Toddler immunizations see increase

Moscow, Idaho Immunization rates for toddlers are rising in both Idaho and Washington, public health officials said.

Both states saw a 2 percent increase in immunizations since 2003, according to statistics from the 2004 National Immunization Survey. More than 80 percent of Idaho children and more than 77 percent of Washington children received the standard series of immunizations, according to the study.

“We feel we’re moving in the right direction, and our strategies are working,” said Michele Peril, a health educator with the Washington state Department of Health’s immunization program.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare uses a statewide electronic immunization registry, designed to remind parents when it is time to have their children immunized. Washington state is promoting a similar program.

Though many of the diseases children are vaccinated against may seem rare, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare spokesman Tom Shanahan said parents need to remember that immunizations are still needed.

“In some countries, these diseases are still prevalent and anyone can get on a plane with them,” he said. “We like to say ‘All of these diseases are just a plane ride away.’ “

Father accused of burning baby with iron

Spokane Police responded to a home on North Lacey Sunday and arrested a man for allegedly burning his 1-year-old son with a hot iron.

Officers responded to 1508 N. Lacey at about 3:30 p.m. Sunday for a domestic disturbance call, police spokesman Dick Cottam said.

Once inside the home, officers found the infant, the child’s mother and the 22-year-old father, Denis A. Babakov, Cottam said.

Officers determined that two weeks earlier Babakov had deliberately held the infant’s right hand on the iron as punishment for playing with the iron after he was told to leave it alone, Cottam said.

Babakov was arrested Sunday and booked into jail on the charges of first-degree assault of a child, felony domestic violence harassment and fourth-degree assault, Cottam said.

The infant did not require medical treatment for the burn, Cottam said.

Spokane arts patron Firth J. Chew dies

Firth J. Chew, a longtime Spokane civic leader and patron of the arts, died Sunday at the age of 91.

He was a longtime accountant with the firm of LeMaster and Daniels in Spokane, but he is best known for his support of local arts institutions.

Betty Tomlinson, former head of the Spokane Civic Theatre, was quoted in 1982 as saying, “We would not have this building if it had not been for Firth Chew.”

His tenacity, financial acumen and fund-raising abilities made the building project possible. The theater’s downstairs performance space is named in his honor – the Firth J. Chew Studio Theatre.

He was also a key founder of Wampum, a local arts fund-raising organization and an important supporter of the Spokane Interstate Fair, the Eastern Washington Historical Society, the Spokane Symphony and many others.

In 1985, 11 arts, sports and cultural organizations joined together to hold a tribute evening in his honor at the Spokane Civic Theatre. He was called a “wonderful spirit,” “a good adviser,” and a man “of courage and patience.”

The Spokane Civic Theatre is planning to hold a reception in his memory, with details to be announced.

Level III offender living in downtown Spokane

Another Level III sex offender has chosen downtown Spokane for his home, police said.

Anthony J. Dellwo, 24, was recently released from prison where he had served four years for attempted first-degree child molestation and communication with a minor for immoral purposes.

The victims were ages 7, 10 and 15, police spokesman Dick Cottam said.

Dellwo will be supervised by the Department of Corrections for the next three to four years, Cottam said. During that time, Dellwo is prohibited from having any contact with juveniles, and he’s also prohibited from consuming alcohol.

He stands 5-foot-7 and is 190 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He is not wanted by law enforcement at this time, but residents should be aware of his criminal history, Cottam said.