☕ Front Porch Morning: Homecoming Parade This Morning, a Gusty Cool-Down, and Medicare Day Two

Or: Be Curbside by About 9, Skip Burning in the Wind, and Keep Comparing Medicare One Cup at a Time

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Friday, October 16, 2026

Good morning, neighbor. Pour the coffee and listen for the band. Homecoming parade morning is here — listed at 9:30 a.m. Central (be curbside by about 9 to cover both listings). Football vs. Community is at 7 p.m. The weather turns gusty, with a high near 80°F, then a real cool-down by Saturday night near 37°F. Medicare open enrollment is day two of the window that runs through Dec. 7. None of this needs rushing. Let’s take it one cup at a time.

⏱️ Your 30-second morning recap

• Yesterday: Dunlap City Hall met at 5 p.m. on Main Street zoning (Ordinance No. 321) and a sludge mitigation proposal. Results and minutes are not posted yet as of this writing — call (423) 949-2115 or check dunlaptn.gov/government later.
• Yesterday: Medicare open enrollment began (through Dec. 7). Changes take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Free, no-sales help: TN SHIP 1-877-801-0044.
• Still true: Your Social Security raise is official at 3.6% for 2027. It starts with your January 2027 payment. Automatic and free.
• Today: Homecoming parade (listed 9:30 a.m.; be curbside by about 9). Football vs. Community, 7 p.m. Library open; Chair Dancing at 1 p.m.
• Weather: National Weather Service Dunlap (updated about 1:26 a.m. Central): increasing clouds, high near 80°F, northwest winds with gusts as high as 20 mph. Tonight mostly cloudy, low around 45°F. Saturday night near 37°F; Sunday morning may bring areas of frost.

📝 Jot This Down: today’s 3 things to remember

1. Parade morning — listed 9:30 a.m.; be curbside by about 9. Football tonight at 7 p.m. Bring a light jacket for the evening chill.
2. Gusty today — do not burn. Free burn permits are required (Oct. 15–May 15), but Forestry may pause them in high wind. Put the leaf pile off until a calm day.
3. Medicare day two: find your Annual Notice of Change letter. Open enrollment runs through Dec. 7. You do not have to change anything. Free help: TN SHIP 1-877-801-0044.

Tomorrow’s heads-up: Saturday, Oct. 17 — Days of Yesteryear antique tractor show, gates 8 a.m., Coops Creek Commons, 287 Pine St. (free). Dunlap Farmers Market, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Harris Park. High near 60°F. Saturday night near 37°F — unhook and drain the garden hoses today if you haven’t. Free RAM dental, vision and medical clinic in Chattanooga (Eastern Time) Sat.–Sun. Oct. 17–18.

📰 In Case You Missed It Yesterday (Thursday, Oct. 15)

🏛️ City Hall Met Last Night — Results Not Posted Yet

The Board of Mayor and City Commissioners met in regular session Thursday, Oct. 15, at 5:00 p.m. Central in the Commission Room of the George L. Wagner Municipal Building, 15595 Rankin Ave., Dunlap.

Posted agenda items included Ordinance No. 321 (zoning map at 1466 and 1494 Main Street), a sludge mitigation proposal from Water/Wastewater/Street, a gas account adjustment, and department and financial reports.

As of early Friday morning, meeting results and minutes are not yet posted on the city website. That is normal — cities often post after staff type and approve the record. If those Main Street addresses touch your street, or if the sludge plan matters to your water bill, call City Hall and ask: (423) 949-2115.

What it means for you: You do not need the full minutes to stay informed. One short call, or a check of dunlaptn.gov/government later today, is enough.

👉 Read more (City of Dunlap: government / agenda)

🏥 Medicare Day Two: Find the Letter, Compare Slowly

Medicare’s yearly Open Enrollment opened yesterday, Oct. 15, and runs through Monday, Dec. 7. During this window you can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage plan, change your Part D drug plan, or move between Advantage and Original Medicare. The plan must get your request by Dec. 7. Changes take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Today’s calm tip: Find your Annual Notice of Change letter — the one your plan mailed this fall. Set it beside your pill bottles and your coffee cup. You do not have to change anything. If your doctors, prescriptions and costs still fit, you can keep your plan.

A kitchen-table checklist for day two:

• Doctors and hospitals: Are yours still in the plan next year?
• Prescriptions: Are your medicines still covered, and at which pharmacies?
• Total cost: Look past the monthly premium — check deductibles, copays and the yearly out-of-pocket maximum.
• Compare slowly at Medicare.gov (type the address yourself) or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Free, unbiased help: TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044. Counselors do not sell insurance. Never give your Medicare number to someone who called you first. Real Medicare cards are free.

