Unlicensed dentists operated in Austell since 2010, police claim Ringgold receives $12,500 donation for ‘Festival of Flags’

Here’s a look at what’s happening in other parts of North Georgia:

RINGGOLD — The city of Ringgold received a special surprise Monday night, July 22, when a $12,500 donation was made to the veteran’s memorial flag fund.

During that evening’s City Council meeting, attorney Wayne Peters presented the donation to the city with several volunteers in attendance who work tirelessly each year on the “Festival of Flags” project.

“State Representative Steve Tarvin and I serve as the directors of the Frank P. Pierce Foundation, and it’s our privilege on behalf of the foundation to make a gift to the Catoosa County Veteran’s Memorial Flag project,” Peters said. “We’re pleased to make a gift to the flag fund in the amount of $12,500.”

Twice a year, during the two weeks that surround Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the city’s flag committee volunteers erect wooden crosses and American flags throughout town in recognition of deceased military veterans from Catoosa County.

Each year, the number of crosses and flags increases, as does the amount of time and effort put in by volunteers.

“We want to make this gift in honor of our veterans, and also in recognition and appreciation for the work from the many volunteers that make the flag project a success,” Peters said.

Adam Cook, Catoosa County News

MARIETTA — Two women have been operating as unlicensed dentists in Austell for almost a decade, police say, and they’re urging patients to come forward as part of their criminal investigation.

Cobb police arrested 40-year-old Carolina Rojas Morales of Kennesaw and 35-year-old Bianca Zambrano-blanco of Marietta on Wednesday night, charging Morales with aggravated battery and practicing dentistry without a license — both felonies.

Zambrano-blanco was also charged with practicing unlicensed dentistry.

Both Morales and Zambrano-blanco were released from the Cobb County jail early Thursday, posting bonds of $25,000 and $5,000 respectively.

Police say they started investigating the women in January when a victim reported a root canal performed at the dental clinic at 3824 Austell Road left her with ongoing dental problems.

“The procedure was done improperly, causing irreparable damage to her tooth,” a police press release stated Thursday.

Investigators claim they have records indicating the unlicensed practice dated as far back as 2010, “with numerous victims identified.”

The MDJ’S call to the clinic, located a half mile from Wellstar Cobb Hospital above the East-west Connector, at 11:15 a.m. Thursday went to a recorded message stating there was no active voice message recording service for the number.

Jail records show Zambrano-blanco was born in Venezuela and is subject to an ICE detainer.

Morales, listed as Carolina Morales Rojas in jail records, was born in Cuba, her booking information shows.

Rosie Manins, Marietta Daily Journal