☕ Front Porch Morning: Flu Came Early, Check Your Eye Drops and It's Payday Wednesday

Or: Two Days Left to Vote Early, a Fire Hall for Hendon and a Partly Sunny 74

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Good morning, neighbor. Happy Wednesday. Yesterday brought a few things worth knowing: flu season showed up early in Tennessee this year, millions of store-brand eye drops are recalled, Bledsoe County said yes to a fire hall for Hendon, and a favorite Dunlap kitchen, Anthony & Theresa’s, is taking a short break starting Thursday.

Today is Social Security payday for many of us, and it looks partly sunny, with a high near 74°F. Early voting is open again, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nothing here needs worry. Just a few things to jot down.

⏱️ Your 30-second morning recap

• Yesterday: Flu is early this year, so now is a good time for your flu shot. Some store-brand eye drops are recalled. Check the lot number. Bledsoe County approved up to $70,000 for a fire hall in Hendon.
• Today: Social Security payday (birthdays the 21st–31st). Last day of TreasuryDirect’s old sign-in. Early voting, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 68 Spring St., Dunlap.
• Weather: The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap (updated 1:26 a.m. Central) calls for partly sunny skies, high near 74°F, with almost no wind. Tonight, mostly clear, low around 46°F.

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

1. Flu came early this year. If you haven’t had your flu shot, call the Sequatchie County Health Department, (423) 949-3619, your pharmacy or your doctor this week.
2. Early voting is open today, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 68 Spring St., Dunlap. Tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 29, is the last day.
3. Payday and a login change. Social Security payments go out today for birthdays on the 21st–31st. Today is also the last day of TreasuryDirect’s old sign-in. Type TreasuryDirect.gov yourself.

Tomorrow’s heads-up: Thursday, Oct. 29, is the last day of early voting, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anthony & Theresa’s begins its two-week break. The forecast says sunny, near 76°F.

📰 In Case You Missed It Yesterday (Tuesday, Oct. 27)

🤧 Flu Came Early This Year: A Good Week for Your Shot

On Tuesday, Axios Nashville reported that flu season appears to be getting an unusually early start in Tennessee and across the country. Tennessee had 74 flu-related hospital stays in the week ending Oct. 17, up from 52 the same week last year, according to state health data.

Vanderbilt infectious disease expert Dr. William Schaffner said it’s time to get vaccinated. Here’s the calm part: Axios says an early start doesn’t necessarily mean a worse season, and flu levels are still low compared with the usual January and February peaks.

What it means for you: A flu shot is like stacking firewood before the first frost. It takes about two weeks to build full protection, so getting it now means you’re ready before Thanksgiving visits. Call the Sequatchie County Health Department, (423) 949-3619, your pharmacy or your doctor. Call ahead to confirm hours and cost, and bring your Medicare or insurance card.

👉 Read more (Axios Nashville, Oct. 27, 2026)

👁️ Take a Peek in the Medicine Cabinet: Store-Brand Eye Drops Recalled

Dunlap.Today’s Healthy Valley report shared this nationwide recall on Tuesday. K.C. Pharmaceuticals has recalled about 4.8 million cartons of over-the-counter eye drops because it can’t promise they are sterile. The company makes drops for many store brands, so its name often isn’t on the bottle.

The list includes artificial tears, dry-eye drops and redness-relief drops sold under names like Equate (Walmart), Kroger, Walgreens, Good Neighbor Pharmacy, Leader, TopCare, up & up (Target), Good Sense, Foster & Thrive, GeriCare and Clear Eyes Redness Relief. Only certain lot numbers are recalled.

What it means for you: Most bottles are fine. Just take one minute. Find the small lot number on the box or bottle and compare it with the list (link below), or ask your pharmacist to check it for you. If it matches, stop using it. If your eyes hurt, turn red or your vision changes, call your eye doctor and keep the bottle.

👉 Read more (full brand and lot list, EyeDropSafety.org)

🚒 A Shorter Fire-Truck Drive for Hendon: Bledsoe Approves a Fire Hall

The Bledsonian-Banner reported Tuesday that Bledsoe County commissioners approved up to $70,000 to build a satellite fire hall in the Hendon community. Right now, Hendon is served by the Brayton Volunteer Fire Department, about 20 miles away. Chief Brandon Hudson said a truck kept in Hendon would sharply cut response times.

Commissioners also renewed the lease for the Dr. James A. Ross House and Museum for four more years. And county Veteran Service Officer Jeffrey Alpha has resigned, effective Dec. 31, 2026.

