Prices are once again going up at the pump, and GasBuddy forecasts the highest prices in three years for 2017. Don Molino has more…
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Water systems around the state are increasing fees this month to help with an uptick in inspections. Emelie Gunn has more…
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Drivers can expect to pay more at the pump this year, as GasBuddy forecasts the highest prices in three years. Senior Petroleum Analyst Greg Laskowski says right now the statewide average is $2.16, which is about 40-cents higher than a year ago and a spike is likely later this winter and spring.
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Laskowski says the national average price of gas for the year will be about $2.49 a gallon, and in 2016 that average was $2.13. He credits an energy friendly president taking office with some of the increase. But he says the price hike is predominantly because of OPEC’s decision to cut back on production.
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Laskowski expects prices to peak in May or June and the yearly average is expected to be 36-cents higher. But he says people can still save at the pump, whether or not prices are rising. He advises people to watch the prices in their neighborhood and look for the best deals. He says gas prices can vary greatly in a city.
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Water systems across Louisiana are increasing fees to help with increased state inspections. State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry says there’s always been a fee to pay for state inspections but the legislature and governor agreed to increase the fee by another 75-cents per month starting in January, because health risks are getting higher…
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Funding to monitor water systems was cut in 2012. Guidry says this fee is necessary because they want to ramp up testing on drinking water.
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Guidry says they want to prevent another St. Joseph, where the drinking water is brown and lead has been found in the pipes of the town’s delivery system. He says while the fee increase will not fix all the problems, it will allow for improved testing of drinking water.
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Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is teaming up with Dunkin’ Donuts to open 69 new locations in Louisiana. Marketing manager with Dunkin’ Donuts in Louisiana, Erin Sheeran, says there are currently 5 stores in the Bayou State in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. She anticipates Brees will be hands on when it comes to expanding the Dunkin Donuts brand.
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Sheeran says a few stores are set to open this year in Gonzales, Chalmette, and Kenner. Other stores are also expected to open in Monroe, Shreveport, and Alexandria in the next few years. She says fans could catch a glimpse of the future Hall of Famer in the new store locations.
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Brees’ other business endeavors include being a Jimmy John’s franchisee and co-owning Walk-On’s Enterprises. Sheeran says the franchise is excited about partnering with the QB. She says the company wanted to connect with the people of New Orleans and the rest of the state in a special way.
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GLOVIS America announces a new inland distribution center for imported vehicles will be located in the old General Motors plant in Shreveport. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says at the facility, Kia and Hyundai vehicles coming from other countries, will receive equipment and exterior upgrades.
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GLOVIS is a part of the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group. Pierson says GLOVIS will make a one million dollar capital investment and the project will bring in many new jobs…
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A hiring date has not been set. The average salary is expected to be around 32-thousand dollars, plus benefits. Pierson says this will also result in about 246 indirect jobs. The former GM plant has been vacant since 2012 so, he says it’s great to have autoworkers back at the facility.
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