OHIO

OHIO
Youngstown jobless rateis highest in the state
COLUMBUS -- The state's unemployment rate was 5.8 percent in April, up from 5.7 percent in March and slightly higher than the national rate, which was 5.6 percent. Youngstown's jobless rate, at 13.3 percent, was the highest of Ohio's 20 largest cities, based on statistics from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
In the tri-county area, Mahoning County's unemployment rate was highest at 7.7 percent, followed by Columbiana at 7 percent and Trumbull with 6.6 percent.
REGION
Applebee's eateriesgo smoke-free
BOARDMAN -- Thomas & amp; King, owner and franchise operator of Applebee's restaurants on South Avenue in Boardman, in the Great East Plaza in Niles and on South Hermitage Road in Hermitage, Pa., announced that its local eateries are now smoke-free. Based in Lexington, Ky., the chain initiated the smoke-free policy in all of its 80 Applebee's in five states. Mike Scanlon, president and chief executive, said he believes the decision will build the company's customer base.
Windsor House to openshort-term rehab unit
AUSTINTOWN -- Windsor House at Omni Manor on Vestal Road, Austintown, is adding a new, short-term rehabilitation unit and a secured Alzheimer's unit. The 16-bed rehabilitation center will offer occupational, physical and speech therapies and is scheduled to open in mid-summer. Construction is set to begin around that time on the 36-bed Alzheimer's unit, which will include a walkway for residents, dining and activity rooms. Windsor House at Omni Manor is owned by Girard-based Windsor House, Inc., which operates 10 nursing homes and two assisted-living facilities in Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.
Vindicator staff/wire reports