One year ago the story that dominated the news was about how the Washington County Fair Board denied the Neighbors for Clean Air a place in the parade, at least in part because of their campaign against Eramet Marietta.

This year the story is altogether different. The campaign has been suspended and plant officials have announced a progressive plan for cleaning up emissions and unpleasant odors from the local facility.

On Saturday, Eramet announced plans to spend $150 million upgrading the plant over the next five years.

Company officials say the improvements are contingent upon continued market support, adequate financial performance, regulatory approvals, state incentive participation and acceptable energy prices. But the upgrades would improve both environmental and operational performance.