🗳️ Early Voting Opens Today, Social Security's Raise Due This Morning, and City Hall's Agenda Is Posted

Or: Ballots Today, Medicare Tomorrow, Jackets by Saturday Night

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Good morning, neighbor. Pour the coffee and take your time. It is a clear, calm start in the Valley. The National Weather Service says today will be sunny with a high near 88.

Today is one of the busiest days on this fall’s calendar, but none of it needs rushing. Early voting opens today and runs through Thursday, Oct. 29. Social Security’s 2027 raise is expected this morning, after the government’s inflation report at 7:30 a.m. our Central time. And Dunlap’s City Hall has now posted its agenda for tomorrow’s 5 p.m. meeting.

Tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 15, brings three more starts: Medicare Open Enrollment, state burn permits and that City Hall meeting. Then a cold front arrives. Saturday’s high is forecast near 63, and Saturday night drops to about 39 — right in time for the free tractor show downtown.

⏱️ What this means for you in 30 seconds

• Today (Wed., Oct. 14): Early voting opens (through Thu., Oct. 29). Sequatchie’s hours are still not posted online — call 423-949-2431 before you drive. Social Security’s 2027 raise expected after 7:30 a.m. Central.
• Thu., Oct. 15: Medicare Open Enrollment opens (through Dec. 7). Burn permits required. Dunlap City Hall meets at 5 p.m.; the agenda includes a Main Street rezoning and a sewer sludge proposal.
• Fri., Oct. 16: Homecoming parade in the morning (9 or 9:30 a.m. — call ahead). Windy and cooler, gusts near 25 mph; Friday night low near 44.
• Sat.–Sun., Oct. 17–18: Free Days of Yesteryear tractor show, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 287 Pine St. Saturday high near 63.
• Tue., Oct. 20: Free walk-in flu shots, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and “Let’s Talk Medicare” at the library, 10 a.m.

📝 Jot This Down

1. Early voting: today through Thu., Oct. 29. Call 423-949-2431 for the place and hours. Bring a Tennessee or federal photo ID.
2. Social Security’s raise is automatic. Nobody needs your number or a fee to “get” it. Questions: 1-800-772-1213.
3. Medicare Open Enrollment: Thu., Oct. 15 – Mon., Dec. 7. Free, no-sales help from TN SHIP: 1-877-801-0044.

🗳️ Early Voting Opens Today — Make One Phone Call First

Early voting for the Tuesday, Nov. 3 state and federal general election begins today and runs through Thursday, Oct. 29. Any registered voter may vote early in Tennessee. No reason is needed. The statewide ballot includes the governor’s race, a U.S. Senate seat, the 4th District U.S. House seat and three proposed amendments to the Tennessee Constitution.

As of early this morning, Sequatchie County’s early-voting place and hours were still not posted online. So the calm plan is one short phone call before you leave the house:

• Sequatchie County Election Office: 68 Spring St., Dunlap
• Administrator: Jerrie Holland
• Phone: 423-949-2431 · Email: seqelection@bledsoe.net

Bring a current or expired photo ID issued by the State of Tennessee or the federal government. A driver’s license, state ID or passport works. A college ID or out-of-state ID does not.

Neighbor notes: Marion County has posted its schedule. Early voting is at the Marion County Election Commission, 109 Academy Ave., Jasper — Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon Central. Whitwell City Hall adds two days, Mon.–Tue., Oct. 26–27. (One local report lists Marion’s last regular day as Oct. 24 while the county’s own page says Oct. 29, so Marion voters should call ahead late in the window.) Bledsoe County has also posted hours for the Pikeville courthouse; its office is 423-447-2776.

Need a mail ballot? Tennessee requires an approved reason, such as being 60 or older. Your written request must reach the Election Office by Saturday, Oct. 24.

What it means for you: There is no prize for being first in line today. Call the office, put your photo ID with your car keys, and look over your sample ballot on GoVoteTN.gov at the kitchen table. Then go on whichever day suits you best.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Early voting opens) · Tennessee Firefly: How to vote in Sequatchie · Marion County early voting · GoVoteTN

💵 Social Security’s 2027 Raise: The Number Is Due This Morning

The government’s September inflation report comes out at 8:30 a.m. Eastern, which is 7:30 a.m. our Central time. Social Security uses that report to set next year’s cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. The official number is expected later this morning.

When this was written, before sunrise, Social Security’s own COLA page still showed last year’s raise of 2.8 percent. CNBC reported Tuesday that forecasters expect about 3.5 to 3.6 percent for 2027. Those are estimates, not the official figure. Wait for Social Security’s own page or a trusted news source.

