Two retired nurses were honored on August 14, 2026, at Concord Place, an Anthem Memory Care community at 901 Concord Road in Knox County.

The recognition ceremony celebrated the lives and legacies of Dottie Ness, who served as a nurse for 20 years and earned an associate degree in nursing, and Mary Milora RN, BSN, whose career included service at several hospitals.

Vicky Lowe, honoree Mary Milora and Melanie Pfennigwerth

The tribute was presented by the East Tennessee Nurse Honor Guard, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring nurses for their lifetime of service, compassion, dedication and healing.

Through each ceremony, the Nurse Honor Guard reminds us that nursing is more than a profession. It is a calling that continues to touch families, communities and generations long after a final shift has ended.

“This ceremony is a beautiful way to pause and say thank you to nurses who gave so much of themselves to others,” said Lorie Ann Wilson, life engagement director for Concord Place. “Dottie and Mary represent the heart of nursing – compassion, courage and the steady presence families remember forever. We are honored to celebrate their stories and the care they poured into the lives of so many.”

Anne A. Abraham provided photos and quotes for this report.

Sue Clancy greenway extension is open

Mayor Indya Kincannon and other officials will be in Fountain City today (8/18/26) for the grand opening of the new Sue Clancy greenway extension. This mile-long “missing link” greenway connects Adair Park and residents living north of I-640 / Broadway with neighborhoods and destinations south of Sharp’s Ridge. Access from Adair Park or at the greenway trailhead, 4719 Old N. Broadway, just south of Starbucks.

Knoxville City Council will meet today (8/18/26) at 6 p.m. at the City County Building. Find the agenda here.

Neighborhood Resource Fair is one-stop shop

The city of Knoxville’s annual Neighborhood Resource Fair makes it easy for neighbors to discover services, meet community organizations and strengthen connections across the city, said Debbie Sharp, the city’s neighborhoods coordinator.

“Join us on Saturday, August 29, 2026, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the World’s Fair Exhibition Halls 1 & 2, 935 World’s Fair Park Drive, to visit booths from Knoxville and Knox County departments, local nonprofits and community organizations ready to answer questions and connect residents with programs, services and resources that can improve the quality of life in neighborhoods.”

Residents are encouraged to pre-register to receive guaranteed meal vouchers for a concession stand combo meal and extra door prize tickets. Or show up at the door! Also look for:

  • Second Harvest’s Mobile Pantry distributing free food boxes to visitors
  • Games, face painting, Knoxville Smokies mascots
  • Expired/ unnecessary medication drop-off
  • Battery and electronics recycling
  • Adoptable dogs from the Humane Society.
Notes & quotes

Bluegrass Festival at Big Ridge State Park is set for Saturday, August 21, 6-10 p.m. Free admission, food trucks, craft vendors and music by five local groups. Bring your lawn chair. Info and updates here.

Knox Asian Festival is Sunday, August 30, 2026, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. at World’s Fair Park. Tickets and details here.

Sheriff Tom Spangler was interviewed by WBIR-TV anchor John Becker for Inside Tennessee. Spangler, battling cancer, was candid, and Becker was pitch perfect. I highly recommend this as “Spanky” wraps up his eight-years as sheriff and 40-year career in law enforcement. Watch the interview here.

The Beck Cultural Exchange Center will be closed Wednesday through Saturday, August 19-22, 2026, as the staff attends the Association of African American Museums conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The conference has reached venue capacity and closed registration. Beck will reopen on Tuesday, August 25.

Rural hospitals are at risk for closing in nearly every state, but Tennessee ranks high among closures. The state lost 10 rural hospitals since 2015. Only Texas has seen a greater number of hospital closures in that time period: 14. And we’ve got another 12 at risk. Reporter Anita Wadhwani posted a story on August 17, 2026.

Quote: “I don’t think that the Left has a monopoly on bad ideas. I don’t think the Right has a monopoly on good ideas.” – J D Vance, author of Hillbilly Elegy.

Sandra Clark compiles obituary links and writes daily at KnoxTNToday – the Let’s Talk series includes topics of law, neighbors, schools, leaders and outdoors. Enjoyed this article? Read more Let’s Talk – Neighbors  by Sandra Clark.

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