What it means for you: Treat plan shopping like reading the seed catalog — slowly, on your own schedule. One phone call to SHIP beats guessing.

👉 Read more (Medicare.gov: Open Enrollment)

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself: Open-Enrollment Phone Calls

Medicare season brings more phone calls. The same rules still hold. Medicare cards are free. Social Security will not call to demand immediate payment or threaten you with arrest. Your 3.6% raise is already yours — nobody needs a fee or gift cards to “unlock” it. If a caller scares you, rushes you, or wants gift cards, hang up.

To report a scam in Tennessee, call Consumer Affairs at 1-800-342-8385. The FTC’s line is 1-877-382-4357 (1-877-FTC-HELP). Social Security scam tips: ssa.gov/scam.

What it means for you: When in doubt, hang up and call a number you looked up yourself — Medicare, Social Security or TN SHIP.

👉 Read more (Social Security: scam alerts)

📅 Today in the Valley (Friday, Oct. 16)

🏈 Homecoming Parade This Morning — Listed 9:30 a.m.

Sequatchie County High School’s homecoming festivities are today. Dunlap.Today’s homecoming football article and the library’s weekly post list the parade at 9:30 a.m. Central. An earlier library calendar line once showed 9 a.m., so be curbside by about 9 to cover both and get a good spot. Organizers already suggest arriving early for parking.

Football follows at 7:00 p.m. Central at Indians Stadium (Sequatchie County High School, 7067 TN-28 Scenic, Dunlap). The Indians host Community. Bring a jacket — the evening cools toward the mid-40s.

For firm parade or drop-off details, call the district at (423) 949-3617.

What it means for you: If you love a small-town parade, grab a chair and a light jacket. Wave at the neighbors. Skip the leaf pile until the wind dies down.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Homecoming parade and football)

☀️ Today’s Weather: Gusty Near 80, Then the Real Cool-Down

The National Weather Service Dunlap forecast (updated about 1:26 a.m. Central) calls for increasing clouds, a high near 80°F, and light wind becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Tonight is mostly cloudy, low around 45°F, with north winds and gusts as high as 25 mph.

Then the change sticks. Saturday: mostly sunny, high near 60°F, north wind around 10 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Saturday night: mostly clear, low around 37°F. Sunday: areas of frost before 8 a.m., then sunny near 67°F. That is a drop of about 40-plus degrees from Thursday’s heat to Saturday night. Frost is possible in hollows, creek bottoms and on higher ground.

Time note: Dunlap and Sequatchie County follow Central Time (the weather service lists Dunlap in CDT). Chattanooga and Hamilton County, and Rhea County, run on Eastern Time — one hour ahead. If a flyer says “Chattanooga at 6 a.m.,” that is 5 a.m. on your Dunlap kitchen clock.

What it means for you: Wear layers for the parade. Put a jacket by the door for tonight’s game. Before Saturday night, unhook and drain your garden hoses, bring in tender potted plants, and make sure the furnace or heat pump comes on.

👉 Read more (National Weather Service: Dunlap forecast)

🔥 Gusty Day — Skip Burning (Permits Still Required)

Free Tennessee Division of Forestry burn permits are required Oct. 15 through May 15 for outdoor debris fires. Permits are free and can be obtained the same day at BurnSafeTN.org (or the MyTN app) between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. local time, or by calling 1-877-350-2876 (weekdays, same hours, Central). Forestry may pause permits when winds are high or conditions are dry.

What it means for you: Today’s forecast is gusty. Do not burn today. Pick a calm day next week, get the permit first, stay with the fire, and put it completely out before you leave. Check local city or county rules too — they can be stricter than the state.

👉 Read more (TN Wildland Fire: burn permits)

🗳️ Early Voting Continues Through Oct. 29

Early voting for the Tuesday, Nov. 3 state and federal general election runs through Thursday, Oct. 29. You don’t need a reason to vote early in Tennessee.

A Dunlap.Today report says VFW Post 5772, 6808 SR 28, Dunlap, is hosting early voting, with hours listed as Monday–Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central and Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central. Hours and sites can change, so call ahead to confirm before you leave the house.