The new amount starts with benefits payable in January 2027. Some SSI payments, and payments for people who get both Social Security and SSI, arrive Dec. 31, 2026. You will not have to apply for anything. Most people can read their new amount later in the fall in the Message Center of a my Social Security account, or in the mailed COLA notice.

How to protect yourself today:

• The raise is automatic and free. Hang up on anyone who offers to “unlock,” “boost” or “release” it.
• Social Security will not ask for a fee, a gift card or a wire transfer.
• Have a question? Call Social Security yourself at 1-800-772-1213. Report a scam at ssa.gov/scam.

What it means for you: Think of today’s number like a weather forecast for your January budget. Write it on the calendar when it comes out. Then remember that Medicare’s 2027 Part B premium, announced separately, can take back part of the raise for many people.

👉 Read more (SSA: COLA page) · CNBC: Forecasts for 2027 · Report a Social Security scam

🏛️ New: City Hall’s Agenda Is Posted — Rezoning on Main Street and a Sludge Plan

The City of Dunlap has posted the agenda for tomorrow’s regular meeting of the Board of Mayor and Commissioners, Thursday, Oct. 15, at 5 p.m., in the George L. Wagner Municipal Building, 15595 Rankin Ave. The meeting opens with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and public comment on the approved agenda comes near the start.

Items on the posted agenda include:

• Ordinance No. 321 — to amend the zoning map at 1466 and 1494 Main Street.
• Water, Wastewater and Street Department: discussion and approval of a sludge mitigation proposal (sludge is the solid material left over from cleaning sewer water).
• Gas Department: an adjustment on one customer account.
• Police, fire, gas, water and financial reports.

The agenda does not say which way the rezoning would go or what the sludge plan would cost. If either one matters to you, the meeting is the place to hear the details. City Hall: 423-949-2115.

What it means for you: If you live or own property near those Main Street addresses, this is worth an hour of your Thursday evening. Sit in the back, listen, and speak during public comment if you have a question. You do not need a suit or a speech.

👉 Read more (City of Dunlap: Oct. 15 agenda) · Public notice: Oct. 15 meeting

📌 A Correction on the County Commission: Probably Not Monday

Our last two roundups said the Sequatchie County Commission would likely meet Monday, Oct. 19, based on a third-Monday pattern. We were guessing, and we said so. A closer reading of The Dunlap Tribune’s report on the Sept. 21 meeting shows the commission “is scheduled to meet again in regular session in November.” A vote on procedural rules was also put off until that November meeting.

No October meeting is posted on the county’s calendar. So please do not plan on a Monday, Oct. 19 commission meeting unless the county confirms one. County offices: 423-949-3479, 22 Cherry St. (Monday–Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.).

At that September meeting, commissioners approved grant-funded work on the Fair Building on Heard Street: about $144,000 to renovate all the restrooms and about $722,224 to replace the roof. The building is home to the Sequatchie Senior Center, the Fellowship of Churches Food Bank, the Fair Association and the Children’s Advocacy Center.

What it means for you: If you use the Senior Center, those repairs are good news to ask about. Call the center at 423-949-2228 for this week’s meals, rides and activities, and ask whether any work will change the schedule.

👉 Read more (Dunlap Tribune: Commission report) · County meetings calendar

🏥 Tomorrow: Medicare Open Enrollment Begins — Slow and Steady

Medicare’s yearly Open Enrollment runs Thursday, Oct. 15, through Monday, Dec. 7. During this window you can switch Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plans, or move between Advantage and Original Medicare. Changes take effect Jan. 1. If your plan still covers your doctors and prescriptions at a price that works, you do not have to change a thing.

• TN SHIP (free, unbiased, does not sell insurance): 1-877-801-0044
• Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
• At the library, Tue., Oct. 20, 10 a.m.: “Let’s Talk Medicare,” a free overview of the basics and 2027 changes, 227 Cherry St. No sign-up needed, though registering helps: 423-949-2357. The presenter, Wendy Barrett, is a licensed insurance agent. The library calls it educational, not a sales event.

How to protect yourself this season: Type Medicare.gov into your browser yourself instead of clicking an ad. Medicare will not cold-call you to sell a plan. If a caller asks for your Medicare number, hang up.

What it means for you: Set your plan’s Annual Notice of Change letter next to your pill bottles one evening this week. Compare slowly. A real helper will never rush you, and SHIP’s help costs nothing.

👉 Read more (Medicare.gov: Open Enrollment) · TN SHIP · Dunlap.Today: Medicare opens Thursday

🔥 Burn Permits Start Tomorrow — Thursday Looks Calmer Than Friday

From Oct. 15 through May 15, Tennessee requires a free Division of Forestry permit for leaf piles, brush and other debris fires. A permit is good for one day only, and the fire must be out by midnight.

