EdgeMarc donates $8,000 to BC3

BUTLER TWP — The Butler County Community College Education Foundation has received $8,000 from EdgeMarc Energy Holdings to establish the EdgeMarc Natural Gas/Science and Technology Scholarship.

This scholarship will support students interested in pursuing careers in energy production, technology and related fields.

Eight $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to BC3 freshman from Moniteau, Karns City or Butler high schools who are enrolled in the Energy Technology Certificate Program or Natural Sciences and Technology programs.

Students are encouraged to apply immediately online, as scholarship awards are applicable for fall 2015: www.bc3.edu/financialaid/scholarship-application-form-2015.asp.

“Our company is privileged to work in Butler County and is proud to support programs like this aimed at creating important educational opportunities for our region’s students,” said Callum Streeter, EdgeMarc Energy’s drilling and completions director.

Deere construction machine sales grow

MOLINE, Ill. — Solid sales of its construction equipment offset a global agricultural slowdown for Deere, the company said Friday. It also raised its outlook for the year and its shares rose nearly 4 percent Friday.

Deere’s most profitable business is making and selling its green tractors and other farming equipment, but with less demand for large farm equipment, Deere is relying more on its backhoes, excavators and other construction equipment to grow sales.

A surge in home construction in the U.S. is likely helping. In April, builders broke ground on homes at the fastest pace in more than seven years, according to the Commerce Department. The company said its second-quarter earnings fell 30 percent to $690.5 million, compared with $981 million last year, but it was still better than Wall Street had expected.

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