City of Bunkie 2022

08/22/2026

Bunkie Power Outage Update

Friday, August 21, 2026

8:10 p.m.

Storm damage near Marksville has temporarily caused Bunkie’s power outage.

As of this time, Cleco estimates power will be restored by 10:00 p.m. if not sooner.

08/16/2026

"Operation Blight Fight" Update
(Abandoned/Inoperable Vehicles)

Friday, August 14, 2026

Eleven (11) abandoned/inoperable vehicles that cleared due process procedures were addressed:

Four (4) were removed by owners, six (6) were resolved via towing, while one (1) matter is pending the result of a citation.*

*Refusing to remove inoperable vehicles following notification/due process, refusing to allow them to be moved, or placing impediments to prevent them from being removed (ex. blocking with another vehicle or placing them behind an enclosure) is a violation of the law subject to the issuance of a summons to appear in court.

The problem of abandoned/inoperable vehicles remains; the city wants to work with residents on a solution.

The mayor and city council are urging residents who have such vehicles, yet have no means to dispose of them, to call City Hall for assistance. (318-346-7663)

08/15/2026

Bunkie Middle Gymnasium Receives $100,000 in State Funding for Highly Efficient HVAC System

Louisiana House Bill 1, enacted during the 2026 Regular Session, includes a $100,000 allocation to the City of Bunkie for the installation of an HVAC system in the Bunkie Middle School gymnasium. The funding comes from the State General Fund as part of appropriations for local infrastructure and community projects.

Mayor Brenda C. Sampson and the Bunkie City Council extend their sincere appreciation to State Representative Daryl Deshotel for his efforts in securing these much-needed, long-sought funds for the community.

Upon learning of the funding, Mayor Sampson stated, “Since the city acquired the Bunkie Middle School property three years ago, the gym has been brought back online and revitalized to serve as a community resource. With funding for the HVAC system, the gym will now be able to host year-round educational, social, recreational, and health-related events.”

After being shuttered since 2009, the Bunkie Middle School gymnasium has undergone a series of repairs and upgrades since the City of Bunkie acquired the property in 2023. Improvements include mold remediation, refinishing the gym floor, remodeling two large classrooms, repairing exterior woodwork, refurbishing entrances and exits, enhancing electronic security, and installing new LED interior and exterior lighting.

Over the past three years, the facility has once again hosted a variety of community events. However, without air conditioning in the gymnasium itself, only the two climate-controlled classrooms were available for comfortable year-round use. The installation of the new HVAC system will greatly expand the facility’s usefulness and allow the city to make the gymnasium available year-round.

“Given the new, highly efficient HVAC system, the Bunkie City Council and I believe the Bunkie Middle gym will be able to operate more cost-effectively than Haas Auditorium for certain events,” Mayor Sampson continued. “It will also allow us to reduce some of the day-to-day wear and tear on our historic, nearly century-old Haas Auditorium—the crown jewel of our city-owned buildings. Further, once the appropriate ordinances and policies are put in place, the Bunkie Middle gym will provide our citizens with a much-needed, affordable, and accessible rental option.”

08/14/2026

Dan B. McKay, Jr. and the City of Bunkie Exchange Tokens of Appreciation

At the August 13, 2026, meeting of the Bunkie City Council, former City Attorney Dan B. McKay, Jr. presented a special gift to the City of Bunkie—a framed copy of the program from the inauguration of the Bunkie City Court on November 29, 1956.

Accompanying the historic program were photographs of Leona Baronne, the court’s first clerk; Bunkie Mayor L.P. Garcia; and Judge James N. Lee, founder and first judge of the Bunkie City Court. McKay is the son-in-law of Judge Lee.

Judge Lee successfully petitioned the Louisiana Legislature to establish the Bunkie City Court and was subsequently elected its first judge in 1956. He served in that capacity until his election to the 12th Judicial District Court in 1978.

Making the occasion especially meaningful, three generations of Judge Lee’s family were present for the proceedings: his daughter, Adrienne Lee McKay; granddaughter, Holly McKay Descant; and great-granddaughter, Frances M. Descant.

Following McKay’s presentation to the city, Mayor Brenda C. Sampson and the Bunkie City Council returned the favor in kind, presenting McKay with a plaque commemorating his two tenures as Bunkie City Attorney.

McKay first served as Bunkie City Attorney from 1982 to 1990 and returned to the position more than three decades later, serving from 2022 to 2026, before taking leave to devote his full attention to his campaign for Congress in Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District.

In presenting the plaque on behalf of the city, Mayor Sampson thanked McKay for his many years of service to Bunkie, particularly his recent contributions and legal expertise in helping advance the city’s successful and ongoing “Operation Blight Fight” initiative.

In thanking the mayor and council for the opportunity to serve, McKay alluded to his congressional campaign and the lessons learned from his years of municipal service.

“Being city attorney has taught me the critical needs of rural communities and how to deal with them,” McKay said. “It’s a continuing struggle, and I’m not ready to stop here.”

08/04/2026

2nd Annual "Cruisin' Back in Time" Car Show
Saturday, August 1, 2026

The City of Bunkie was proud to welcome friends and visitors from near and far as they experienced the ongoing revitalization of Main Street and enjoyed our community's renowned hospitality.

The 2nd Annual "Cruisin' Back in Time" Car Show was a tremendous success, drawing car enthusiasts and spectators alike while bringing increased tourism and commerce to our city.

Heartfelt congratulations and sincere thanks to local businessman Greg Kojis and his dedicated crew for organizing another outstanding event and giving our community a tremendous boost.

