Huron played host to arguably its biggest special event as the Red Power Roundup spent the end of June at the State Fairgrounds. In the next photo is shown the only classroom in the remodeled and expanded Buchanan K-1 Center without windows as that is preferred for computer workstations. PHOTOS BY SEANM.X. KELLEY/PLAINSMAN HURON Like the reflections of 12-month periods of time tend to be, the year 2014 in Huron had its ups and downs. But with a few notable exceptions, it was a time when the city collectively stepped up to begin developing some of the necessary building blocks for a more successful tomorrow.

Major businesses changed hands as new owners have begun looking to the future. Progress was made on school buildings as the local enrollment continues to soar.

The community set in motion a plan to expand its workforce, and to develop its water recreation assets that many cities cannot boast about having.

An international celebration was a highlight of a successful season of outdoor events, and Huron began looking within itself as it planned for new building and expansion projects.

Here, in no order of importance, is a compilation of some of the top stories for the year:

The James River Recreation Master Plan is a comprehensive look at what the community can do to better utilize its natural resources at the James River and Ravine Lake.

As a Sioux Falls consulting firm prepared its recommendations, it emphasized that its work had relied heavily on ideas generated during a series of public input sessions.

It is an ambitious plan that includes new development at the river and lake, along with Crown Park, boat ramps and other city-owned property in the area.

In a beginning project, the city is asking the state to pay to assess the asbestos levels in the former water treatment plant near the river on Third Street Southeast. Closed for 10 years, the plant could be demolished to make way for some kind of new commercial use at the site.

The master plan encompasses a great deal, and the plan will be years in its implementation as funding becomes available.

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Growth and change highlight 2014: Big events, big building also highlights of 2014