Central Mass. South

Eight public high schools in Central Massachusetts received a combined $685,000 to purchase life sciences training equipment and supplies, the Patrick administration and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) announced today.

Harrington Hospital in Southbridge was named a 2013 “Top Hospital” by The Leapfrog Group, making it one of seven in Massachusetts, and the only one in Central Massachusetts, to win that designation.

By a two-to-one margin, fans voted to name Worcester's new baseball team the Bravehearts.

Virginia-based Washington Gas Energy Systems unveiled its fourth Central Massachusetts solar array at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Brookfield on Nov. 1, marking the start of a 20-year power purchasing agreement between Washington Gas and the town.

IPG Photonics of Oxford said it brought in record revenue for the third quarter, driven by a 19-percent increase in sales for materials processing applications, the core of the fiber laser manufacturer's business.

The Patrick administration has awarded more than $240,000 in grants to Central Massachusetts communities to boost composting, recycling and waste reduction.

Three of the least safe Bay State hospitals are located in Central Massachusetts, according to a report compiled Wednesday by a nonprofit.

A Southbridge office equipment company said it has bought the town's former public works building and plans to move into it in five months after remodeling the site.

Harrington HealthCare System broke ground Tuesday on an $8.8 million reconstruction of the emergency department at its hospital in Webster.

Rehabilitative Resources Inc. CEO Michael Coughlin announced Friday that he will resign after nine months with the company.