PROSSER
Record-Bulletin Benton County Seat
VOLUME CXXII, NO. 36
PROSSER, WASHINGTON
75
¢
NOVEMBER 12, 2014
WWW.RECORDBULLETIN.COM
You always leave something behind By Victoria Walker
On November 20 it will be four years to the day. “River had spent most of that day in his room on the phone. I could hear him upstairs. He would get kinda loud and then I could hear him laughing. About 4:30 he came downstairs. It was the second time I had seen him all day. He said he was going to go out. He only had a t-shirt on and I told him he needed to get a coat. He went back upstairs until about 5 p.m. He left and said he would be right back,” said Eddie Saenz, River’s father. “I knew he was going to see a friend,” said Karen Saenz, River’s mother, “because he always did but River Saenz he didn’t come back and didn’t come back. I wasn’t concerned though, I knew who he was meeting. Then it was about 7 p.m. We got the call. Then someone came to the door and told us and we could see all the police car lights from our back door. We went over there,” said Karen. According to the police report River Saenz was found on an irrigation access road at around 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20. He was found with an apparent gunshot wound. Four years after his murder his family is still wondering what had happened, who did it and why. River’s father commented that, “I was furious but I don’t know who to be mad at. There is no way to direct your anger. You get mad for all of the things taken from you.” According to his parents, at the time of his death, River had finally come up with his plan for a future. “To be able see that in your child, to see him look at the world and decided to make an impact or to change it, or make it better, what part he could play, and how he could contribute. When you see that happen in your child and you see 20 years as a parent finally come to fruition and then it’s just gone,” said Saenz. “This is all gone and someone else made the decision for you, how would you feel? River was home schooled through 8th grade (by Karen’s mom) then he went on to public school in Mabton. During his last year of school he was looking to join the military He graduated from Mabton High School in 2009. “He was valuable, he had dreams, and he could not wait to become a father. He loved kids. He was looking forward to all of that,” said Karen. “River was very, very loving and kind. He had compassion and wanted to help people. I always said vets, pets and kids about River.” Prosser Police Detective Mark Cole has been on this case for the last two years. Originally, Sergeant Ed Blackburn had the case. “Sergeant Blackburn and I have had many sleepless nights. There have been tears shed. I knew him and know his family. I used to see him walking in Alexander Court and would stop and talk to him. It’s important to me personally to get this thing solved,” says Cole. “It’s hard when people think homicide can be wrapped up in an hour or a year. There are key people that know things and I am praying they don’t sleep at night. I pray that it eats at them,” says Cole. “I struggle with this and I have a good idea who committed this homicide. I want closure for the Saenz family but also for the community,” says Cole. I need those key people, with that information that will solve this case, to come forward. It is time. Man up. ” Four years is a long time and hardly a day goes by when Detective Cole doesn’t think about the case. “I have recently done a few things that will bring forth more information down the road,” he says. “We want people to put themselves in our place especially those who have information about this. Please think of what this has done to our lives. We grew up here, it is a tight community and I catch myself not trusting. The trust is lost,” says Saenz. “Overcoming the fear and getting the trust back, it plays into our lives so much. It changes how I walk into a room. I scan the room and the area,” says Karen. “We are here for each other though. When he (Eddie) has a bad day it makes me stronger, when I have a bad day it makes him stronger. I don’t know how people survive this without faith. The night we got home after we lost River I got home and prayed and thanked Him for Rivers’ salvation and put him into Gods hands and that the case would be solved. If it is not solved on earth there is an afterlife and they will pay and will be judged.” Cole said “The little things will solve this crime. It’s a puzzle. See RIVER on page 6
Photo courtesy of Prosser VFW
The original VFW group and meeting was held Dec. 18, 1939 at the Buena Vista Grange Hall on Old Inland Empire Highway. The purpose of this meeting was for selection/election of Officers and Selection of Name and Meeting Hall. Some of the founding officers were in no particular order: Commander LeRoy Simpson, Sr. Vice Commander - Charley Sinfield, Jr. Vice Commander - Glen Pulliam, Quartermaster - George Clark, Chaplin - A. H. Eisle, Trustees - E.C. Grant, Guy Hill, B. Gramble, Judge Advocate - Tom Judkins and Surgeon - Albert Kutsch.
