☕ Front Porch Morning: Last Public Book Sale Day, Chair Dancing at 1, and Sunny Near 75

Or: Put a Trusted Name on Your Savings, Check Your $100 Bills, and Enjoy a Golden Friday

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Friday, October 23, 2026

Good morning, neighbor. Happy Friday. The library is open again today, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Today is the last day the Friends of the Library book sale is open to everyone, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Early voting runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. And after a little early fog, it’ll be sunny, near 75°F.

While your coffee cools, here’s one small idea for your money and one for your wallet. Neither needs worry. Each takes just a minute.

⏱️ Your 30-second morning recap

• Yesterday: Tennessee’s securities regulators urged folks to name a “trusted contact” on savings and investment accounts. Dalton police shared simple ways to spot a fake $100 bill. Chattanooga announced weekend ramp closures at Shallowford Road and I-75.
• Today: Book sale, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Puppet show for grandchildren, 10 a.m. Chair Dancing, 1 p.m. Early voting, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Weather: The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap (updated about 1:26 a.m. Central) calls for patchy fog before 8 a.m., then sunny with a high near 75°F. Tonight will be clear, low around 44°F.

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

1. Today, Friday, Oct. 23, is the last public day of the book sale, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It’s at the Fair Building, 103 Heard St., Dunlap. Tomorrow is Fill-a-Bag Day.
2. Chair Dancing is today at 1 p.m. at the library, 227 Cherry St. It’s free. Stop at the front desk first, then go upstairs.
3. Gather your old pills tonight. Drug Take Back Day is tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tomorrow’s heads-up: Saturday, Oct. 24 is a busy one. Drug Take Back Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Early voting, 9 a.m. to noon. Book sale Fill-a-Bag Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dunlap Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harris Park. It’ll be sunny, near 73°F.

📰 In Case You Missed It Yesterday (Thursday, Oct. 22)

💼 Put a Trusted Name on Your Savings

The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, Securities Division, has asked Tennesseans to stay alert to money scams. State regulators say many of today’s schemes use crypto pitches, social media and computer-made voices that pretend to be someone you know. Dunlap.Today covered the advisory in Thursday’s Scam Watch.

The state’s tips are short. Ask questions. Walk away from anything that sounds too good to be true. Check that a person selling an investment is registered. And name a trusted contact on your brokerage or retirement account.

What it means for you: A trusted contact is like leaving a neighbor’s number on the fridge. If your bank or broker notices something odd, or can’t reach you, they have someone to call. A trusted contact can’t move your money or make trades. Next time you call your bank or broker, ask, “Can I add a trusted contact?” It’s free. Questions? The state Securities Division is at (800) 863-9117.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: This Week’s Scam Watch)

💵 How to Spot a Fake $100 Bill

On Thursday, police in Dalton, Georgia, said fake $100 bills were passed at several stores there earlier this month. They shared what the fakes felt like, and it’s handy for all of us.

Police said the fake bills were a little thicker than real money and felt slightly sticky. The faint picture on the right side of the bill was harder to see. And the fakes showed up when marked with a counterfeit-detector pen.

What it means for you: If someone hands you a $100 bill at a yard sale or for something you’re selling, take a moment. Hold it up to the light and look for the faint face on the right side. Rub it between your fingers. If it feels off, it’s fine to politely say, “I’d rather have smaller bills.” Most of us will never see a fake, but a 10-second look never hurts.

👉 Read more (WDEF News 12: Dalton counterfeit report)

🚧 Heading to Chattanooga This Weekend? Two Ramps Close

The City of Chattanooga said Thursday that state road crews will do bridge work at Shallowford Road and I-75 this weekend.

• The I-75 northbound Exit 5 off-ramp to Shallowford Road closes at 8 p.m. Eastern tonight, Friday, Oct. 23 (that’s 7 p.m. our time). It should reopen Saturday afternoon or evening.
• Then the Shallowford Road on-ramp to I-75 southbound closes, along with both westbound left-turn lanes that feed it. It should reopen late Sunday.
• All ramps must be open again by 6 a.m. Eastern Monday, Oct. 26.

