New Castle police probe slaying of man, 24

December 29, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — One man was discovered dead and another in critical condition after a dispute ended in gunshots.

The New Castle Police Department responded to a call that gunshots were fired near the Unity Club on West Long Avenue around 12:39 a.m. Sunday. Upon arrival, they found the body of 24-year-old Armand Giles shot several times. A coroner for the county declared Giles, a former North Carolina resident, dead at the scene.

Near the same time, police were notified that another gunshot victim was airlifted to UMPC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh from New Castle’s Jameson Care Center. Police said Jerell Huddleston, 18, of New Castle, is in critical condition. The hospital is not releasing information on Huddleston.

Police in New Castle are investigating the dispute.

Fatal fire investigated

WARREN — A house fire that killed a city woman is under investigation by police.

Few details have been released on the fire at 177 Fairmount Ave. N.E., where a 57-year-old woman was found dead inside her home Saturday evening.

The Warren Fire Department is investigating to determine the cause of the fire.

Wind-damage reports

YOUNGSTOWN — Authorities around the Mahoning Valley reported only a few incidents of wind damage Sunday, as wind speeds reached around 40 miles per hour in some areas.

An officer at the Lisbon Police Department said an electrical wire was knocked down on state Route 164, north of Adams Road, due to the wind.

Boardman Township police were notified of a few sounding alarms at businesses. The alarms were activated by violent winds beating against windows and doors, an officer said.

Officers elsewhere offered no other complaints by residents.

MS support group

AUSTINTOWN — The Multiple Sclerosis Services Agency Mahoning County Support Group will meet at 6 p.m. Jan. 6 at Austinwoods Health Care Center, 4780 Kirk Road.

The meeting is open to all who have multiple sclerosis, their friends, caregivers and family members. There is no cost to attend, and refreshments will be served.

For more information, call Valery at (330) 792-3746. In case of bad weather, be sure to call. The meeting may be canceled.

Winter tree ID workshop at McKeever center

SANDY LAKE, Pa. — A winter tree identification workshop for teachers and outdoor leaders will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 23 at McKeever Environmental Learning Center, 55 McKeever Lane.

This workshop involves indoor and outdoor, hands-on instruction of the identification of trees. Participants will use McKeever’s wireless laptops and computer software to assist in identifying trees. Both summer and winter identification characteristics will be covered.

Dress appropriately for the weather. The instructor will be forester Mark Bodamer and is limited to 15 participants. The fee of $25 includes materials, breaks and lunch.

For more information, call the center at (724) 376-1000 or e-mail at info@mckeever.org.