We appreciate everyone who attended and helped make this year's show another memorable success!

07/23/2026

“Operation Blight Fight” Update: Abandoned Church on the 600 Block of Weir Extension

Another of the twenty-three (23) abandoned and dilapidated structures identified for demolition and removal has been addressed as part of the City of Bunkie's "Operation Blight Fight" initiative.

Long an eyesore and source of neighborhood blight, the abandoned church located on the 600 block of Weir Extension has been demolished. Upon completion of the project, all debris will be removed from the property.

These unsafe, unsightly, and property-devaluing structures are being eliminated through a $250,000 grant secured by Mayor Brenda C. Sampson and the Bunkie City Council. This initiative is designed to improve neighborhoods, enhance public safety, and foster community revitalization throughout the city.

07/02/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July…💥

from the City of Bunkie bunch!

Bunkie City Hall and City Court will be closed Friday, July 3, 2026. Offices will reopen Monday, July 6, 2026.

“AMERICA Is a Tune That Is Best Sung Together! “

07/01/2026

🇺🇸 NOW HIRING – BUNKIE POLICE DEPARTMENT 🇺🇸

The Bunkie Police Department is currently accepting applications for POST Certified Police Officers who are committed to serving and protecting our community with professionalism, integrity, and dedication.

Minimum Requirements:
✔️ Must be POST Certified
✔️ Must be at least 21 years of age
✔️ Must possess a valid driver's license
✔️ Must have no criminal background
✔️ Must be eligible to work in the State of Louisiana

If you are looking to make a difference and become part of a department dedicated to community service and public safety, we encourage you to apply.

📞 For questions and inquiries, please contact the Bunkie Police Department at (318) 346-2664 and ask to speak with Chief Byron Juneau or Detective Greer.

Join Our Team. Serve Your Community. Protect Bunkie.

07/01/2026

Bunkie Municipal Swearing-In Ceremony
Haas Auditorium
Tuesday, June 30, 2026

On the evening of Tuesday, June 30, 2026, recently elected city officials were sworn into office by Bunkie City Judge Patrick C. Redmon at the Haas Auditorium. The well-attended ceremony marked the beginning of Mayor Brenda C. Sampson's second term in office.

Taking the oath of office alongside Mayor Sampson was the entire five-member Bunkie City Council, all of whom were reelected this past spring: Vanessa Juneau, Alderwoman-at-Large; Sullivan "Butch" Battiste, Alderman, District 1; Courtney "Coco" Sampson, Alderwoman, District 2; Kendricks Johnson, Alderman, District 3; and Jerrod Normand, Alderman, District 4. Although Alderman Johnson was unable to attend the ceremony, he had been sworn in earlier. Also taking the oath of office was newly elected Bunkie Police Chief, retired Louisiana State Trooper Byron "B.O." Juneau.

Following the administration of the oath of office, Mayor Sampson addressed the audience. In her remarks, she expressed appreciation to her family, supporters, and the citizens of Bunkie for "bestowing upon me the honor and privilege of serving another four years as your mayor."

After thanking the Bunkie City Council, department heads, City Hall staff, municipal employees, and outgoing Police Chief Julius Mays for their hard work and dedication to the community, Mayor Sampson reflected on the city's accomplishments over the past four years.

"We have worked hard and are proud of some of the accomplishments we have made so far," she said. "The culmination of our $250,000 demolition grant, our two splash pads at Haas Auditorium and Sheppard Park for our youth, our $1 million street overlay, our $1.3 million water well replacement, and being the first and only municipality in Avoyelles Parish to partner with the Avoyelles Parish School Board in providing a school resource officer at an elementary school—these things, and much more, were accomplished through teamwork, cooperation, and collaboration among elected officials, civic organizations, churches, businesses, relevant stakeholders, and our citizens."

Turning her attention to the future, Mayor Sampson continued, "We are very close to having the Bunkie Middle School gym available to provide activities for youth, adults, and seniors in our community. We are working to provide much-needed housing for our residents. In addition, we are looking forward to finally breaking ground on a historic $6.5 million drainage project that will provide relief from decades of flooding on both the east and west sides of town."

Mayor Sampson also expressed her enthusiasm about working alongside newly elected Police Chief Byron "B.O." Juneau.

Following the mayor's remarks, each of the reelected members of the Bunkie City Council thanked their supporters and reaffirmed their commitment to working together as a unified team to address both citywide challenges and neighborhood concerns.

Chief Juneau echoed many of the commitments he made during his campaign, emphasizing his dedication to the safety and security of Bunkie's citizens, neighborhoods, and businesses. He also recognized the officers of the Bunkie Police Department and acknowledged his predecessor, outgoing Chief Julius Mays, for his years of service and for assisting with the transition. Additionally, Chief Juneau pledged to use his years of law enforcement experience to secure additional resources for the police department while improving efficiency and responsiveness.

Concluding his remarks, and after receiving well wishes from "The Brew Crew," a local civic organization, Chief Juneau stated, "Thank you, great citizens of Bunkie, for the opportunity to serve as your Chief of Police. You will get my all. I will not disappoint you."

In closing, Mayor Sampson reaffirmed the promise she made four years ago.

"I make the same commitment that I made four years ago," she said. "I will work for all of Bunkie—those who voted for me and those who did not. Together with our citizens and the Bunkie City Council, I look forward to strengthening relationships and building new partnerships as we continue working to ensure that Bunkie lives up to its noble moniker: 'The Best Spot Topside God's Green Earth.'"

06/22/2026