• Sequatchie County Election Commission: 68 Spring St., Dunlap. Phone (423) 949-2431.
• Bring: A current or expired photo ID from the State of Tennessee or the federal government (driver’s license, state ID or passport).
• Voting by mail: If you’re 60 or older, you can ask for an absentee ballot. Your written request must arrive by Saturday, Oct. 24.

What it means for you: Pick a cool morning after the parade, put your photo ID with your car keys, and make one short phone call first. Sample ballots: GoVoteTN.gov.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Early voting at the VFW)

📚 Library Open Today — Chair Dancing at 1 p.m.

The Sequatchie County Public Library, 227 Cherry St., Dunlap, is open Fridays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central. Closed Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Phone: (423) 949-2357.

Today’s note from the library calendar: Homecoming parade at 9:30 a.m. — no Preschool Page Turners, but the library stays open during the parade. Chair Dancing for adults is at 1:00 p.m. (free; first-timers sign a waiver; check in at the front desk before going upstairs).

Mark Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 10 a.m. for “Let’s Talk Medicare” — an educational overview at the library (not a sales event). For free, no-sales one-on-one counseling, use TN SHIP 1-877-801-0044.

The Sequatchie County Senior Citizens Center, 103 Heard St., offers meals, transportation and activities. Call (423) 949-2228 to ask about today’s lunch and schedule (call ahead to confirm).

What it means for you: If you want gentle movement after the parade, Chair Dancing at 1 is a friendly low-impact option. Bring water and comfortable clothes.

👉 Read more (Sequatchie County Public Library)

🗓️ Put These on the Fridge: This Weekend and Next Week

• Friday, Oct. 16 (today): Homecoming parade listed 9:30 a.m. (curb by about 9). Football vs. Community, 7 p.m. Gusty, near 80°F — don’t burn. Library open; Chair Dancing 1 p.m. Medicare OE day two (through Dec. 7).
• Saturday, Oct. 17: Days of Yesteryear tractor show, gates 8 a.m., activities 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Coops Creek Commons, 287 Pine St. (free admission and parking). Dunlap Farmers Market, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Jeff Johnson Pavilion / Harris Park. High near 60°F. Saturday night near 37°F.
• Saturday–Sunday, Oct. 17–18: Free Remote Area Medical dental, vision and medical clinic at Notre Dame High School, 2701 Vermont Ave., Chattanooga (Eastern Time — one hour ahead of Dunlap). Parking lot opens by midnight Friday (11:59 p.m. Eastern). Clinic doors open about 6 a.m. Saturday. First come, first served. No ID or insurance required. Dentures not available at this clinic. Bring water, snacks, medicines and warm layers. Questions: 865-579-1530. Check ramusa.org before you travel.
• Sunday, Oct. 18: Tractor show continues (gates 8 a.m.). Areas of frost possible early.
• Tuesday, Oct. 20: Free flu shots at Sequatchie County Health Department, 16939 Rankin Ave., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central. “Let’s Talk Medicare” at the library, 10 a.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 24: Absentee ballot request deadline (age 60+). Thursday, Oct. 29: Last day of early voting.

✅ Your Calm Morning Checklist

• ✅ Parade listed 9:30 a.m. — be curbside by about 9. Jacket for tonight’s 7 p.m. game.
• ✅ Do not burn today — winds and gusts. Save the leaf pile for a calm day; free permit still required when you do.
• ✅ Find your Medicare Annual Notice of Change letter. Open enrollment runs through Dec. 7.
• ✅ Call TN SHIP 1-877-801-0044 if you want free, no-sales help. Hang up on cold callers who want your Medicare number.
• ✅ Write 3.6% on the calendar if you haven’t. Raise is automatic and free, starting in January 2027.
• ✅ Before Saturday night, unhook and drain the garden hoses and check the heat.
• ✅ Call (423) 949-2431 to confirm early-voting place and hours if you plan to vote today.
• ✅ City Hall results: call (423) 949-2115 or check the city site later — minutes not posted yet.
• ✅ Circle fridge dates: Oct. 17–18 (tractors + RAM), 20 (flu + Medicare talk), 24, 29, Dec. 7.

Practical rule: You don’t have to remember it all. Just keep this page handy, and check back tomorrow morning.

— Dunlap.Today

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What time is the homecoming parade?

Dunlap.Today’s homecoming article and the library’s weekly post list 9:30 a.m. Central. An earlier library calendar line showed 9 a.m. Be curbside by about 9. For firm details, call the district at (423) 949-3617. Football vs. Community is at 7 p.m. at Indians Stadium.