• Online: BurnSafeTN.org, 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Phone: 877-350-BURN (2876), Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central.

Watch the wind. Thursday’s forecast calls for calm to light wind. Friday turns gusty, near 25 mph, and Friday night gusts could reach 30 mph. The state says permits generally are not issued on dry, windy days, and you should stop burning if a strong wind comes up. Inside Dunlap city limits, check with City Hall (423-949-2115) first, since local rules can be stricter.

What it means for you: If you have storm limbs stacked from last weekend, Thursday is the better burn day this week. Keep a hose and rake close, stay with the fire, and leave Friday’s wind alone.

👉 Read more (TN burn permits) · SValleyNow: Fire prevention reminder

🌡️ Two More Hot Days, Then a Big Cool-Down

The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap (updated about 1:26 a.m. Central today):

• Today: Sunny, high near 88. Tonight mostly clear, low near 65.
• Thu., Oct. 15: Sunny, high near 88. Low near 63.
• Fri., Oct. 16: Sunny, high near 78. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, gusts as high as 25. Friday night low near 44, gusts up to 30.
• Sat., Oct. 17: Sunny, high near 63. Saturday night clear, low near 39.
• Sun., Oct. 18: Sunny, high near 67.
• Mon., Oct. 19: Mostly sunny, high near 69. Tue., Oct. 20: Mostly sunny, high near 73.

That is about a 25-degree drop from Thursday afternoon to Saturday afternoon. The forecast does not mention frost for Dunlap, but 39 degrees is cold enough to bring in tender potted plants.

What it means for you: Drink water and do outdoor chores early today and Thursday. By Friday evening, have the jackets out and make sure the furnace or heat pump comes on. Keep space heaters three feet from anything that can burn.

👉 Read more (NWS forecast for Dunlap) · NWS Morristown

🚗 Yesterday’s News: A Storm Tree on U.S. 127 and a Tiny Earthquake

Tree in the road. Reports posted yesterday by WDEF and SValleyNow say that on Saturday night, Oct. 10, about 9:17 p.m., a tree fell and blocked almost all of U.S. 127 about one mile south of the Sequatchie River. A northbound car hit the tree, went down an embankment and came to rest in a creek bed. The driver got out with only minor injuries. Dunlap firefighters cleared the road, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol investigated with help from sheriff’s deputies.

A small rumble you probably slept through. The Dunlap Tribune reported yesterday that a magnitude 2.1 earthquake was recorded at 5:05 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6. The U.S. Geological Survey placed it southeast of Dunlap, near Stonecave Road at the Sequatchie River, about 13 miles underground. A 2.1 is at the very low end of what people can feel.

What it means for you: After a storm — and with Friday’s gusty wind coming — drive a little slower after dark and watch for limbs around the curves. As for the earthquake, there is nothing to do. It is simply a bit of Valley news to share over coffee.

👉 Read more (WDEF: Highway 127 crash) · Dunlap Tribune: Small earthquake

🚧 On the Roads: Flaggers Today, Tunnel Work Tonight

TDOT’s report for Oct. 8–14 lists flagger-controlled single-lane closures for resurfacing in Sequatchie County through today: SR-111 near Lewis Chapel Road to near East Valley Road, SR-399 from the Grundy County line toward SR-111, and SR-8 from south of Whitlow Road to north of Sherman Road. The next weekly report should post Thursday. The East Valley Road bridge at Barker Branch is still closed for replacement, with a December reopening target, weather permitting.

Driving to Chattanooga after dark?

• Tonight, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.: McCallie (Missionary Ridge) and Stringer’s Ridge tunnels have cleaning closures, weather permitting.
• Thursday night, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.: Bachmann Tubes closed.
• I-24 in Marion County (about mile markers 152 to 156): single-lane closures Sunday through Thursday nights, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

What it means for you: Daytime is still the easy window. For any night trip over the mountain, check TDOT SmartWay or call 511 before you leave.

👉 Read more (TDOT roadway report) · Dunlap.Today: Roads report · TDOT SmartWay

🚜 Still On: Homecoming Friday, Tractors and Market Saturday

Homecoming parade, Fri., Oct. 16. The library’s weekly post lists 9:30 a.m., while the library’s longer calendar says 9 a.m. Arrive a little early or call ahead (library: 423-949-2357). The library stays open during the parade. The Indians host Community for the homecoming football game at 7 p.m. Bring a coat to the stadium — the wind picks up Friday.