What it means for you: Shallowford Road is near Hamilton Place mall. If you’re shopping or visiting there this weekend, plan another way in, or go another day.

👉 Read more (Chattanoogan.com: Shallowford ramp closures)

📅 Today in the Valley (Friday, Oct. 23)

📚 The Book Sale’s Last Public Day

The Friends of the Sequatchie County Public Library book sale and silent auction is open to everyone today, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Fair Building, 103 Heard St., Dunlap. Every dollar helps your library.

Tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 24, is Fill-a-Bag Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., when you can fill a bag with books. The silent auction ends at noon Saturday.

What it means for you: If you’ve had your eye on an auction item, today is a good day to check your bid. Bring a tote bag.

👉 Read more (Sequatchie County Public Library)

🪑 Chair Dancing at 1, and Puppets at 10 for the Grandkids

The library, 227 Cherry St., is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.

Chair Dancing is at 1 p.m. It’s a gentle, seated, 45-minute class in the upstairs conference room. It’s free, and no sign-up is needed. Stop at the front desk before you go upstairs. If it’s your first time, come a little early to sign a short form. Bring a water bottle and wear comfy clothes.

Got little ones visiting? A free Work It Out Wombats! puppet show is at the library at 10 a.m.

What it means for you: Chair Dancing is an easy way to move a little and visit with neighbors. Questions? Call the library at (423) 949-2357.

👉 Read more (Library calendar)

🗳️ Early Voting: Open 9 to 5 Today

Early voting in Sequatchie County is open today, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday it’s open 9 a.m. to noon. It’s closed Sunday. The last day is Thursday, Oct. 29.

What it means for you: Bring a Tennessee or federal photo ID. It’s OK if it has expired. To confirm hours or the location, call the Election Commission at (423) 949-2431.

👉 Read more (Sequatchie County Government)

🍽️ Senior Center, Rides and Weekday Help

For lunch, rides and activities, call the Sequatchie County Senior Citizens Center, 103 Heard St., Dunlap, at (423) 949-2228. The book sale is in the same building through Saturday, so call ahead to confirm today’s lunch and activity times. We couldn’t find today’s menu online.

To schedule a ride, SETHRA Transit is at (423) 478-1396. Rides are usually booked ahead, so call early for next week.

What it means for you: Need a ride to the polls next week? Call SETHRA this morning to ask.

🎖️ Veterans Drive Wraps Up Soon

The Sequatchie County Memorial VFW Post 5772 Veteran Support Drive for the VA hospital in Murfreesboro is expected to wrap up at the end of October. The library says they need new items in the package: hoodies, T-shirts, light jackets, jogging pants, underwear and, new this year, shoes, size 9 and up. Socks and bottled water are not needed this year.

What it means for you: If you’re at the library today, you can drop off a new item at the desk during open hours.

👉 Read more (Library: 2026 Veteran Support Drive)

☀️ Today’s Weather: Morning Fog, Then Sunny Near 75

The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap (updated about 1:26 a.m. Central) calls for patchy fog before 8 a.m., then sunny skies with a high near 75°F, easing to around 71 in the afternoon, with almost no wind. Tonight will be clear, low around 44°F, with patchy fog after 4 a.m. Saturday looks sunny, near 73°F. No weather alerts were posted for Dunlap early this morning.

The sun comes up about 6:55 a.m. and sets about 5:57 p.m. Central. A free burn permit is required from Oct. 15 to May 15.

Time note: Dunlap and Sequatchie, Marion, Bledsoe, Grundy and Van Buren counties are on Central Time. Chattanooga, Hamilton County and Rhea County are on Eastern Time, one hour ahead.

What it means for you: Use low beams in the morning fog. Keep a sweater handy for tonight’s chill.

