☕ Front Porch Morning: Last Day to Vote Early, Check Your Medicare Plan Mail and Free Thanksgiving Meals in Dunlap

Or: A Million Tennesseans Have Voted, Morning Fog Then Sunny 76 and a Drier Look for Halloween Evening

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Thursday, October 29, 2026

Good morning, neighbor. Happy Thursday. Yesterday brought a few things worth knowing: more than one million Tennesseans have already voted early, a new report says about 4.3 million people on Medicare will see their plan end on Dec. 31, and First Baptist Church in Dunlap is offering free Thanksgiving meals, with pickup or delivery.

Today is the last day of early voting, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It starts with patchy fog before 8 a.m., then turns sunny, with a high near 76°F. Nothing here needs worry. Just a few things to jot down.

⏱️ Your 30-second morning recap

• Yesterday: Over 1 million Tennesseans have voted early. About 4.3 million Medicare members nationwide will have their plan end Dec. 31. Check your mail. First Baptist Dunlap is taking reservations for free Thanksgiving meals.
• Today: Last day of early voting, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 68 Spring St., Dunlap. Anthony & Theresa’s begins its two-week break. The library is closed (it’s always closed Thursdays).
• Weather: The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap (updated 1:26 a.m. Central) calls for patchy fog before 8 a.m., then sunny, high near 76°F, with calm wind. Tonight, mostly clear, low around 48°F.

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

1. Today is the LAST day to vote early: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 68 Spring St., Dunlap. Bring a photo ID. An expired Tennessee or federal ID is OK. If you miss it, Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
2. Look for a letter from your Medicare plan. If it says your plan is ending Dec. 31, you need to pick a new one by Monday, Dec. 7. Free help: TN SHIP, 1-877-801-0044.
3. Free Thanksgiving meal? Call First Baptist Church Dunlap, (423) 486-5408, to reserve. Pickup or delivery anywhere in Sequatchie County. Reserve by Monday, Nov. 23.

Tomorrow’s heads-up: Friday, Oct. 30, the SSI November payment arrives early, and the library’s Fall Festival runs 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. More morning fog before 9 a.m., then sunny, near 78°F. Saturday, Oct. 31, is Halloween, and clocks fall back early Sunday, Nov. 1.

📰 In Case You Missed It Yesterday (Wednesday, Oct. 28)

🗳️ More Than a Million Tennesseans Have Voted, and Today Is the Last Early Day

On Wednesday, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett said more than one million Tennesseans have already cast ballots ahead of the Tuesday, Nov. 3 election. He encouraged anyone who hasn’t voted yet to use today, the final day of early voting.

State officials say the ballot also has three proposed amendments to the Tennessee Constitution. Each is its own yes-or-no question. You can read plain summaries ahead of time at GoVoteTN.gov or in the free GoVoteTN phone app.

What it means for you: If you were planning to vote early, today is the day. Sequatchie County’s early voting is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 68 Spring St., Dunlap. Bring a photo ID from Tennessee or the federal government. An expired one is fine. Need a ride? Call SETHRA Transit, (423) 478-1396, and ask whether a ride is available (they usually need notice ahead). Questions? Sequatchie County Election Commission, (423) 949-2431.

👉 Read more (WIVK, Oct. 28, 2026)

📬 Some Medicare Plans Are Ending Dec. 31: A Quick Mailbox Check

An update to Sunday’s note about Medicare plans. On Tuesday, the health research group KFF reported that about 4.3 million people on Medicare nationwide will have their plan end on Dec. 31. That’s about 3.1 million in Medicare Advantage plans and 1.2 million in stand-alone drug (Part D) plans.

The biggest single drug plan ending is CVS Health’s SilverScript Choice, which is closing in 13 regions. KFF also says some people who keep their drug plan could see bigger premiums in 2027.

Here’s the calm part: you have time, and you have help. If your Medicare Advantage plan ends and you don’t choose another, you’re moved to Original Medicare. You also get a special right to buy a Medigap (supplement) policy without being turned down for health reasons. If your drug plan ends, you’ll need to pick a new one to keep drug coverage.