Veterans of Foreign Wars celebrates 75 years in Prosser VFW needs a few good men and women
By Victoria Walker
On Tuesday, the VFW celebrated 75 years in Prosser. The original Prosser VFW group met on Dec. 18, 1939, ten years later at the Nov. 1949 meeting it was decided to purchase the Brulotte home on 6th street in Prosser. The purchase price for the home was $17,000.00. The first meeting in the house was March 1, 1950. Smith-Runa was selected as the name for the Post. Mr. Runa was a Spanish-American War Veteran that is buried here in Prosser (they assume that it is his name that was chosen for the Post). This history was taken from Minutes Books found in the Post, there were 30 Charter Members initially, and we now have 155 post members in Prosser. There are four main positions within the organization. Les Whitney - Commander, Richard Emmons - Sr. Vice commander, Jr Vice commander Walter Castilleja and Jaime Luna – Quarter master. The Commander has the responsibility of the entire post, overall oversight and if everyone does what they are supposed to be doing, the commander job is easy. Sr. Vice Commander hires, fires and cares for canteen area and keeps it smooth running. They do the hiring and firing. The Jr. Vice Commander fills in when the other positions aren’t there and finally the Quartermaster. They deal with all of the money. “These are all hands on positions,” says Whitney. The Prosser VFW is looking for some new members. “We are looking for younger warriors to come in and take over and make the post their own, says Whitney. “Warrior up and come on in. I have been commander at this post for three years,” he said. “We need to inject new blood into the post. We need fresh new ideas and we want to change with the times,” says Whitney. Some examples of what the Prosser post currently does are; funerals for vets, the Thank You Vets Parade, they go to the schools in the area, Memorial Day, they have a car show fundraiser and the Ladies Auxiliary supports
Photo courtesy of Prosser VFW
Prosser post celebrates 75 years with an award ceremony on Tuesday evening. From l-r; Les Whitney Commander, Bill Ingram – District 17 Commander, Fred Green – VFW State Commander, Frank Kreise – Adjutant and Richard Emmons – Service Commander, not pictured Bill Owens – WWII Veteran.
First annual HDPA Snowman Contest 2014 By Victoria Walker
Dan Smith, Executive Director of Historic Downtown Prosser Association (HDPA), says “This holiday season we will be calling the community to support the historic downtown’s first annual Snowman Contest.” Who can design and create the best snowman or women for display in the downtown corridor for the holidays? Help HDPA create a winter wonderland in Prosser. Be part of the fun because everybody loves a snowman or woman. There will be Styrofoam snow people, there will be cotton ball snow people, there could be plastic snow people, there could be snow snow people, there can be straw snow people, cardboard snow people, you name it, and it’s possible. Remember the competition will be tough as this
is a new contest and attractive plaques are the prizes. There will be jars for quarters to vote for your favorite snow person! Judges will view your creations with a critical eye and vote for the most creative snowman or woman. The proceeds from this year’s contest will go towards a mailbox for Santa in downtown Prosser. You can pick up you entry form from Prosser Historic Downtown Prosser Association, 1230 Bennett Ave. or call 786-2399 for more information about this important contest. Sizeable plaques will be given for the judge’s choice and the people’s choice!!! Plaques can also be displayed in storefront windows all year long securing bragging rights to the best snow man or woman in town. Important contest dates: Dec. 1 Jars will be delivered
Dec. 4 Entry deadline Dec. 19 Judges vote on their best picks Dec. 24 Judges Choice winner will be announced Jan. 2 Jars will be collected Jan. 7 People’s Choice winner will be announced
See VFW on page 2
SPORTS - see pg. 9
The Mustangs falls to Othello; playoffs next up
After lasts week win, the Mustangs already knew that they would be playoff bound.......
AG/BUSINESS - see pg. 3 Loss adjustment for late apple harvest
Spokane - USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced an extension of the insurance period for apple Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) policyholders..........
SCHOOL - see pg. 6 School Board
Tuesday, Nov. 5, Prosser School Board met for their regular Board meeting. After an Executive Session ended the Board continued with Information Items..............
PAGE
6 • NOVEMBER 12, 2014
SCHOOL
The World Would be a Better Place if……………..