👉 Read more (National Weather Service: Dunlap forecast)

🗓️ Put These on the Fridge: The Week Ahead

• Friday, Oct. 23 (today): Book sale, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Puppet show, 10 a.m. Chair Dancing, 1 p.m. Early voting, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 24: Drug Take Back Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Early voting, 9 a.m. to noon. Fill-a-Bag Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (auction ends at noon). Dunlap Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Harris Park, 245 Cedar St.
• Monday, Oct. 26: Chair Dancing, 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28: Social Security payday (birthdays 21st–31st). Genealogy help at the library, 9 to 11 a.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 29: Last day of early voting. Friday, Oct. 30: Library Fall Festival, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a free book for every child and teen.
• Sunday, Nov. 1: Clocks fall back one hour. Monday, Dec. 7: Medicare open enrollment ends.

✅ Your Calm Morning Checklist

• ✅ Grab a tote bag for the book sale’s last public day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• ✅ Wear comfy clothes for Chair Dancing at 1 p.m. Check in at the front desk.
• ✅ Put old pills in a paper sack for tomorrow’s Take Back Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• ✅ Write “Ask about a trusted contact” on your next bank or broker visit list.
• ✅ Getting a $100 bill? Hold it to the light first.
• ✅ Going to Hamilton Place this weekend? Skip the Shallowford ramps.
• ✅ Keep a sweater by the door for tonight’s low near 44°F.

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

Is today the last day of the book sale?

Today is the last day it’s open to everyone at regular prices, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Fair Building, 103 Heard St. Saturday, Oct. 24, is Fill-a-Bag Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the silent auction closes at noon.

What is a trusted contact, and can they take my money?

A trusted contact is a person your bank or broker may call if they can’t reach you or see something odd. They cannot make trades or move your money. Adding one is free.

Do I need to sign up for Chair Dancing?

No. It’s free, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. Check in at the front desk first. First-timers sign a short form, so come a few minutes early.

How can I tell if a $100 bill is fake?

Dalton police said the fakes there felt a little thick and sticky, and the faint face on the right side was hard to see. Hold a bill up to the light and look for that faint face. If you’re unsure, ask your bank to look at it.

When is Drug Take Back Day?

Tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s free and nobody asks questions. The Sequatchie County Sheriff’s Office drop box at 351 Fredonia Road is another option any day.

🔗 Helpful Numbers & Resources

• Sequatchie County Public Library, 227 Cherry St.: (423) 949-2357 · sequatchielibrary.org
• Sequatchie Senior Center, 103 Heard St., Dunlap: (423) 949-2228 (weekdays)
• Sequatchie County Election Commission: (423) 949-2431 · GoVoteTN.gov
• TN Securities Division (investment questions): (800) 863-9117 or (615) 741-2947
• Social Security: 1-800-772-1213 · Report a scam: ssa.gov/scam
• Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) · TN SHIP free Medicare counseling: 1-877-801-0044
• MobileMOC free clinic appointments: 423-425-1657 · MobileMOC calendar
• Drug Take Back sites: TNtogether.com/takebackday · Sequatchie County Sheriff’s Office: (423) 949-7750
• SETHRA Transit rides: (423) 478-1396
• Report fraud to the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov · AARP Fraud Watch Helpline: 877-908-3360
• Dunlap Farmers Market: dunlapfarmersmarket.com
• Sequachee Valley Electric outages (24/7): 1-888-421-7832
• Sequatchie County 911 non-emergency: (423) 949-9912. For an emergency, call 911.
• National Weather Service Dunlap forecast: weather.gov point forecast

🌅 A Good Book, a Gentle Stretch and a Golden Friday

Here’s the whole day in one breath. Pick up a book or two and help the library. Stretch a little at Chair Dancing. Vote if you’re ready. Set your old pills by the door for tomorrow. Then sit a spell in the sunshine. Nothing today needs hurrying, and nothing needs worrying over. We’ll be here again tomorrow morning. Read Dunlap.Today every morning for plain-English Valley news, and find local businesses on Dunlap.Directory.

— Dunlap.Today