The Daily Advertiser from Lafayette, Louisiana • 6

theadvertiser.com Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009 Audit: La. vehicles lack monitorin; The Advertiser Summit coul turn new page for Indians Davis set a goal of reducing state-owned vehicles by at least 10 percent by December. Cutting down on cars is part of the Jindal administration's plan for slashing government costs amid several years of projected budget shortfalls. Davis said she agreed with the audit's findings and repeated her commitment to cut down on state-owned cars and end misuse.

She said in 2008, Louisiana had the ninth-largest vehicle fleet among state governments nationwide. cars home, said Legislative Auditor Steve Theriot's office. "The LPAA does not ensure there are an appropriate number of vehicles in the vehicle fleet, it could improve its home storage and abuse complaint process, and it does not have reliable data or reporting," the audit said. Underused vehicles aren't in as required by law, and the agency doesn't review as many vehicles as it should to determine if they, are underused, the audit says. No written policies exist to review and approve cases in which state employees take cars home, and the agency doesn't track vehicle abuse complaints to identify repeat offenders, the review says.

The performance audit of the agency, which is under the governor's Division of Administration, comes as Commissioner of Administration Angele Davis already has been working to shrink the state fleet and has put a freeze on buying more vehicles. The Associated Press BATON ROUGE The agency that manages Louisiana's vehicles doesn't ensure the state only buys cars it needs and doesn't properly monitor the ones the state does own, according to an audit released Monday. The review of the Louisiana Property Assistance Agency shows many of the 13,200 vehicles aren't needed, and the agency doesn't protect against employee abuse of a policy that lets them take And it doesn't hurt that America's first black president is a minority, said David Wilkins, a professor of American Indian studies at the University of Minnesota. "Tribal people are really looking to Obama in part because of his charisma, his oratorical skills, his racial identity and because of the empathy and knowledge he showed about indigenous issues during the campaign and with some of his recent appointments," said Wilkins, a member of the Lumbee tribe in North Carolina. "They have high hopes, and I think his invitation to have them come to (Washington) is a positive step." The summit will be the first since President Bill Clinton invited Indian leaders 15 years ago.

All 564 federally Recognized tribes have been asked to send a representative. Tribal leaders caution not to get too giddy, saying issues that have festered for years will not be solved overnight. Many government workers that have ignored Indian needs or misunderstood tribal culture remain in the same bureaucracies. Bayou continues to rise. The bayou threatens to overwhelm levee systems in southern Bossier.

State sets week for pneumonia awareness BATON ROUGE Gov. Bobby Jindal has proclaimed this week Pneumonia Awareness Week in Louisiana, to encourage people to ask their doctors whether they should get the pneu- monia vaccine. State Health Officer Jimmy Guidry says monia is a common cause of death even though it can be prevented by vaccine and is a common complication of seasonal and swine flu. He says the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that pneumonia to sell the system. They sought $3.6 billion in punitive damages from Dell.

The jury rejected the misappropriation claim but did find Meffert at least partially liable for interfering with the plaintiffs' contract with the city The jury awarded no punitive damages. Bossier City remains under flood threats BOSSIER CITY The rain is gone, but a bayou that runs through Bossier Parish in northern Louisiana continues to pose flood threats. Ed Baswell, a spokesman for the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office, says evacuation advisories have been issued for several hundred people in the southern part of the parish as Red Chute Obituaries TO SUBMIT OBITUARIES AND FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: Obituaries and funeral announcements pay tribute to loved ones' accomplishments and offer a service to friends who would like to pay their respects. Friends and families have prepared these obituaries and funeral announcements that have been submitted by a funeral home. To submit announcements and discuss fees, please contact your funeral director.

Funeral homes wishing to submit an obituary or funeral announcement, call (337) 289-6427. The deadline to submit announcements is 3 p.m. the day before publication. Around Louisiana Dell liable in suit over N.0. crime cameras NEW ORLEANS A civil jury in New Orleans has found Dell Inc.

liable for $12.8 million in damages on unfair trade and conspiracy claims stemming from a lawsuit over New Orleans' problem-plagued crime camera program. A Dell attorney said there's no immediate decision on whether to appeal. Southern Electronics Supply Inc. and Active Solutions LLC worked on the city's initial camera program and claimed the system they'd developed had been misappropriated by former technology chief Greg Meffert and others connected to his office. They also claimed a conspiracy with Dell David Creig Brignac WASHINGTON A mass of Christian Burial will be held for David Creig Brignac, 57 at 11 a.m.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009, in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Washington. Father Albert Nunez will officiate the services. Mr. Brignac, PresidentCEO of Washington State Bank, died Monday, November 2, 2009, at 10:25 a.m., at his residence in Sunset. He was born in Opelousas.

