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Photo of the week
“The blue pleasing fungus beetle, named in such a pleasing fashion. Scientists hit the common name right on the black dot. This brilliant blue beetle feeds exclusively on fungus found upon rotting wood throughout our Sky Islands. The most fascinating attribute of the blue is…ohhh, pardon me, you were focused on Old Man Willard! Yes, that’s the Arizona state reptile (whatever that really means) Crotalus willardi, ridge-nosed rattlesnake. This viper is a favorite of the herpers flipping rocks n logs. And indeed, it’s a gorgeous serpent. It’s smaller than the diamondback and black-tailed at roughly one and a half feet. Smaller size…smaller venom load; no human reported deaths from this noser. Old Man Willard lives up in the mountains if you’d like to pay a visit; not once have I relocated one from town. And remember, if you ever need free rattlesnake removal, just holler.” — Eric Herman, Sonoita
News
Oversize load detours to continue through Fall
By Dave Lumia
Spring has sprung …
But the work ain’t done …
And neither are the oversize loads that have been a source of angst for commuters and other motorists on State Highway 83 between Sonoita and Vail since November.
Garin Groff, spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Transportation, confirmed that completion of the Amole Interchange and rail bridge rehabilitation project on Interstate 10, just west of Benson, is now scheduled for fall. The project originally was scheduled for completion this spring.
“It’s far enough off that we don’t have a specific (completion) date,” Groff said, adding that the change was due to construction delays.
As a result of the construction, loads in excess of 16 feet wide are being detoured off of I-10 and onto state highways 83, 82 and 90. Westbound overloads are restricted to Monday, Wednesday and Friday, during daylight hours, and are diverted south on Highway 90, west on 82 and north on 83. Eastbound loads, on Tuesday and Thursday, travel in the opposite direction.
The oversize load issue boiled over in December after numerous reports of significant traffic delays and commuters fearing for their safety while traveling on Highway 83, a curvy, two-lane roadway with limited – and sometimes no – shoulder space. The public outcry caught the attention of District 19 State Rep. Gail Griffin, who pressured ADOT and the Department of Public Safety to restrict the eastbound and westbound loads to alternate days and to increase the interval between the loads to 60 minutes.
While the new controls have mitigated some of the concerns, commuters have continued to vent their frustration on a local Facebook forum. ADOT advises commuters to allocate extra time for commuting between Sonoita and I-10.
Food bag distribution at the Food Bank this Saturday
From East Santa Cruz County Community Food Bank:
Come to the Food Bank (772 Harshaw Ave. in Patagonia) on Saturday, May 9, between 8:30 am and 10:30am to pick up your supplemental food bag. Anyone experiencing food insecurity who resides in Eastern Santa Cruz County is welcome.
Deadline fast approaching for public comment on Elgin Bridge
The path for a potential bridge detour in Elgin would require an easement across property belonging to the descendants of Patricia L. Lareau. The property is shown in this photo. Photo by Carrie White 
In July of 2021, excessive rain caused the waters to jump the Babocomari River banks and flood nearby land. Elgin resident Sue Downing fears there is a greater propensity for this to happen with the lowering of the bank to allow traffic to negotiate across the bed. Photo by Sue Downing
By Carrie White
The public has until May 20 to submit comments/concerns on three proposals being put forth on the Elgin Bridge.
Those proposals, as outlined in a scoping letter received by Elgin resident Sue Downing, differ slightly from those recently cited by the Arizona Department of Transportation. The newest recommendations are:
- Removal of existing bridge and construction of a new two-lane bridge over Babocomari River
- Rehabilitation of the existing single-lane bridge
- Rehabilitation of existing single-lane bridge and construction of a new two-lane bridge south of the existing bridge.
At least two of the proposals would require an easement across private property belonging to the descendants of Patricia L. Lareau, who currently live in San Diego. The detour would also impact Downing’s property, specifically her driveway. A loss of privacy, an increase in noise and dust, and the potential for flooding are her concerns regarding the proposed detour route. As a point of reference, the Lareau property includes an 1880s station house and a historic 1915 one-room schoolhouse, which serves as Downing’s primary residence.
Downing, whose main concern is safety, is leaning toward the third proposal, as it would allow for semitruck traffic and avoid the need for a detour.
