REGION

REGION
First Niles dividend
NILES -- First Niles Financial has declared a quarterly dividend of 15 cents a share, payable March 19 to shareholders of record on March 5. It is the parent company of Home Federal Savings and Loan Association of Niles.
NATION
American Hospitality filesfor bankruptcy protection
BRAINTREE, Mass. -- American Hospitality Concepts, which abruptly closed 59 Ground Round and other restaurants nationwide last week and laid off more than 3,000 employees, has filed for bankruptcy protection. Several of the restaurants were in Ohio.
The Braintree-based company said Friday that senior lenders had unexpectedly terminated financing. AHC said it would address its obligations to employees, vendors and franchisees.
About 73 Ground Round restaurants owned and run by franchisees, including those in the Mahoning Valley, remain open.
From Vindicator staff and wire reports