School Board
What do you believe in? What are your dreams? Who inspires you? Choreograph a dance, produce a film, write a poem or story, compose a song, take a picture or create a piece of visual art and tell us your interpretation of the theme: “The World Would Be a Better Place if…” Pick up a PTA Reflections Entry form and rules in your school’s office or online at: http://www.wastatepta.org/programs/reflections/ Entries are due in your schools office by December 19, 2014. Participation in Reflections is organized by student age and grade levels. Student works are critiqued against others in the same grade division. This allows recognition and judging of artworks by appropriate developmental age and skill levels. The grade divisions are: Primary -- Preschool - Grade 2 Intermediate -- Grades 3 - 5 Middle/Junior -- Grades 6 - 8 Senior -- Grades 9 - 12
By Rebecca Fink
Tuesday, Nov. 5, Prosser School Board met for their regular Board meeting. After an Executive Session ended the Board continued with information items. The Study and Survey Task Force will conduct interviews for consultants Friday, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Superintendent Ray Tolcacher was clear that the Board should take the recommendation of the Task Force. Bill Jenkin and Andy Howe, both members of the School Board, attend these meetings and will be present during the interviews. Tolcacher commented, “We should trust in those folks (Task Force) to make a recommendation.” He continued, “The study and survey is a specific process. This is not the group promised or who will be selected as the architect to build.” Tolcacher next informed the Board of a meeting he had with State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Randy Dorn and Ken Kanikeberg, Chief of Staff at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Tolcacher traveled to Olympia to voice his concerns with regard to I-502 and Safety and Security. Tolcacher said, “Randy accepted me and my concerns and asked a lot of good questions.” Tolcacher’s concerns included how no one who, on radio or
SCHOOL MENU LUNCH
Mon., Nov. 17 - Hard shell taco with chicken fajita meat, refried beans, red peppers, shredded cheese, lettuce, applesauce, salsa. Tues., Nov. 18 - Teriyaki beef dipper, whole grain brown rice, broccoli, low fat Ranch dressing, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, banana. Wed., Nov. 19 - Chicken drumstick, whole wheat dinner roll, oven baked french fries, carroteenies, jicama, peaches, Snickerdoodle. Thurs., Nov. 20 - Turkey gravy over mashed potatoes, green beans, broccoli, whole cranberries, pumpkin spice bar, frozen strawberries. Fri., Nov. 21 - Whole grain pizza, broccoli, carroteenies, celery stick, low fat Ranch dressing, apple.
Gary Heslop
Cer tified Public Accountant 786-1098 • 424 Wine Country Rd. #4
PROSSER RECORD-BULLETIN
From the Superintendent By Dr. Ray Tolcacher
Photo by Rebecca Fink
Housel Middle School Principal, Denny, shows the Prosser School Board the painting of Mt. Rushmore that will hang in the school library.
within the media, is concerned how this new law impacts children. “No one discusses the impact to kids. And I talked to Randy about this and he listened,” Tolcacher remarked. Bruce Matsumara asked, “Did Mr. Dorn have a plan?” Tolcacher answered, “He had no plan. He said no other superintendent has addressed this issue with him.” Tolcacher continued, “This (marijuana in schools) is gonna be a complex issue. We don’t have the financial resources to do everything that needs to get done to protect our students.” Tolcacher insured the Board of Dorn’s concern and promise to follow up on these issues. Michael Denny, Principal of Housel Middle School, presented to the Board a painting of Mt.
CLASSIFIEDS WORK! CALL 786-1711
Rushmore. Artist Mrs. Shirley Gaunt, wanted the Prosser School District to have the painting. Denny informed the board that the painting would be hung in the school’s library. Principal Denny later addressed the Board, requesting approval to use grant money, in the amount of $450.00, for a training workshop. He explained, “We are not meeting (science) standards.” He further explained how the science team began their training on Next Generation Science Standards by attending ESD 123’s Literacy in Science workshop. “OSPI focus school grant is for school professional development.” With Board approval the workshops’ purpose is teach the Science Team to better understand and implement Washington State Learning Standards in Prosser’s science classrooms with full implementation and integration by 2017. “This will help us shift from a student completion to a deeper understanding and supporting of the completion. To help students think like scientists with real world applications,” remarked Denny. The School Board will next meet Tuesday, Nov. 18.
Giddy-Up Cowboy!
On Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. at our Staff Development Center, 1500 Grant Avenue, the School District Safety and Security Committee will meet to continue to assess and improve all levels of safety and security in our school district. The committee, made up of community members, parents, staff, law enforcement, emergency management and fire protection was authorized last school year by the school board to work with the district in the areas of safety and security. The Prosser School District recently received a grant from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to improve the phone system district-wide, in order to have stronger communications with law enforcement in the event of an emergency situation. This improved communication system, along with the district’s regularly practiced emergency drills, allows us to consistently upgrade and improve systems and operations as needed. In today’s world, Prosser,
California - ASSE International Student Exchange Programs is seeking individuals to serve as Area Representatives in your local community. ASSE provides academic year and semester exchange programs in the United States for high school students from around the world. Students are 15 to 18 years of age, have passed a series of academic and character requirements and are awaiting an opportunity to embark on their American Adventure.
Area Representatives recruit and screen prospective host families, interview students to study abroad and supervise the exchange students in their community. Area representatives are compensated based on the number of students they are supervising. There is also a great bonus opportunity. ASSE’s primary goal is to contribute to International understanding by enabling students to learn about other languages and cultures through active participation
in family, school and community life. ASSE’s Area Representatives are the cornerstone of the organization, making all of this possible! For more information about ASSE or becoming an Area Representative, please call our Western Regional Office at 1-800-733-2773 or email us at asseusawest@asse.com. We look forward to welcoming you to the ranks of Area Representatives nationwide – striving towards a world of understanding, one child at a time!
Through thick or thin the thread is that there is hope, said Saenz. “The County Sheriff and the State Patrol helped with the crime scene that day. They had it mapped out. When we get to court it will be like watching a three D movie. Evidence is all archived and ready to go.” One thing to note, as Detective Cole says, “You always leave something when you take something from a crime scene, no matter how careful you are.” When children are murdered, whether in a group or individually, the familiar sights of group tears, hugs, candlelight vigils, impromptu memorials, and condolences from strangers across the country are now the main stream. These seem to be the
acceptable ways of mourning the children who are victims of unspeakable violence in these times. Then there are the others. The ones we don’t see on TV. The ones that slip under the radar. Where there is no fence full of flowers, no new laws named after the victim, no groups of people or cameras, there is only a quiet death. River Saenz was murdered in Prosser on a cold November evening. There were 350 people at his funeral and they are the ones who knew River, his parents and among them, perhaps someone with information. Until the murder is solved we will all wonder and wait quietly, under the radar.
RIVER on page 1
We only have three big pieces and we can solve this with that key information. Help the family, help the community. It is not fair that the suspects are living a life. He didn’t deserve it and they don’t deserve to be out there. I want to see them tried by a judge and jury in a court of law and Lord willing sent to prison for a long time.” The Saenz family continues to struggle with Rivers death. “I still just want to know why. It gnaws at me. They had no right to touch a hair on his head. Not only have I lost a son, but birthdays, Christmas’s, reunions, it’s gone. It’s just all gone. River lived here he was part of this community and I don’t want people to forget.
Richard Alexander “Alex” Love you the most! Gotcha Grandpa and Grandma
will be directed by the sign to leave the school. Calls regarding this emergency Lock Down should be directed to the Prosser School District Administration Office as indicated on the sign - and not individual schools. It is important for all parents and community members to understand that when a lock down has been called in a situation that warrants such actions, the process will be followed without exceptions. We want our parents to know that we have practiced our processes and they need to follow what is directed to them at that time. In a real lock down situation, the district website will have information posted about the situation. We hope that that these kinds of actions do not happen often, but please also know that we will continue to practice to make sure that our students and staff are safe at all times. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Superintendent’s Office or the principal at your child’s school.
Non-Profit organization looking for community area representatives to join our international team
From
Happy 9th Birthday
like all school districts, has a systematic way of calling and implementing “LOCK DOWN DRILLS” when needed. To that end, each school has regular practice drills at unannounced times during the school day. When the school has a practice drill, parents and community will see clearly recognizable signs at key locations at the schools. These signs indicate that the school is having a Lock Down Practice and that visitors are not to enter the building and need to leave the area during the drill. In the event there is a real situation where a Lock Down is called, a sign will be put in a key location which is readily visible. When this sign is in place, and has not has been removed by the principal or the school district, the situation is real. The sign will indicate that the doors will not be opened, unless designated by the principal, until the lock down has been lifted. Any visitors who come to the campus, including parents, community members or vendors,
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