Do I have to change my Medicare plan this week?

No. Open enrollment is optional and runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Use it if your doctors, drugs or costs changed. Free help: TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044. Changes take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

What happened at City Hall Thursday night?

The board met at 5 p.m. on Ordinance No. 321 (Main Street zoning), a sludge mitigation proposal, a gas account adjustment, and department reports. As of early Friday, results and minutes were not yet posted. Call City Hall at (423) 949-2115 or check dunlaptn.gov/government later.

Will it really get that cold this weekend?

The National Weather Service forecasts about 37°F Saturday night in Dunlap, with areas of frost possible Sunday morning. Unhook garden hoses and check your heat before then.

Can I burn leaves today?

Free burn permits are required Oct. 15–May 15, but today looks gusty (northwest winds with gusts). Skip burning on windy days. Get a free same-day permit on a calm day at BurnSafeTN.org or 1-877-350-2876 (weekdays 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Central).

Where do I vote early in Sequatchie County?

Local reports list VFW Post 5772 at 6808 SR 28, Dunlap, weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Central and Saturday 9 a.m.–noon. Call the Election Commission at (423) 949-2431 before you drive to confirm today’s place and hours. Early voting runs through Thursday, Oct. 29.

What is Days of Yesteryear, and is it free?

The 21st annual antique tractor show is Saturday–Sunday, Oct. 17–18, at Coops Creek Commons, 287 Pine St., Dunlap. Gates open 8 a.m.; activities 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission and parking are free. General info: Paul Swafford (423) 618-0540 or Bill Gray (423) 949-2815.

How do I get to the free RAM clinic in Chattanooga?

Notre Dame High School, 2701 Vermont Ave., Chattanooga (Eastern Time — one hour ahead of Dunlap). Parking opens by midnight Friday. Doors about 6 a.m. Saturday. First come, first served. Free dental, vision and medical; no ID or insurance required. Dentures not offered at this clinic. Questions: 865-579-1530. Check ramusa.org before traveling.

Is Dunlap on Central or Eastern time?

Dunlap and Sequatchie County follow Central Time (the weather service lists Dunlap in CDT). Chattanooga/Hamilton County and Rhea County are on Eastern Time — one hour ahead of your Dunlap clock.

Is the library open Friday?

Yes. Fridays 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Central at 227 Cherry St. Chair Dancing at 1 p.m. Closed Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Phone: (423) 949-2357.

🔗 Helpful Numbers & Resources

• Social Security: 1-800-772-1213. SSA.gov COLA page · Report a scam: ssa.gov/scam
• Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Medicare open enrollment
• TN SHIP free Medicare counseling: 1-877-801-0044
• Sequatchie County Election Commission: (423) 949-2431 · 68 Spring St., Dunlap · GoVoteTN.gov
• Bledsoe County Election Office: (423) 447-2776
• Sequatchie Senior Center, 103 Heard St., Dunlap: (423) 949-2228
• SETAAAD: 1-866-836-6678 · SETHRA rides: (423) 478-1396
• Sequatchie County Public Library: (423) 949-2357 · 227 Cherry St., Dunlap (open Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Thu/Sat/Sun)
• Dunlap City Hall: (423) 949-2115 · dunlaptn.gov/government
• Sequatchie County Schools district office: (423) 949-3617
• Free burn permits: BurnSafeTN.org or 1-877-350-2876 (weekdays 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Central)
• Days of Yesteryear info: Paul Swafford (423) 618-0540 · Bill Gray (423) 949-2815 · daysofyesteryear.org
• RAM clinic questions: 865-579-1530 · ramusa.org Chattanooga clinic
• Sequachee Valley Electric outages (24/7): 1-888-421-7832
• Sequatchie County 911 non-emergency: (423) 949-9912. For an emergency, call 911.
• TN Division of Consumer Affairs (report a scam): 1-800-342-8385
• FTC fraud reports: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) · ftc.gov/complaint
• Tennessee Adult Protective Services: 1-888-277-8366
• National Weather Service Dunlap forecast: weather.gov point forecast

🌅 One Good Morning at a Time

A busy Friday doesn’t have to feel busy. Wave at the parade, leave the leaf pile for a calm day, and set your Medicare letter by the coffee cup. Get the hoses ready before Saturday’s cold night. We’ll walk the rest of Medicare season with you, one morning at a time. Read Dunlap.Today every morning for plain-English Valley news, and find local businesses on Dunlap.Directory.

— Dunlap.Today