What it means for you: For folks out Hendon way, help could get there faster once the hall is built. Veterans in Bledsoe County: if you have a benefits question, it’s a good idea to get it in before the end of the year while the current officer is still there. Call ahead to confirm office hours with the county.

👉 Read more (The Bledsonian-Banner, Oct. 27, 2026)

🍗 A Short Rest for a Hometown Kitchen: Anthony & Theresa’s Closes Oct. 29

Dunlap.Today’s Main Street Roundup shared that Anthony & Theresa’s Homecookin’, at 6028 Highway 28 in Dunlap, will be closed Thursday, Oct. 29, through Wednesday, Nov. 11. It reopens Thursday, Nov. 12. This is a planned break, not a goodbye.

What it means for you: If Sunday lunch there is your habit, make a backup plan for Nov. 1 and Nov. 8. Write “A&T back Nov. 12” on the calendar so you don’t make a wasted trip. Questions? Call (423) 949-4089.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today Main Street Roundup, Oct. 27, 2026)

🧾 A “Mystery Shopper” Check in the Mail? Don’t Deposit It

The Better Business Bureau warned this week that fake mystery shopper offers come back every fall. WBBJ in Jackson reported the warning Monday evening, and Dunlap.Today’s Scam Watch shared it Tuesday.

Here’s how it works. A stranger mails you a check for thousands of dollars and calls it pay for a shopping “job.” You’re told to deposit it, keep some, and use the rest to buy gift cards. Later, the bank finds the check is fake, and you owe the bank.

What it means for you: The easy rule: never deposit a check from someone you don’t know and send part of it back. A real job never asks you to pay with gift cards. If one shows up, set it aside and show it to a trusted family member or your bank. You can report it at bbb.org/scamtracker.

👉 Read more (WBBJ, Oct. 26, 2026)

📅 Today in the Valley (Wednesday, Oct. 28)

⛅ Partly Sunny Near 74, Then a Sunny, Warmer End to the Week

The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap (updated 1:26 a.m. Central) calls for a partly sunny Wednesday with a high near 74°F, easing to around 70°F later in the afternoon. Wind stays nearly calm. Tonight is mostly clear with a low around 46°F. Thursday is sunny, near 76°F. Friday is mostly sunny, near 79°F.

Halloween Saturday has a 20% chance of showers after 1 p.m., then showers are likely Saturday night (60%) and Sunday (80%).

What it means for you: Another easy day for errands and the porch. Mornings are still chilly in the 40s, so keep a light jacket by the door. If you have outdoor plans this weekend, Saturday daytime looks better than Saturday night.

👉 Read more (National Weather Service: Dunlap forecast)

💵 Payday Wednesday, and Today’s the Last Day for the Old Savings-Bond Login

Social Security’s 2026 schedule sends payments on the fourth Wednesday of the month to people with birthdays on the 21st through the 31st. That’s today, Oct. 28. Payments can take a little time to show in your bank. Social Security says to wait three mail days before calling about a late payment.

Update from yesterday: today is the last day of TreasuryDirect’s old sign-in for savings bonds. Starting tomorrow, you sign in with ID.me. Your bonds are not frozen.

What it means for you: Check your deposit this afternoon. For savings bonds, type TreasuryDirect.gov yourself, and never give a one-time code to a caller. Help line: 844-284-2676.

👉 Read more (Social Security 2026 payment schedule)

🗳️ Early Voting Is Open Today: Tomorrow Is the Last Day

Sequatchie County early voting is open today, Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 68 Spring St., Dunlap, according to the state’s early-voting list. Thursday, Oct. 29, is the last day, same hours. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

What it means for you: Bring a photo ID. It’s OK if it has expired. Mid-morning is often a calm time to go. Need a ride? Call SETHRA Transit, (423) 478-1396, and book ahead. Questions? Call the Sequatchie County Election Commission, (423) 949-2431.

👉 Read more (Tennessee early voting: Sequatchie County)

🌉 Driving to Chattanooga? A Short I-24 Bridge Check Near Haletown

TDOT bridge crews are checking the bridge deck on I-24 near mile marker 160.5 in Marion County, the Haletown area, today between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. They close one lane at a time for about an hour, and the other lane stays open:

• Eastbound (toward Chattanooga): one lane at 7 a.m., the other at 9 a.m.
• Westbound (toward Jasper and Nashville): one lane at 11 a.m., the other at 1 p.m.

TDOT says times may vary.