What it means for you: Find the letter your plan mailed this fall. It’s often called an “Annual Notice of Change” or a “plan termination” notice. If it says your plan is ending, mark Dec. 7 on the calendar and call TN SHIP, 1-877-801-0044, for free, unbiased help. Bring your list of medicines. And remember: Medicare doesn’t call you out of the blue to sell you a plan or ask for your number. If someone does, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself.

👉 Read more (KFF, Oct. 27, 2026)

🍽️ Nobody Eats Thanksgiving Alone: Free Meals From First Baptist Dunlap

Dunlap.Today shared Wednesday that First Baptist Church in Dunlap is offering free Thanksgiving meals to residents across Sequatchie County. You can pick up your meal, or they’ll deliver it, which helps if you don’t drive.

To reserve, call (423) 486-5408. The deadline to reserve is Monday, Nov. 23.

What it means for you: A hot Thanksgiving plate brought to your door is a kindness, not a charity case. That’s what neighbors do. If you live alone, or know someone who does, make the call this week while it’s on your mind. Pickup times and the delivery day weren’t listed, so ask when you call.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today, Oct. 28, 2026)

💍 Divorced After 10 Years of Marriage? You May Qualify on Your Ex’s Record

On Tuesday, the Social Security Administration posted a plain reminder on its blog. If you’re 62 or older, unmarried, and were married at least 10 years, you may be able to get benefits based on your former spouse’s work record.

If you’ve been divorced at least two years, you can apply even if your ex hasn’t filed. If you also have your own benefit, Social Security pays the higher of the two, not both. And if a former spouse has died, survivor benefits may start as early as age 60 (or 50 with a disability).

What it means for you: This doesn’t take anything away from your ex or their current spouse. If this sounds like you, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask, “Am I eligible on my former spouse’s record?” Have your marriage and divorce dates handy.

👉 Read more (Social Security blog, Oct. 27, 2026)

🦃 Anthony & Theresa’s Is Taking Thanksgiving Orders

An update to yesterday’s note. Dunlap.Today reported Wednesday that Anthony & Theresa’s Homecookin’, 6028 Highway 28 in Dunlap, is now taking Thanksgiving catering orders. Prices and an order deadline weren’t listed.

The restaurant’s two-week break starts today. It’s closed Thursday, Oct. 29, through Wednesday, Nov. 11, and reopens Thursday, Nov. 12.

What it means for you: If you’d like someone else to stir the gravy this year, call (423) 949-4089 and ask how ordering works during the break. If nobody answers, leave a message, or call ahead to confirm after they reopen Nov. 12.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today Main Street Roundup, Oct. 28, 2026)

📅 Today in the Valley (Thursday, Oct. 29)

🌫️ Fog First, Then Sunny Near 76, and Halloween Evening Looks Drier

The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap (updated 1:26 a.m. Central) calls for patchy fog before 8 a.m., then a sunny Thursday with a high near 76°F and calm wind. Tonight is mostly clear, low around 48°F, with patchy fog after 3 a.m. Friday: fog before 9 a.m., then sunny, near 78°F.

An update for Halloween: Saturday now looks mostly cloudy, near 73°F, with showers held off until after 1 a.m. Saturday night (40%). Sunday has showers likely (60%), mostly before 1 p.m., with a high near 65°F.

What it means for you: If you’re driving early, use your low beams in the fog and leave a little extra room. Once it burns off, it’s a lovely day for errands and voting. Saturday evening looks dry for trick-or-treaters, but keep an umbrella by the door for Sunday church.

👉 Read more (National Weather Service: Dunlap forecast)

📚 Library Is Closed Today, Fall Festival Is Tomorrow

The Sequatchie County Public Library, 227 Cherry St., Dunlap, is closed on Thursdays, so don’t make the trip today. Tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 30, it hosts an all-ages Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with games, prizes and books. Children and teens who come get a free book (one each, while supplies last). Chair Dancing for adults is at 1 p.m. Friday. It’s free, and no sign-up is needed. New dancers should come a little early to sign a waiver.

What it means for you: Got grandkids around Friday? This is an easy, free outing. Family-friendly costumes are welcome. Questions: (423) 949-2357.