Days of Yesteryear, Sat.–Sun., Oct. 17–18. The Dunlap Tribune confirms the 21st annual antique tractor show at Coops Creek Commons, 287 Pine St., just west of Rankin Avenue. It runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Admission and parking are free. Heritage farm demonstrations, kids’ events, a classic car cruise-in, and food and craft vendors start at 9 a.m. each day. Got an old piece of equipment? Organizers invite you to bring it and show it off. Questions: Paul Swafford, 423-618-0540, or Bill Gray, 423-949-2815.

Dunlap Farmers Market, Sat., Oct. 17, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jeff Johnson Pavilion in Harris Park, 245 Cedar St., with Young Entrepreneurs Day for youth vendors.

Over the mountain: Remote Area Medical holds a free dental, vision and medical clinic at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga, Oct. 17–18. It is first come, first served, with no ID or insurance required. Questions: 865-579-1530.

What it means for you: Saturday is the coolest day of the week. Dress in layers, bring a folding chair and a little cash for food, and plan a mid-morning arrival when the demonstrations get going.

👉 Read more (Dunlap Tribune: Tractor show) · Library weekly: parade · Dunlap Farmers Market · RAM Chattanooga clinic

📚 At the Library This Week and Next

The Sequatchie County Public Library, 227 Cherry St., is open today 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Phone: 423-949-2357.

• Today, 9–11 a.m.: Genealogy assistance. Bring family names, dates, photos or old records.
• Today, Fri. and Mon., 1 p.m.: Chair Dancing for adults, upstairs. Free, no sign-up; first-timers stop at the front desk to sign a waiver.
• Tue., Oct. 20, 10 a.m.: “Let’s Talk Medicare.” 6 p.m.: Book Club, reading Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth. New members welcome.
• Wed., Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Friends of the Library Book Sale and Silent Auction, Friends-only day. The sale continues Oct. 22–23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. is Fill-a-Bag Day.

The library is also helping finish its Sequatchie County High School yearbook collection. It is looking for annuals from before 1938, 1944 and 1945, and after 2008. And through the end of October it is a drop-off spot for the VFW Post 5772 Veteran Support Drive — new clothes and shoes (size 9 and up) for veterans at the VA hospital in Murfreesboro.

What it means for you: If an old yearbook is sitting in the hall closet, this is a fine week to carry it down Cherry Street. It will help a grandchild find you someday.

👉 Read more (Sequatchie County Public Library)

💉 Next Tuesday: Free Walk-In Flu Shots

The Sequatchie County Health Department, 16939 Rankin Ave., offers free flu shots on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central for anyone 6 months and older. The Chamber’s listing says no insurance and no appointment are needed — just walk in.

If you are due for a mammogram, Dunlap.Today reports a mobile unit will be in Hixson on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Call 423-495-4040 to ask about a spot.

What it means for you: Pair the flu shot with the library’s Medicare talk the same morning. Two errands, one trip to town.

👉 Read more (Chamber listing: Free flu shots) · Dunlap.Today: Health notes

📅 Your Week on One Page (Wed., Oct. 14 – Wed., Oct. 21)

• Wed., Oct. 14 (today): Early voting opens. Social Security 2027 raise expected after 7:30 a.m. Genealogy help 9–11 a.m.; Chair Dancing 1 p.m. Sunny, near 88. Chattanooga tunnel work overnight.
• Thu., Oct. 15: Medicare Open Enrollment opens. Burn permits required. Dunlap City Hall 5 p.m. Library closed.
• Fri., Oct. 16: Homecoming parade, 9 or 9:30 a.m. (call ahead). Chair Dancing 1 p.m. Football vs. Community, 7 p.m. Gusty; low near 44.
• Sat., Oct. 17: Days of Yesteryear, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Farmers Market 9 a.m.–1 p.m. RAM clinic in Chattanooga. High near 63; night near 39.
• Sun., Oct. 18: Days of Yesteryear, day two. RAM clinic, day two.
• Mon., Oct. 19: Chair Dancing 1 p.m. (No County Commission meeting expected — the next regular session was reported for November.)
• Tue., Oct. 20: Free flu shots 9 a.m.–4 p.m., 16939 Rankin Ave. “Let’s Talk Medicare” 10 a.m.; Book Club 6 p.m. at the library.
• Wed., Oct. 21: Friends of the Library book sale opens (Friends-only day, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.). Mobile mammograms in Hixson.

A little further ahead: Mail-ballot request deadline Sat., Oct. 24. Early voting ends Thu., Oct. 29. Election Day Tue., Nov. 3. Property taxes can be paid without interest through Feb. 28, 2027.

