencies worked to clear the scene.
The PRT endeavors to provide the public with timely, accurate information from credible sources about emergencies affecting our area. Most incidents are resolved relatively quickly, and the PRT’s reporting in those situations can be found on our Facebook page and website. For incidents that are more serious or complex, or where there is a threat of imminent danger, the PRT dispatches “Breaking News” reports via email to our email subscribers. Sign up for this free PRT email service here.
PVFR Chief Zay Hartigan is encouraging local residents — as well as those who regularly travel to or through our area — to sign up for the free Santa Cruz County alert system. In the event of an emergency or severe weather condition, an alert may be sent to the phone number provided by voice, text and/or email. Go here to sign up.
Arizona Department of Transportation’s AZ 511 website provides a real time traffic map with travel times, traffic accident details, and so on. This is an excellent resource to have bookmarked on your phone or computer.
For up-to-date information about wildfires and other incidents (including power outages), sign up for WatchDuty, a free app run by a nonprofit organization. (WatchDuty is also accessible via web browser).
Couple celebrates 50 years of marriage with renewal of vows
Nanette and Harold Meckler renewed their wedding vows after 50 years of marriage on May 17, celebrating with family and friends. Originally from the New Jersey shore, the couple now resides near Patagonia Lake. They met seemingly by accident — though they now know better — as teenagers and in the middle of a snowstorm. They were introduced to the prose of Kahlil Gibran on that day in 1976 while under the gazebo at Allaire State Park, and chose to be graced once again by the timeless words while under the gazebo at the Beth Shalom Temple Center in Green Valley. A private luncheon followed.
Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.
Support the PRT – the best source for local news in eastern Santa Cruz County
While the Patagonia Regional Times print edition, online edition 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 and volunteer writer Mary Tolena shares her reasons for supporting the PRT.
When I first discovered Patagonia in 2020, one of the strongest signs this was a special place was it had a local newspaper. “Wow!” I thought, “that’s rare.” A small paper, produced and supported by residents, is a remarkable achievement. It speaks to the healthy community spirit that inspired me to call Patagonia home.
Since then, I’ve learned so much about our area’s history, culture and environment, and I’ve come to deeply appreciate the extraordinary network of nonprofit and community organizations supporting every aspect of life here. These groups, through their collaboration and dedication, truly form the fabric of our region.
At the heart of that fabric is the Patagonia Regional Times, the main tent pole that gives our community shape and visibility. As our central source of information, the PRT helps us see what’s happening locally, how our organizations and neighbors are connected, and how outside forces affect our future. Each month, through both the print edition and weekly bulletin, the PRT keeps Patagonia, Sonoita and Elgin residents up to date on:
- Breaking news stories
- Town and county government issues and actions
- Good news stories about residents, organizations and businesses
- Ongoing topics like growth, development, mining
- Upcoming events
- School sports and arts
- Area historical facts and families
- Interesting insights about our natural surroundings
In other words, the PRT reflects back the details of life around here that remind us what makes this place so special. Isn’t that something you appreciate – being able to remember that every day? I know I do. No matter what’s happening in the world, I can count on the PRT to remind me Life is Good Here.
Why Your Support Matters
The PRT acts as a “community spirit multiplier.” Our volunteer writers and board members generously give their time and creativity, while our dedicated part-time staff work tirelessly to bring each issue to life. Yet, there’s one more crucial ingredient – your support. The catalyst that transforms all this energy into a publication that strengthens our community is the essential financial support from readers like you. Your donation today ensures that vital local news continues to reach every household in our region. Please give now to keep our community informed and connected. Be a Force Multiplier!
We invite you to join our community efforts by donating to our Spring Fundraising Campaign. Your gift, whether $10, $25, $50 or $100, directly funds the operating expenses that allow us to bring you the stories that matter most. You can send a check to Patagonia Regional Times, P.O. Box 1073, Patagonia, Arizona 85624, or click here to donate online.
With gratitude,
Mary Tolena
Patagonia Regional Times writer and Board Member
In other news…
Fort Huachuca has been selected by the U.S. Department of War to participate in a new “directed-energy counter-drone program” as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. Click here for the May 6 news release.
The U.S. National Weather Service has published its official 2026 Arizona Monsoon Outlook:
The Weather Service has posted a video with more details about the outlook: youtu.be/dTGEiqc90gk (English), youtu.be/enwDxCk-Nbo (Spanish).
Arizona Revealed has posted a new seven-minute episode looking at how the “tiny town” of Patagonia “nurtures the creative spirit, transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences.” View it here:
Remember When?
Take a walk down memory lane with this PRT article from nine years ago …
Community Response ‘Amazing’ During Sawmill Fire
By Marion Vendituoli
May 5, 2017
When the Sawmill fire tore through Sonoita, displacing 400 people and leaving behind 47,000 acres of charred landscape, people from across Arizona and beyond responded to help out the community and the firefighters working to put out the fire.
Eight hundred firefighters from states as far away as Florida and New York were deployed to fight the fire, as it was designated a Type 1 incident, due to the size and complexity of the fire. The firefighters set up their command center at the Sonoita Fairgrounds, turning the horse racing betting tables into personnel stations, setting up tents, catering, showers and conference rooms in all the buildings and throughout the grounds. “The population of eligible men in Sonoita just went from zero to 600,” said one visitor to the fairgrounds Thursday evening.
Click here to read the full May, 2017 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!
The Patagonia Volunteer Fire Department Annual Steak Fry is set for Saturday, June 27, 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.
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. 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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