Survivors include his wife, Sue Soileau Brignac, to whom he was married 35 years; one son, David Creig Brignac, and one daughter, Monica Brignac Carroll and her husband, Anthony Carroll, all of Sunset. He is also survived by his father, Ray Brignac, of Breaux Bridge; and one brother, Mark B. Brignac, of Lafayette. Mr. Brignac was preceded in death by his mother, Ethelyn F.

Brignac; and his St Obituaries of military veterans are marked with an American flag at the request of the family to honor loved ones for their service. Gannett Washington Bureau WASHINGTON The list of decades-old grievances that Indian nations have lodged against the federal government is lengthy and a source of great acrimony But when hundreds of tribal leaders arrive Thursday in the nation's capital for a summit with President Barack Obama, the mood is expected to be mostly upbeat. Tribes that accuse Washington of failing to provide adequate resources for health, education and law enforcement, as promised in treaties, believe they finally have an ally in the new commander in chief. Obama earned immediate respect with Indians by meeting with them several times during last year's campaign. One tribe, Montana's Crow Nation, even adopted him.

He's earned further trust by appointing American Indians to key administration posts, emphasizing greater consultation among federal agencies and tribes, and including a hefty increase in aid in his budget and the economic stimulus package, leaders say. DEATHS BREAUX BRIDGE Clifford Albert Calais, 78, died Monday, November 2, 2009. Pellerin Funeral Home of Breaux Bridge is in charge of arrangements. JENNINGS Boyd "Jim" Linhart, 60, died Saturday, October 31, 2009. Matthews Son Funeral Home of Jennings is in charge of arrangements.

OPELOUSAS -Timothy Craig Pitre, 38, died Sunday, November 1, 2009, LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of arrangements. NEW IBERIA William James Rogers, Sr, 46, died Saturday, October 31, 2009. Pellerin Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements. ST. MARTINVILLE Odele Lasseigne Talley, 84, died Friday, October 30, 2009.

Evangeline Funeral Home of St Martinville is in charge of arrangements. BREAUX BRIDGE Ulysess Jules Wyatt, 74, died Sunday, November 1, 2009. Pellerin Funeral Home of Breaux Bridge is in charge of arrangements. Tuesday at 7 p.m. by Voorhies Short in Martin Castille Funeral Home in Lafayette.

The family requests that visitation be observed Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. and will continue Wednesday from 8 a.m. until time of services. View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com Martin Castille -Lafayette, 337-234-2311 William James Rogers, Sr.

I 1 LA NEW IBERIA A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Thursday, November 5, 2009, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Iberia, for William James Rogers, 46, who died Saturday, October 31, 2009, in New Orleans. Rev. Ed Degeyter will be the Celebrant.

Born on March 26, 1963, William worked for Tetra Technologies for over 15 years. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, driving his Corvette, spending time with his family and friends, and taking care of everyone. William was a man who never complained no matter how much pain he was in. Survivors include his wife, Pam Rogers, of New Iberia; daughters, TilTanie has been involved in about one-fifth of the nation's deaths related to swine flu. Church ponders what to do with its steeple SHREVEPORT Members of Shreveport's First United Methodist Church are discussing whether to replace the huge steeple that was toppled Thursday by a tornado.

People attending Sunday's services held varying views on whether th'e steeple should be replaced. One said the landmark steeple didn't go with the architecture of the church. Others said it should be replaced but perhaps with a smaller or more aerodynamic structure. The tower and spire were a landmark that rose about 100 feet. From wire reports Cross Catholic Church, will be the Celebrant of the funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral services.

Giftbearers will be Linda M. Vallot and Michelle Vallot. Musical Selections will be, "Just A Closer Walk With "Amazing "On Eagles' "Be Not Afraid" and "Notre Survivors include. one sistpr, Edna Marie F. Diaz; one brother, Peter Ray Fabacher, four grandchildren, Frederick J.

Vallot, Sr. and his wife, Linda, Donald L. Vallot, Sr. and his wife, Helen, Charles R. Vallot, Sr.

and his wife, Debbie and Barbara G. Vallot; twelve great grandchildren; and thirty-six great great grandchildren! She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Gautreaux; one daughter, Emma Rita Stutes Vallot; her parents, Johnny L. and Bertha LeJeune Fabacher, two sisters, Helen F. Menard and Eula Mae Fabacher; and five brothers, Joseph Fabacher, Francis Fabacher, Clarence Fabacher, Eulice Grant Fabacher and John A. Fabacher, Jr.

