Butler County Community College held a ceremonial groundbreaking for its relocated BC3 @ Armstrong facility in Ford City.From left, Matthew Reitler, BC3 @ Armstrong graduate; state Sen. Joe Pittman, R-41; Clem Rosenberger, NexTier Bank CEO and president; Pat Fabian, Armstrong County commissioner; state Rep. Bryan Cutler, R-100, speaker of the state House; former state Rep. Jeff Pyle, who represented Pennsylvania's 60th Legislative District; Joseph Ruble, BC3 @ Armstrong student; and Dr. Nick Neupauer, president of BC3.

Matthew Reitler completed a majority of his associate’s degree at Butler County Community College’s Armstrong County campus.

When he heard the community college was building a new facility in Ford City, the recent graduate said he bought a house right down the street from the site, in part because of the community investment it promises.

“I have been very, very excited to see what this was going to do not only for students, but also for residents, and also for business and commerce in the area,” Reitler said. “Bringing young people in and educating them and giving them the access that they need to a high-quality education in this area has to do nothing but good things.”

BC3 officially broke ground Friday on a new facility in Ford City that will replace the old building in Manor Township.

Read more in Sunday's Butler Eagle.