The GBI has identified the suspect killed in a shootout with Walker County Deputies on Sunday. 58-year-old James Kenneth Cook, threatened a family member and then opened fire as deputies entered the home, after closing himself up in the Bragg Circle home in Rossville. The GBI says a Walker County deputy was shot in the arm but was able to fire back at Cook. Cook was pronounced dead at the scene. The deputy, whose name has not been released, was taken into surgery for what was described as a non-life-threatening injury. Authorities say the deputy is expected to make a full recovery. In addition to the threats reported to Walker County 911, the GBI says Cook outstanding felony warrant for sexual exploitation of a child in Whitfield County. The GBI Medical Examiner’s office will perform an autopsy on Cook. The GBI’s investigation is ongoing and will be given to the Walker County District Attorney’s office for review after its finished. This is the 76th officer involved shooting the GBI has been requested to investigate in 2023.
The latest restaurant inspection report is out. The Sonic on North Main in LaFayette scored a 99. The Taco Bell in Chickamauga received a 95. The Krystal on North Main in LaFayette got a 96. Pie Slingers in Rock Spring scored a 94.
CHI Memorial is taking the next steps in creating a new hospital in Catoosa County. CHI is working to raise $5 million to build this new facility. It’s a 64 bed hospital with emergency services, ICU and surgical services. About $3-million of the $5-million needed has been raised from about 60 residents in the community according to the hospital. The health system is asking the community to help raise the remaining $2-million. They hope to have the funds by December of next year.
A community meeting is planned for Walker County District 3 residents. The meeting will happen October 24th at the Armuchee Valley Community Center on Highway 136. Chairman Shannon Whitfield and District 3 Commissioner Brian Hart will provide an update on the water line extension along Ben Childs and Concord Roads. The upcoming paving projects in District 3 and improvements to rural broadband. The public is invited to attend.