👉 Read more (Sequatchie County Public Library)

☎️ Lunch and Company: Call the Senior Center

The Sequatchie County Senior Citizens Center, 103 Heard St., Dunlap, offers meals, rides and activities on weekdays. We couldn’t find today’s menu or activity list online, so call ahead to confirm lunch and activities at (423) 949-2228. In Pikeville, the Bledsoe County Senior Citizens Center is at 148 Frazier St., (423) 447-6111. Call ahead to confirm there too.

What it means for you: A warm lunch and a little conversation are good medicine. One quick call tells you what’s on the table today.

👉 Read more (Sequatchie County: Senior Citizens Center)

🕐 A Quick Clock Reminder for Trips Over the Mountain

Sequatchie, Marion, Grundy, Van Buren and Bledsoe counties are on Central time. Hamilton County (Chattanooga) and Rhea County (Dayton) are on Eastern time, one hour ahead. A 10 a.m. appointment in Chattanooga is 9 a.m. our time.

What it means for you: Write “ET” or “CT” next to any appointment on your calendar. When the clocks fall back early Sunday, Nov. 1, the one-hour difference stays the same.

🗓️ Put These on the Fridge: The Days Ahead

• Thursday, Oct. 29 (today): Last day of early voting, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 68 Spring St., Dunlap. Anthony & Theresa’s closed through Nov. 11.
• Friday, Oct. 30: SSI November payment arrives early. Library Fall Festival, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Haunted house and pumpkin patch, 5 to 10 p.m., 15889 Rankin Ave., Dunlap.
• Saturday, Oct. 31: Halloween. 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 test your smoke alarms.
• Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day. Thursday, Nov. 12: Anthony & Theresa’s reopens. Saturday, Nov. 14: “Spoons & Tunes” soup and bluegrass at Wheeler’s Orchard, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., $10.
• Monday, Nov. 23: Reserve your free Thanksgiving meal by today, (423) 486-5408. Monday, Dec. 7: Medicare open enrollment ends.

✅ Your Calm Morning Checklist

• ✅ Haven’t voted? Go today, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring a photo ID.
• ✅ Find your Medicare plan letter. Plan ending? Call TN SHIP, 1-877-801-0044.
• ✅ Want a free Thanksgiving meal? Call (423) 486-5408 by Nov. 23.
• ✅ Divorced after 10+ years of marriage? Ask Social Security, 1-800-772-1213.
• ✅ Low beams in the morning fog.
• ✅ Write “Clocks back Sun., Nov. 1” and “Medicare deadline Dec. 7” 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

Is today really the last day of early voting?

Yes. Sequatchie County early voting ends today, Thursday, Oct. 29. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 68 Spring St., Dunlap. After today, you’ll vote at your regular polling place on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

What ID do I need to vote?

A photo ID issued by Tennessee or the federal government, like a driver’s license or passport. Expired ones are accepted. Student IDs and IDs from other states are not.

How do I know if my Medicare plan is ending?

Your plan should have mailed you a letter this fall. If you can’t find it, call the number on your plan card, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or call TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044 for free help. You have until Dec. 7 to pick a new plan.

Who can get a free Thanksgiving meal from First Baptist Dunlap?

The church says residents throughout Sequatchie County can reserve one, with pickup or delivery. Call (423) 486-5408 by Monday, Nov. 23.

When does SSI arrive this month?

Because Nov. 1 falls on a Sunday, the November SSI payment comes early, on Friday, Oct. 30.

🔗 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
• First Baptist Church Dunlap, free Thanksgiving meals: (423) 486-5408 (reserve by Nov. 23)
• Sequatchie County Election Commission: (423) 949-2431 · GoVoteTN.gov
• Sequatchie Senior Center, 103 Heard St., Dunlap: (423) 949-2228 (weekdays)
• Bledsoe County Senior Citizens Center, Pikeville: (423) 447-6111
• Sequatchie County Public Library: (423) 949-2357 (closed Thursdays)
• SETHRA Transit rides: (423) 478-1396
• Sequatchie County Health Department (flu shots): (423) 949-3619
• AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360 · Report fraud to the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• 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 Vote, One Letter, One Phone Call, Then Enjoy the Sunshine

Here’s the whole day in one breath. Vote early today if you haven’t yet. Find that Medicare letter and see if your plan is staying. Make one phone call for a Thanksgiving meal if you’d like one. Then let the fog lift and enjoy a sunny Thursday near 76. 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