Week in Review: Covid vaccines, mitigation orders to be lifted

Nursing homes across the region began receiving vaccines this week through a partnership between the federal government and two national pharmacy chains, CVS and Walgreens. Long-term care facilities were among the hardest hit throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

The first doses went out Monday and, throughout the week, facilities across the region announced plans for how they will immunize residents and staff. Pharmacy workers administered the Pfizer vaccine at 120 skilled nursing facilities.

Along with nursing homes, UPMC began vaccinations in its senior communities, utilizing the federal pharmacy partnership. The first doses went to UPMC Heritage Place in Squirrel Hill.

Diversity Billboard Art Project

After drawing national attention for a Diversity Billboard Art Project that began appearing around Westmoreland County in October, two artists plan to discuss their involvement next month.

The Jan. 14 virtual conversation, hosted by The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, will feature the artists Ginger Brooks Takahashi and Susanne Slavick, whose work appeared in the campaign titled “Make Our Differences Our Strengths.” It was curated by the museum and the Westmoreland Diversity Coalition.

When the project first appeared, it received national attention through coverage by Forbes and Bloomberg.

Man accused of shooting police officer arrested

A man suspected of shooting and wounding a McKeesport police officer earlier this month was arrested in West Virginia this week, authorities said.

Koby Francis, 22, had been on the run since Dec. 20 when, police say, he opened fire at McKeesport Patrolman Geriasimo Athans, hitting him three times. Minutes before the incident, Athans had taken Francis into custody on suspicion of violating a protection-from-abuse order taken out 10 days earlier.

Francis is now awaiting an extradition hearing scheduled for after the Jan. 1 holiday.

Mitigation orders lifted

Orders implemented by Gov. Tom Wolf at the start of the month will be lifted starting Monday at 8 a.m.

The mitigation orders, aimed at controlling a spike of covid-19 cases seen across the state throughout December, closed indoor dining to restaurants and shuttered entertainment venues for most of the month.

Still, Wolf cautioned that the pandemic, and related restrictions, are far from over.

Musicians create song to help struggling venues

Western Pennsylvania musicians are banding together to help Pittsburgh-area venues that are struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Inspired by the Save Our Stages movement, area musicians recorded “SOS 2020,” a mixture of rock, punk and heavy metal music. It was written by Eric Rodger of the band Royal Honey as a way to share his frustration and concern for Pittsburgh music venues, performers, promoters and staff impacted by the pandemic.

The song and music video will be released Jan. 8 via iTunes and streaming on major platforms. Proceeds will go to the National Independent Venue Association.

Monessen leaders take Sunshine Act training

Monessen’s mayor and council members completed Sunshine Act training after a Westmoreland County judge found they violated state public meeting laws earlier this year.

The training, which was court-ordered, was completed Wednesday through the state Office of Open Records, city solicitor Tim Witt said.

The ruling came after a lawsuit was filed against the city and Mayor Matt Shorraw in February, which was sparked by Shorraw’s use of a majority of council votes on Jan. 6 to fire the city solicitor and city administrator, make new hires and adjourn the meeting without allowing public comment on those and other matters approved during the session.

After watching a video of the meeting, Judge Harry Smail said there were violations of the state’s Sunshine Act.