✅ Your Front-Porch Checklist for the Week

• ✅ Call 423-949-2431 for Sequatchie early-voting place and hours; put your photo ID with your keys.
• ✅ Write down Social Security’s official 2027 raise when it posts this morning.
• ✅ Hang up on anyone who wants a fee or your numbers to “unlock” a raise or a Medicare benefit.
• ✅ Set your Medicare Annual Notice of Change beside your pill bottles; call TN SHIP 1-877-801-0044 with questions.
• ✅ Skim City Hall’s agenda if you live near 1466 or 1494 Main Street — meeting Thursday, 5 p.m.
• ✅ Burn on a calm day with a same-day permit; skip Friday’s wind.
• ✅ Check the furnace and find the jackets before Friday night.
• ✅ Circle Oct. 17–18 for Days of Yesteryear — free, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 287 Pine St.
• ✅ Mark Tue., Oct. 20 for a free flu shot and the library’s Medicare talk.
• ✅ Bookmark Dunlap.Today for tomorrow’s roundup.

Practical rule: Make the phone call before you make the drive — and if anyone rushes you for money or numbers, hang up and call someone you trust.

— Dunlap.Today

📚 Plain-English Local Glossary

• Early voting: Voting in person on set days before Election Day. No reason needed in Tennessee.
• COLA: Cost-of-living adjustment — Social Security’s yearly raise, based on inflation. It is automatic and free.
• CPI-W: The government’s inflation measure Social Security uses to figure the COLA.
• Medicare Open Enrollment: The Oct. 15–Dec. 7 window each year when you can change Medicare Advantage or drug plans for the next year.
• TN SHIP: Tennessee’s free, unbiased Medicare counseling program. It does not sell insurance.
• Rezoning: Changing the official map that says what a piece of land can be used for, such as homes or businesses.
• Sludge mitigation: A plan for handling the solid material left over after sewer water is cleaned.
• Burn permit: Free, one-day permission from the state Division of Forestry to burn a debris pile, required Oct. 15–May 15.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I vote early in Sequatchie County?

As of early this morning, the place and hours were not posted online. Call the Sequatchie County Election Office at 423-949-2431 (68 Spring St., Dunlap) before you go. Early voting runs today, Oct. 14, through Thursday, Oct. 29.

What is the 2027 Social Security raise?

The official number is expected this morning after the 7:30 a.m. Central inflation report. Forecasts were about 3.5 to 3.6 percent, but only Social Security’s own announcement counts. Check ssa.gov/cola.

Do I have to do anything to get the raise?

No. It is automatic and free and shows up in January 2027 payments. Anyone asking for a fee or your numbers is a scammer. Hang up and call 1-800-772-1213 yourself.

Is the County Commission meeting Monday, Oct. 19?

Probably not. The Dunlap Tribune reported after the Sept. 21 meeting that the commission’s next regular session is in November, and no October meeting is posted. Call 423-949-3479 to confirm.

What is on Thursday’s City Hall agenda?

Ordinance No. 321 to rezone 1466 and 1494 Main Street, a sludge mitigation proposal, a gas account adjustment, and department and financial reports. The meeting is at 5 p.m. at 15595 Rankin Ave.

Do I have to change my Medicare plan?

No. Open Enrollment is optional. If your doctors, prescriptions and costs still work for you, you can keep your plan. For free help comparing, call TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044.

What time is the homecoming parade?

The library’s weekly post lists Friday, Oct. 16, at 9:30 a.m., while its calendar says 9 a.m. Arrive early or call the library at 423-949-2357.

Is Days of Yesteryear really free?

Yes. The Dunlap Tribune reports no charge for admission or parking, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, Oct. 17–18, at 287 Pine St.

🔗 Other Resources

• Dunlap.Today
• Dunlap.Directory — find local businesses and services
• Sequatchie County Election Office — 423-949-2431
• GoVoteTN — sample ballots and registration
• City of Dunlap — 423-949-2115
• Sequatchie County Government — 423-949-3479
• Social Security COLA · ssa.gov/scam
• Medicare.gov Open Enrollment · TN SHIP
• Sequatchie County Public Library — 423-949-2357
• The Dunlap Tribune · SValleyNow
• NWS forecast for Dunlap
• ReportFraud.ftc.gov — report a scam

☕ One Call, One Letter, One Jacket

That is really the whole week. Make one call about early voting. Set one Medicare letter by the coffee cup. And find one warm jacket before Saturday’s tractors and Saturday night’s chill. The rest can wait its turn.

We’ll keep watching the courthouse, City Hall and the calendar for you, and we’ll fix it plainly when we get something wrong. Read Dunlap.Today for calm, plain-English Sequatchie Valley news, and send us the church, club and community notes we ought to share.