As far as the location of a new two-lane bridge, Elgin Canelo Road south of the old bridge would also provide better alignment for upper Elgin Road. That land is also owned by Lareau’s descendants.
Downing also is concerned about sharp turns on the detour route, a crossing of the riverbed and a wall at the Elgin Distillery.
“Before a decision on a detour can be made, I would hope the county performs a traffic study to better understand the volume and types of traffic, especially commercial vehicles, that would be using a dirt creek bed with sharp turns as a detour. In July 2021, the creek ran 9-foot deep after a monsoon storm. The water subsided four days later leaving deep mud and debris. Building a new bridge south of the current bridge eliminates the need for a detour because it can remain open.”
The public can submit comments or concerns to Santa Cruz County c/o Maria Altemus, 1 S. Church Ave, Suite 1400, Tucson, Arizona 85701. Altemus also can be reached at 520-246-0118 or Maria.Altemus@hdrinc.com.
Sonoita-Elgin tourism/preservation report draws packed house
A standing-room-only crowd of 75-plus attended the meeting at the County Annex in Sonoita. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Marnie Schubert, president of Worthy Communications, presented key takeaways from the 124-page report. Photo by Dave Lumia 
Deputy County Manager Chris Young explained that the completed report is “whatever the community wants to do with it. The county is not pushing anything on this community.” Photo by Dave Lumia
By Carrie White and Dave Lumia
The Cattle, Cabernet and Cuisine report – balancing rural character preservation and economic development for the Sonoita-Elgin area – was met with both cautious optimism and wary pessimism at a public meeting initiated by Santa Cruz County.
While the report represents the interests of community stakeholders, there is concern about whether there is enough community consensus to move it forward.
An overflow crowd of roughly 75 local residents packed the county annex in Sonoita on April 28 to hear an abbreviated version of the report, which was created by Worthy Communications and Colin Bishop, community development director for Santa Cruz County. Marnie Schubert, president of the Gilbert firm, was on hand to present the report along with Deputy County Manager Chris Young.
“This document, it’s whatever the community wants to do with it,” Young said. “The county is not pushing anything on this community. I want to make that very clear.”
The report, which is online, represents the last expenditure from a $300,000 federal grant for economic development. Young said the county returned $90,000 from the original grant to the federal government.
Schubert said the intent of the public meeting was to start a community conversation and present strategic options on how to support and sustain local businesses while preserving the area’s unique cultural heritage – using tourism not as a growth engine but to stabilize the local economy.
“Doing nothing is absolutely a choice,” she said. “This is about options … what you do want, what you don’t want, or what you only want pieces of.”
The document outlines a “phased approach to support the Sonoita–Elgin region by encouraging thoughtfully managed multi-day visitor experiences that reinforce local businesses, working lands, and rural character. The strategy is aligned with the region’s infrastructure limitations, conservation priorities, and agricultural heritage, and is designed to support residents and local businesses first.”
Some of the key strategies presented in the report are:
- To explore tapping into the county’s 1.1% bedroom tax – which is currently funneled into the general fund – to help finance a Destination Marketing Organization, or DMO.
- Collaboration between the existing Sky Islands Tourism Association and newly re-formed Chamber of Commerce in establishing a DMO.
- To explore the creation of an “agritainment” zoning designation that would allow for diversification and partnerships among wineries, ranches, food producers and outdoor recreation providers.
- Consideration of an overlay district at the Sonoita crossroads to ensure that any new construction or renovation reinforces the region’s identity rather than eroding it.
The report lays out a five-year phased approach to implementing the various options but the impetus falls on community members to determine how to move forward. Confusion over the “how” part of the equation, and who takes the lead, was a common concern expressed during the public comment part of the meeting.
Look for more coverage of the report in the June/July issue of the Patagonia Regional Times.
Info on upcoming Town of Patagonia events
Wednesday, May 6, 6 p.m.: Town of Patagonia Budget Study Session (agenda here)
Thursday, May 7, 6 p.m.: Town of Patagonia Planning and Development Meeting (agenda here)
Wednesday, May 13, 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.: Town of Patagonia public hearing on “bio-diversity and the nature based economy” with regards to the Community Protection Benefit Agreement with South32 Hermosa, City of Nogales and Santa Cruz County (hearing notice here)
And, on May 20, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.:
Lobos honor top athletes
By Dave Lumia
Seniors Emma Lewton, Brianna Majalca and Miguel Albarran and junior Kannon Shore earned top honors as Patagonia Union High School celebrated the conclusion of the 2025-26 athletic calendar with its sports awards banquet on Tuesday night.