A native of Mowata, Louisiana and resident of Lafayette for most of her life, Mrs. Gautreaux was residing in Broussard for the past 10 years. She was a loving grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, sister and friend to all who knew her. She was a generous person who always helped others and put others needs before her own. She enjoyed working in her yard especially with her flowers.

Mrs. Gautreaux was a member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church Community, where she was a former usher. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Pallbearers will be Frederick J.

Vallot, Donald L. Vallot, Frederick J. Vallot, Donald L. Vallot, Scotty W. Vallot and Christopher L.

Short. A Rosary will be prayed A XL RITES Huey Dugas, St. John Berchman Catholic Church, Cankton, 12 p.m. Irene Marie Gremillion, La Chapelle 'de Martin Castille, Lafayette, 10 a.m. Mrs.

Walter Comeaux, Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, New Iberia, 1 1 a.m.- Alvin St. Rita's Catholic Church, Catahoula, 1 p.m. Timothy C. Pitre, Gum Point Church, Branch, 1 p.m. Morris Young, St.

Augustine Catholic Church, Basile, 1 p.m. Betty Lou Duhon Boudreaux, St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Maurice, 3 p.m. BASILE Morris 93, died Sunday, November 1, 2009. Ardoin Funeral Home of Basile is in charge of arrangements.

Rogers and Kourtnie Rogers, both of New Iberia; son, William "J.R." Rogers, of New Iberia; father, James William Rogers and wife, Joann, of Charenton; mother, Deanna Anderson, of Delcambre; brothers, Glenn Rogers, of Irving Rogers and wife, Bonnie of New Iberia; sisters, Kathy Rogers, of New Iberia, Susan Louviere, of Delcambre, Tammy McClendon and husband, Chad, of LoreauvUle. He was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Romero and his mother-in-law, Viola Guillotte. Pallbearers will be James Rogers, Irving Rogers, Cody Dupuis, Chad William "J.R." Rogers, Glenn Rogers. Honorary pallbearers include Robert Harry and Timmy Courtois. A gathering of family and friends will be Wednesday from 10 a.m.

untU 10 p.m. at Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd. in New Iberia. A rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Visitation will continue Thursday from 8 a.m. until, 1:30 p.m. To view on-line obituary, video tribute, and sign guestbook, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.c om Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 JefTerson Terrace New Iberia, LA 70560, 337.365.3331, is in charge of arrangements. lb View Online 'jy go to tlieodvertiser.com brother, Mitchell N. Brignac.

Pallbearers will be Mark Brignac, Steven G. Durio, Marsden Miller, Bobby Guidroz, Guillory, Rev. Hensarling and Sheriff Elbert Dale David Prochaska. Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Lanaux, Mark Felger, Ferdinand Privat, John Montesano, Ted Sailing and Gerald Guidry. Mr.

Brignac served as PresidentCEO and Chairman of the Board of Washington State Bank for 20 years. Mr. Brignac was very dedicated to both his family and his business and made this his way of life. His dedication to his community and his customers will be sorely missed. A rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m.

Tuesday in the funeral home by Father Nunez. -4 Music for the services will be provided by Lauren Baker; Violinist; Will Green, Trumpet and Paul Baker, Vocalist. Visiting hours will be observed in the Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas on Tuesday from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. and will reopen Wednesday at 8 a.m.

until time of service, Friends and family are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com. LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements (337-942-2638). Marie F. Gautreaux LAFAYETTE services will Wednesday, November 2009, at a 10 a.m. Mass Christian Burial, in La Chapelle de Martin Castille in Lafayette, for Marie Fabacher Gautreaux, 95, who passed away peacefully Monday, November 2, 2009, at her residence in Broussard.

Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Reverend Howard Blessing, Pastor of Holy Acs- i Funeral be held 4, of MARTIN 8c CASTILLE II A L- II I. Oclliommc Funeral Homes Sci vli Hsun-d. Integrity Guaranteed. 235-9449 1 330 St.

Landry Lafayette 802 Alfred St. Scott Lafayette: 234-2311 Scoff: 234-2320 www, mourning. com DELHOMME FUNERAL HUMtS Prwwd Funeral Sarvlcn oin Scorr I1i.ktkm Kkimssku K..