🗞️ Wills Class This Morning, Early Voting Tomorrow, Social Security Raise Wednesday

Or: Fog Before 9, Warm Midweek, Jacket Weather for Tractor Weekend

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Good morning, neighbor. Pour the coffee and take your time. If you are reading this early, you may see fog in the low spots again. The National Weather Service says it should clear before 9 a.m.

Yesterday was Columbus Day — no mail, closed Social Security offices, and most banks closed. All of that is back today. The library reopened at 8 a.m. And the calendar gets busy from here.

Here is the short version: a free Wills & Living Trusts class is at the library this morning at 10 a.m. Early voting opens tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 14 — the same day Social Security’s 2027 raise is expected. Medicare Open Enrollment, Dunlap City Hall and burn-permit season all start Thursday, Oct. 15. And the free Days of Yesteryear tractor show fills downtown Dunlap on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17–18.

⏱️ What this means for you in 30 seconds

• Today (Tue., Oct. 13), 10 a.m.: Free Wills & Living Trusts class at the library, 227 Cherry St. No sign-up. Mail and Social Security offices are open again.
• Wed., Oct. 14: Early voting opens (through Thu., Oct. 29). Call 423-949-2431. Social Security’s 2027 raise is expected after the morning inflation report.
• Thu., Oct. 15: Medicare Open Enrollment opens (through Dec. 7). Dunlap City Hall meets at 5 p.m. State burn permits required starting today.
• Fri., Oct. 16: Homecoming parade in the morning (library lists 9:30 a.m.). Football vs. Community, 7 p.m. Cold front; Friday night low near 44.
• Sat.–Sun., Oct. 17–18: Free Days of Yesteryear, gates 8 a.m., 287 Pine St. Bring a jacket — Saturday’s high is forecast near 65.

📝 Jot This Down

1. Today, 10 a.m.: Free wills class at the library, 227 Cherry St. No sign-up. Phone: 423-949-2357.
2. Early voting: Wed., Oct. 14 – Thu., Oct. 29. Call 423-949-2431 for the place and hours. Bring a Tennessee or federal photo ID.
3. Medicare Open Enrollment: Thu., Oct. 15 – Mon., Dec. 7. Free, no-sales help from TN SHIP: 1-877-801-0044. Never give your Medicare number to a caller you did not call first.

🌫️ Fog Before 9, Then Sunny and Warm — Jacket Weather by Saturday

The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap (updated about 5:31 a.m. Central today) starts with areas of fog before 9 a.m., then a sunny day with a high near 87. Tonight looks clear, with a low near 60.

The rest of the week:

• Wed., Oct. 14: Sunny, high near 88. Low near 63.
• Thu., Oct. 15: Sunny, high near 88. Low near 63.
• Fri., Oct. 16: Mostly sunny, high near 81. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25. Friday night low near 44.
• Sat., Oct. 17: Sunny, high near 65. Saturday night low near 40.
• Sun., Oct. 18: Sunny, high near 70.
• Mon., Oct. 19: Mostly sunny, high near 75.

That is still a drop of more than 20 degrees from Thursday to Saturday. Forecasts this far out can shift a little, so check again Thursday if you are packing for the tractor show.

What it means for you: Use low beams and leave extra room in the fog this morning. Enjoy the warm afternoons for yard work. By Friday, pull out the jackets and blankets, and check that the furnace or heat pump comes on. If you keep tender potted plants outside, plan to bring them in or cover them Saturday night.

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

📚 This Morning: Free Wills Class at the Library (10 a.m.)

The Sequatchie County Public Library, 227 Cherry St., reopened at 8 a.m. after yesterday’s Columbus Day closing. Phone: 423-949-2357. Regular hours today are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The library is closed Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Today’s grown-up offerings:

• 10 a.m.: Free Wills & Living Trusts class. No sign-up. Learn the basics, hear your options, and ask questions in a calm setting.
• 4 p.m.: Friends of the Library monthly meeting — a good way to meet the folks behind next week’s book sale.