Lewton and Shore were named female and male Athlete of the Year, while Majalca and Albarran were Babe Ruth award winners.
The Lobos’ athletic season came to a close last weekend. The baseball team was eliminated from the 1A state tournament with a 14-1 loss to fourth-ranked Williams, and the tennis team of seniors Jaxon Yslava and Lenin Albarran suffered a straight-set loss in the first round of the Division III doubles state championship.
Despite the rough finish, the baseball team had much to celebrate after raising its victory total from two to nine.
Shore, who pitched and played first base, was named the 1A South Region Player of the Year. He was joined on the all-region first team by junior catcher Patrick Rohde and freshman first baseman Troy Hawkins. Miguel Albarran, an outfielder, and pitcher/third baseman Noah Gallardo, were named to the all-region second team.
Other award winners honored at Tuesday’s banquet were:
Volleyball: MVP, Lewton; Offensive Player of the Year, Monique Snell; Defensive Player of the Year, Majalca; Utility Player of the Year, Amaya Somoza.
Boys Basketball: MVP, Shore; Defensive MVP, Gallardo; Up and Comer, Jose Quiroz; Glue Guy, Yslava.
Girls Basketball: MVP, Lewton; Offense, Majalca; Top Rebounder, Valeria Castellanos; Utility Player, Vivi Pelayo.
Boys Tennis: Senior Captain Talent Award, Yslava; Senior Captain Focus Award, Skylar Sanchez; Senior Rookie Sensation Awdard, Lenin Albarran; Competition Effort Award, Alex Ruskowitz.
Baseball: MVPs, Shore and Rohde; Lobo Awards, Gallardo and Miguel Albarran.
County sets community meeting regarding updated Comprehensive Plan for May 16 in Patagonia
From Santa Cruz County:
Santa Cruz County is updating our Comprehensive Plan — and your voice matters! Join us to learn more, and share what you love about where you live, your concerns, and your ideas for the future. Help guide decisions that will shape our county for years to come. All are welcome.
Patagonia/Sonoita/ Elgin:
9:30am – 11:00am, Saturday, May 16, 346 Duquesne Ave, Patagonia
In-person meeting at Cady Hall in Patagonia.
Call for volunteers: Create habitat
at the Paton Center!
From Paton Center for Hummingbirds:
Join the Tucson Bird Alliance restoration team at the Paton Center for Hummingbirds to help enhance and maintain our native habitat. This is a great way to get your hands in the dirt, learn about local plants, and make a real impact for wildlife. Sign up now for our next volunteer event on May 13 at tucsonbirds.org/volunteer.
Speaking of plants, desert honeysuckle and mesquite trees are flowering across Patagonia and are attracting happy nectar- and pollen-seeking birds. Now is your chance to see one of the rare “yellow-throated hummingbirds.” It’s actually a bird covered in pollen! We look forward to your next visit.
Obituary
Cecilia L. Sanchez, 1942 – 2026
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.
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!
From Patagonia Schools:
Congratulations to Valeria Castellanos on being awarded the Judy Mills Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $500! This recognition highlights her hard work, dedication, and bright future ahead. We are proud of your accomplishment, Valeria, and can’t wait to see all you achieve!
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 8 at the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch: join Jennifer Presler from the Arizona Game & Fish Department to hear about her favorite grassland ecosystem engineer! Learn about prairie dog biology, the importance of re-introduction, and the species’ role in southwestern grasslands.
RSVP required! Sign up for this and future potlucks: https://bit.ly/2026potlucks
May 8, 2026
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch
RSVP: https://bit.ly/2026potlucks
Bring a dish to share
SAVE THE DATE 
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.
Fun news: we will now be having regular monthly Paton Center bird walks led by docent Wayne Smith—every 4th Saturday! 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/field-trips/
-Alexis Stark, Paton Center Site Manager
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.
Find the full position description and apply today at nature.ly/3NheXj4
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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