Free healthcare clinic this weekend in Harriman

Remote Area Medical (RAM) will provide free dental, vision and medical services at State Community College, 276 Patton Ln., Harriman, Tennessee, on Saturday and Sunday, April 11-12. No insurance or ID required, the clinic in Harriman is open to anyone in need.

The parking lot will open no later than 11:59 p.m. (midnight) on Friday night, April 10, and remain open for the duration of the clinic. Once in the parking lot, patients will receive additional information regarding clinic processes and next steps.

Clinic doors open at 6 a.m., and services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis; the clinic closes when capacity is reached. Info: www.ramusa.org or call 865-579-1530.

Dr. Charles Wender: Tending to the human heart

Charles Wender

The community lost a valued leader and friend with the passing on March 31, 2026, of Dr. Charles Wender Sr. He was 90 years old.

Born on October 18, 1935, in LaFollette, Tennessee, it was there that Charles met the love of his life, a girl named Hollins, who would become his wife, his partner and his greatest companion for the next 67 years.

What a remarkable career.

He joined the faculty at the UT Medical Center in Knoxville, where he practiced cardiology for decades with a special focus on congenital heart disease. But Charles always understood that healing runs deeper than medicine. He answered a second calling upon retirement, serving as pastor of Zion Methodist Church in Knoxville for 15 years. Those who knew him saw no contradiction between the cardiologist and the pastor, both were simply Charles, a man who spent his entire life tending to the human heart.

He is survived by his wife, Hollins, and their sons and grandchildren. Full obituary is here. A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 9, from 5-7 p.m. with the memorial service at 7 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 2500 Maryville Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee.

Three retire from HPUD; service is 80 years

Hallsdale Powell Utility District staff hosted a retirement party for three colleagues with a combined 80 years of service. (From left) Darrel Wichtman retired after 18 years of service as a ground maintenance supervisor. Prior to that he was the dump truck driver. Greg McCloud retired after 44 years of service as a project inspector. In his earlier years, he worked in water and wastewater operations. Mike Miller retired after 18 years as a water treatment operator. “We are grateful for their commitment and wish them all the best in this next chapter of life,” said CEO Darren Cardwell. (Photo from social media)

Joni and Friends invites all to Walk ‘N’ Roll event

Joni Tada

Join Joni and Friends for their 3rd annual Walk ‘N’ Roll – a special year as the Joni and Friends Knoxville office celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Walk ‘N’ Roll is a fully inclusive and accessible event at the track at Catholic High School, 9245 Fox Lonas Road, Knoxville, on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 3-5 p.m. There is no admission charge, but participants are asked to register here.

There will be a variety of games, snacks and activities hosted by local partners. All fundraising proceeds and donations will go directly to supporting the ministry of Joni and Friends Knoxville. Learn more here.

Notes & Quotes

Gasoline prices are up for your family, but what has the recent price surge cost the city of Knoxville? Short answer – about $7,500 more per day to keep police cruisers, fire engines and KAT buses running, according to city spokesperson Eric Vreeland.

City Council on March 31, 2026, made two decisions that will help the city manage rising costs, Vreeland said. Council authorized Mayor Kincannon to execute a $4.15 million agreement with Tartan Oil to supply the city with multiple types of bulk fuel for the next year. Tartan’s was the most responsive low-cost bid submitted by 12 companies. Also, the council authorized the mayor to amend a contract with SPATCO Energy Solutions to complete a fueling facility at the Public Safety Complex (former St. Mary’s site) to store fuel for emergency first responders. The new total contract is $571,773.

The expanded fuel island will increase fuel storage capacity by 20,000 gallons for a total capacity of more than 135,000 gallons of diesel and gas – enough fuel to run city service vehicles for over three weeks. Nicholas Bradshaw is the city’s director of fleet services.

Quote: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” – Proverbs 13:22 – Obituary of Dr. Charles Wender.

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