Still on this week:

• Wed., Oct. 14, 9–11 a.m.: Genealogy assistance. Bring family records or notes.
• Wed., Oct. 14 and Fri., Oct. 16, 1 p.m.: Chair Dancing for adults. No sign-up; first-timers arrive a little early to sign a waiver.
• Mon., Oct. 19, 1 p.m.: Chair Dancing again.
• Tue., Oct. 20, 10 a.m.: “Let’s Talk Medicare” educational presentation at the library (no signup required; registering ahead helps them plan).

The library is also a drop-off spot for the VFW Post 5772 Veteran Support Drive, collecting new clothing and shoes (size 9 and up) for veterans at the VA hospital in Murfreesboro. Socks and bottled water are not needed this year. The drive runs through the end of October; items can also go to Veterans Hall.

The Sequatchie County Senior Citizens Center at 103 Heard St. offers meals, transportation and social programs. Call 423-949-2228 to ask about this week’s schedule.

What it means for you: If you have been putting off a will conversation, this morning’s class is a gentle, free place to start. You do not have to decide anything on the spot — just listen and take notes.

👉 Read more (Sequatchie County Public Library) · Locable: Wills class listing · Senior Citizens Center

🗳️ Early Voting Opens Tomorrow — Call for Hours Before You Drive

Early voting for the Tuesday, Nov. 3 state and federal general election runs Wednesday, Oct. 14, through Thursday, Oct. 29. You do not need a reason to vote early in Tennessee. The ballot includes state and federal races and three proposed amendments to the Tennessee Constitution, each a yes-or-no question.

Your local home base is the Sequatchie County Election Office:

• Administrator: Jerrie Holland
• Address: 68 Spring St., Dunlap
• Phone: 423-949-2431
• Listed office hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (early-voting hours can differ — call ahead)

Counties set their own early-voting locations and hours. Sequatchie’s full early-voting schedule was still not published online as of this morning, so call ahead before you drive. 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.

If you need to vote absentee by mail, Tennessee requires an approved reason, such as being 60 or older. Your written request must reach the Election Office by Saturday, Oct. 24.

Neighbor note: Bledsoe County has already posted exact early-voting hours at the Pikeville courthouse (3150 Main St., Suite 700). Hours vary by day Oct. 14–29. Bledsoe election office: 423-447-2776. Sequatchie hours are set separately — always call our office.

What it means for you: Early voting is like going to the grocery store on a Tuesday morning instead of Saturday afternoon. Shorter lines, less fuss. Call the office today or first thing tomorrow, put your ID with your car keys, and look over your sample ballot at GoVoteTN.gov before you go.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Courthouse Corner) · Tennessee Firefly: How to vote in Sequatchie · GoVoteTN

💵 Tomorrow: Social Security’s 2027 Raise — Free, Automatic, and No One Needs to “Unlock” It

Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustment for 2027 is expected Wednesday, Oct. 14, after the government’s September inflation report at 8:30 a.m. Eastern (7:30 a.m. Central). Until that report lands, there is no official number — forecasts floating around are estimates only.

The raise is automatic and free. You do not apply for it. You do not pay a fee. It shows up in benefits payable in January 2027 (some SSI and combined-benefit payments arrive late December).

How to protect yourself this week:

• Hang up on anyone who offers to “boost,” “unlock” or “get” your raise for a fee, or who asks for your Social Security number or bank details.
• Call Social Security yourself at 1-800-772-1213 if you have questions. Live help is back today after yesterday’s holiday closing.
• Report a scam at ssa.gov/scam.

What it means for you: Watch for the official number on Wednesday from Social Security’s own COLA page or a trusted news source. Ignore the callers and texts that suddenly know how to “help” you get more. A real raise does not need a middleman.

👉 Read more (SSA: COLA page) · Report a Social Security scam · Dunlap.Today: Front Porch Morning

🏛️ Still On: City Hall Thursday, County Commission Likely Monday

School board — last night, Mon., Oct. 12. The Sequatchie County Board of Education met at Griffith Elementary after fall break. Public comment was on the agenda. Watch Dunlap.Today and the district for any follow-up notes.

