LEAVITTSBURG — Amie Crowder fought back tears of joy Tuesday after learning her son can keep the wheelchair that gave him his independence.

Johnny Crowder, a 22-year-old quadriplegic, has suffered from cerebral palsy his entire life and until about four years ago, had to rely on family, friends or teachers to push him from one place to another.

But thanks to a group of concerned citizens that independence is no longer in jeopardy.

McKinneyWARREN — Trumbull County’s Courthouse will be packed today as 194 potential jurors were called for the capital murder trial of the Youngstown man accused of killing a mother and daughter last December in Newton Township.

Another 140 residents were called for jury duty to prepare to hear any number of cases through the end of the month.

Jermaine ‘‘Maniac’’ McKinney, 26, has remained behind bars since his arrest following a Jan. 1 standoff with Youngstown police, who were attempting to serve him with a double homicide arrest warrant.

NEWTON FALLS — The teachers union reluctantly agreed to ratify a new two-year contract Wednesday, averting a strike that was to start at 5 a.m. today.

Newton Falls Classroom Teachers Association President Darlene Schaefer emerged from an hour-long session with tears streaming down her face. Some of the teachers angrily stormed out of Newton Falls High School after the vote was taken.

‘‘In a very close vote, the union has accepted the board’s offer,’’ Schaefer said Wednesday. ‘‘We will be in the classroom tomorrow, which is where we have always wanted to be.’’