What it means for you: It’s a short wait, like a one-stall car wash. If you have a morning appointment in Chattanooga, leave about 10 minutes early (our estimate). Remember, Chattanooga clocks run one hour ahead of Dunlap.

👉 Read more (TDOT weekly report, Oct. 22–28)

☕ Hot Cocoa in Dunlap and a Call to the Senior Center

Crumbs and Kisses, a Whitwell bakery and treat service, plans a pop-up today, Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 12:30 to 6 p.m. at Feral Forrest Pantry & Apothecary in Dunlap, with new hot cocoa and hot coffee, Dunlap.Today reported. Pop-up times can shift, so call ahead to confirm at (423) 468-0731.

The Sequatchie County Senior Citizens Center, 103 Heard St., Dunlap, takes weekday calls. We couldn’t find today’s menu or activities online, so call ahead to confirm lunch and activities at (423) 949-2228.

What it means for you: A warm cup with a friend on a cool afternoon is a fine reason to get out of the house. And a quick call to the Senior Center is the easiest way to find lunch and company.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Crumbs and Kisses this week)

🗓️ Put These on the Fridge: The Week Ahead

• Wednesday, Oct. 28 (today): Social Security payday (birthdays 21st–31st). Last day of TreasuryDirect’s old sign-in. Early voting 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 29: Last day of early voting, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anthony & Theresa’s two-week break begins.
• Friday, Oct. 30: SSI November payment arrives early. Haunted house and pumpkin patch, 5 to 10 p.m., 15889 Rankin Ave., Dunlap.
• Saturday, Oct. 31: Halloween. Showers possible after 1 p.m., more likely after dark. Scare on the Square, 5 to 7 p.m., Harris Park, Dunlap.
• Sunday, Nov. 1, 2 a.m.: Clocks fall back one hour. Good day to push the test button on your smoke alarms.
• Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day. Thursday, Nov. 12: Anthony & Theresa’s reopens. Monday, Dec. 7: Medicare open enrollment ends.

✅ Your Calm Morning Checklist

• ✅ No flu shot yet? Call the Health Department, (423) 949-3619, or your pharmacy.
• ✅ Check the lot number on any store-brand eye drops.
• ✅ Look for your Social Security deposit this afternoon.
• ✅ Vote early today or tomorrow, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring a photo ID.
• ✅ Stranger mails you a check for a “job”? Don’t deposit it.
• ✅ Write “A&T closed Oct. 29–Nov. 11” and “Clocks back Sun., Nov. 1” on the calendar.

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

Does an early flu season mean a bad one?

Not necessarily. Axios Nashville says the early start doesn’t mean the season will be unusually severe, and flu levels are still low compared with winter peaks. It does mean now is a good time to get your shot.

How do I know if my eye drops are recalled?

Look for the small lot number on the bottle or box. Compare it with the recall list at EyeDropSafety.org, or ask your pharmacist. Only certain lots of certain store brands are included.

When is my Social Security payment?

If your birthday falls on the 21st through the 31st, it’s today, Wednesday, Oct. 28. Birthdays on the 1st–10th were paid Oct. 14, and the 11th–20th on Oct. 21. Wait three mail days before calling about a late payment.

Is early voting open today?

Yes. It’s open Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 68 Spring St., Dunlap. Tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 29, is the last day. Bring a photo ID, even an expired one.

When does Anthony & Theresa’s reopen?

Thursday, Nov. 12. It’s closed Oct. 29 through Nov. 11. Call (423) 949-4089 with questions.

🔗 Helpful Numbers & Resources

• 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
• Sequatchie County Health Department (flu shots): (423) 949-3619
• Eye drop recall list: EyeDropSafety.org
• TreasuryDirect help line: 844-284-2676 · TreasuryDirect.gov
• BBB Scam Tracker: bbb.org/scamtracker · Report fraud to the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360
• Sequatchie County Election Commission: (423) 949-2431 · GoVoteTN.gov
• Sequatchie Senior Center, 103 Heard St., Dunlap: (423) 949-2228 (weekdays)
• SETHRA Transit rides: (423) 478-1396
• TDOT road conditions: SmartWay.tn.gov or dial 511
• 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

🌅 One Shot, One Peek, One Vote, Then Enjoy the Day

Here’s the whole day in one breath. Call about your flu shot. Peek at the lot number on your eye drops. Look for your Social Security deposit. Vote early today or tomorrow if you haven’t yet. Then enjoy a partly sunny Wednesday near 74. 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