Dunlap City Hall — Thu., Oct. 15, 5 p.m. Still on. The Board of Mayor and Commissioners meets in the Commission Room of the George L. Wagner Municipal Building, 15595 Rankin Ave. A public notice published Oct. 8 said the agenda should be posted at City Hall and on dunlaptn.gov by today, Tuesday, Oct. 13. Comments on agenda items are taken at the start. City Hall: 423-949-2115.

County Commission — likely Mon., Oct. 19. Still inferred from the third-Monday pattern (July 20 and Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the courthouse courtroom). No October agenda had been posted on the county website as of this morning, so call ahead: 423-949-3479. Past meetings have been streamed online through BTC Fiber’s YouTube channel.

Tonight on the community calendar: American Legion Riders Chapter 190 at 5 p.m. at Veterans Hall (6808 State Route 28); Sequatchie County Democrats at 6 p.m., Community Room, 97 Resource Road; Cagle Community Association at 6:30 p.m. at the Cagle community center. Confirm before you go if you plan to attend.

What it means for you: You don’t need a suit or a speech to attend City Hall. Sitting in the back and listening is a fine way to know what’s coming. Skim Tuesday’s agenda if you might speak Thursday.

👉 Read more (Public notice: Oct. 15 City meeting) · County meetings calendar · Dunlap.Today: October meetings

🏥 Medicare Open Enrollment Starts Thursday — Take It Slow

Medicare’s yearly Open Enrollment still 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 fits your doctors and prescriptions, you do not have to change a thing.

For free, honest help, call TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044 (TTY 1-800-848-0299). SHIP counselors do not sell insurance. Medicare itself is 1-800-MEDICARE.

How to protect yourself this season:

• Type Medicare.gov into your browser yourself. The FTC warns that some top search results are paid ads made to look official.
• Medicare will not cold-call you to sell a plan or ask for your Medicare number. If someone does, hang up.
• Grieving families: WSMV reported recently that a funeral home in Winchester warned of callers pretending to be staff and claiming the family owes money. If you get a call like that, hang up and call the funeral home yourself using the number on your paperwork.

An optional heads-up from yesterday’s Front Porch Morning: a free “Medicare Changes, Made Simple” talk was listed for tonight, Tue., Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. Eastern (5 p.m. our Central time) at Morning Pointe of Hixson, 5501 Old Hixson Pike. Reservations requested: 423-777-5577. Call ahead if you plan to drive over the mountain.

What it means for you: Treat plan shopping like reading the seed catalog at the kitchen table — slowly, on your own schedule. Set your Annual Notice of Change letter beside your pill bottles one evening this week. If anything changed, call SHIP. A real helper will never rush you.

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

🎒 Homecoming Friday: Parade Mid-Morning, Football at 7

It is still Homecoming Week in Sequatchie County schools. Today’s dress theme is Take a Picture Tuesday. The homecoming parade is Friday morning, Oct. 16. The library’s weekly post now lists 9:30 a.m. (an earlier calendar line had said 9 a.m.), so arrive a little early or call ahead. The Indians host Community at 7 p.m. Friday for the homecoming game in Dunlap.

What it means for you: Leave a few extra minutes Friday morning — buses and parade traffic will slow downtown. A folding chair on the parade route is one of the best seats in town for grandparents. Friday night turns cooler, so bring a jacket to the stadium.

👉 Read more (Library weekly: parade 9:30 a.m.) · Dunlap.Today: Homecoming week · MaxPreps: Indians schedule

🔥 Still On Thursday: Burn Permits Return — Plus a Property Tax Reminder

From Oct. 15 through May 15, Tennessee requires a free Division of Forestry burn permit for debris-pile fires. A permit is good for one day only, so get it the day you burn, and have the fire 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.

The state pauses permits when fire danger is high. Some cities and counties have stricter rules of their own, so if you live inside Dunlap city limits, check with City Hall (423-949-2115) first.

Property taxes: Dunlap.Today reports 2026 Sequatchie County bills can still be paid without interest through Feb. 28, 2027. Questions about the bill go to the Trustee, 423-949-2526. Questions about your property’s value go to the Assessor, 423-949-3534. Both offices are on Cherry Street.

What it means for you: With a dry, sunny stretch ahead, keep a hose and rake handy and never leave a burn pile alone. For taxes, there is no rush this week — but writing the Feb. 28 date on the calendar now saves a headache later.

👉 Read more (TN burn permits) · Sequatchie tax look-up and payment · Dunlap.Today: Tax window

🚧 On the Roads: Flaggers Still Listed Through Midweek

TDOT’s roadway activity report for Oct. 8–14 still lists flagger-controlled single-lane closures for resurfacing in Sequatchie County:

• SR-111 from near Lewis Chapel Road to near East Valley Road.
• SR-399 from the Grundy County line to near SR-111.
• SR-8 from south of Whitlow Road to north of Sherman Road.

Headed to Chattanooga at night? I-24 in Marion County (about mile markers 152 to 156) has had single-lane closures Sunday through Thursday nights, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. That weekly window wraps midweek — check SmartWay before you leave if you drive after dark.

What it means for you: Give yourself an extra ten minutes on those Valley roads and be patient with the flaggers. Daytime is still the easier window for I-24 while night work is listed.

👉 Read more (TDOT roadway report) · TDOT SmartWay

🚜 Still On: Days of Yesteryear, Farmers Market and a Free Clinic

The 21st Annual Days of Yesteryear Antique Tractor Show is still set for Coops Creek Commons, 287 Pine St., in downtown Dunlap on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17–18, with gates opening at 8 a.m. both days (listed through about 4 p.m.). The Chamber lists free admission and free parking, with antique tractors, heritage farm demonstrations, classic cars, crafts, children’s activities and food. Chamber: 423-949-7608. Tractor club: 423-949-6537.

That same Saturday, the Dunlap Farmers Market is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jeff Johnson Pavilion in Harris Park, 245 Cedar St. Organizers have planned a Young Entrepreneurs Day for youth vendors that morning.

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

What it means for you: Saturday will be the coolest day of the week (high near 65), so dress in layers, bring a folding chair and some cash for food. If you know someone who has put off a tooth or an eye exam, tell them about the RAM clinic this week so they can plan.

👉 Read more (Chamber: Days of Yesteryear) · Dunlap Farmers Market · RAM Chattanooga clinic

📅 Your Week on One Page (Tue., Oct. 13 – Tue., Oct. 20)

• Tue., Oct. 13 (today): Fog before 9 a.m., then sunny near 87. Wills class 10 a.m., library. Friends of the Library 4 p.m. City agenda due to be posted. Mail and Social Security offices open again.
• Wed., Oct. 14: Early voting opens. Social Security 2027 raise expected. Genealogy help 9–11 a.m.; Chair Dancing 1 p.m.
• Thu., Oct. 15: Medicare Open Enrollment opens. Burn permits required. Dunlap City Hall 5 p.m. Library closed (Thursdays).
• Fri., Oct. 16: Homecoming parade ~9:30 a.m. (call ahead). Football vs. Community, 7 p.m. Cold front; low near 44.
• Sat., Oct. 17: Days of Yesteryear, gates 8 a.m. Farmers Market 9 a.m.–1 p.m. RAM clinic in Chattanooga. High near 65.
• Sun., Oct. 18: Days of Yesteryear, day two. RAM clinic, day two.
• Mon., Oct. 19: County Commission likely 6:30 p.m. (call ahead). Chair Dancing 1 p.m.
• Tue., Oct. 20: Free walk-in flu shots, Sequatchie County Health Department, 16939 Rankin Ave., 9 a.m.–4 p.m. “Let’s Talk Medicare” at the library, 10 a.m.

Looking a little further ahead: Friends of the Library book sale Oct. 21–24. Absentee request deadline Sat., Oct. 24. Election Day Tue., Nov. 3.

✅ Your Front-Porch Checklist for the Week

• ✅ Consider the free wills class this morning at 10 a.m. at the library.
• ✅ Call 423-949-2431 for early-voting place and hours; put your photo ID with your keys.
• ✅ Watch for Social Security’s official 2027 raise Wednesday — and hang up on anyone selling help to “get” it.
• ✅ Set your Medicare Annual Notice of Change beside your medicine list; call TN SHIP 1-877-801-0044 with questions.
• ✅ Hang up on any caller asking for your Medicare number or saying you owe a funeral home money.
• ✅ Get a free burn permit the day you burn, starting Thursday.
• ✅ Check the furnace and find the jackets before Friday night’s cool-down.
• ✅ Circle Oct. 17–18 for Days of Yesteryear — free, gates 8 a.m., 287 Pine St.
• ✅ Write Feb. 28, 2027 on the calendar for property taxes.
• ✅ Bookmark Dunlap.Today for tomorrow’s roundup.

Practical rule: Write the date, the place and the phone number down before you need them — 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.
• Absentee ballot: A mail-in ballot. Tennessee requires an approved reason, such as being 60 or older.
• COLA: Cost-of-living adjustment — Social Security’s yearly raise, based on inflation. It is automatic and free.
• 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.
• Annual Notice of Change: The letter your plan mails each fall listing next year’s changes in costs and coverage.
• Burn permit: Free, one-day permission from the state Division of Forestry to burn a debris pile, required Oct. 15–May 15.
• Trustee vs. Assessor: The Trustee collects your property tax. The Assessor sets your property’s value for taxes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the wills class still on this morning?

Yes. The Sequatchie County Public Library lists a free Wills & Living Trusts class today, Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 10 a.m., at 227 Cherry St. No sign-up. Library phone: 423-949-2357.

Where do I vote early in Sequatchie County?

Counties set their own early-voting sites and hours. Call the Sequatchie County Election Office at 423-949-2431 (68 Spring St., Dunlap) or check GoVoteTN.gov before you go. Early voting runs Wed., Oct. 14, through Thu., Oct. 29.

Do I have to do anything to get my Social Security raise?

No. The COLA is automatic and free once Social Security announces it. Anyone asking for a fee or your numbers to “unlock” a raise is a scammer. Hang up and call 1-800-772-1213 yourself.

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.

When does the County Commission meet this month?

Recent regular meetings were held on the third Monday at 6:30 p.m., which would be Mon., Oct. 19. No October agenda was posted as of this morning, so call the county at 423-949-3479 to confirm.

What time is the homecoming parade?

The library’s weekly post lists Friday, Oct. 16, at 9:30 a.m. An earlier calendar line had said 9 a.m., so arrive early or call the library at 423-949-2357.

Is Days of Yesteryear really free?

Yes. The Chamber lists free admission and free parking both days, Oct. 17–18, with gates at 8 a.m., at Coops Creek Commons, 287 Pine St.

Do I need a permit to burn leaves this week?

Starting Thursday, Oct. 15, yes — a free state permit, good for one day, from BurnSafeTN.org or 877-350-2876. Inside Dunlap city limits, check city rules too.

🔗 Other Resources

• Dunlap.Today
• Dunlap.Directory — find local businesses and services
• Sequatchie County Government — 423-949-3479
• City of Dunlap — 423-949-2115
• GoVoteTN
• Medicare.gov Open Enrollment
• TN SHIP Medicare counseling
• Social Security COLA · ssa.gov/scam
• Sequatchie County Public Library — 423-949-2357
• Sequatchie County/Dunlap Chamber events — 423-949-7608
• NWS forecast for Dunlap
• ReportFraud.ftc.gov — report a scam

☕ A Good Day to Show Up and Write Things Down

Nothing on this list needs hurrying. If you can make the wills class this morning, go. If not, call about early voting, set the Medicare letter by your coffee cup, and save Saturday morning for old tractors and old friends downtown. That is a fine week in the Valley.

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