🏪 The Co-Op Now Rents Diggers, a Dunlap Clinic Opens Early for New Patients and Veterans Day Thank-Yous Around the Valley

Or: Homecookin’ Is Back With Thanksgiving Orders, Two Stone Yards Get Ready for Fire-Pit Season and a Softball Team Sells Smoked Bologna

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Good Wednesday morning, and happy Veterans Day. It’s a sunny one for the parade, with a quick shower possible this evening and a run of cold nights starting Friday. This week’s Main Street news is like a well-stocked tool shed: a little something for the farm, the doctor’s office, the supper table and the back yard.

Here’s the roundup. Sequatchie Farmers Co-Op in Dunlap now rents a mini excavator and a compact track loader, with delivery. Mountain Bend Medical Associates in Dunlap is opening early today because so many folks want new-patient appointments. For Veterans Day, The Cookie Jar Cafe in Dunlap offers veterans a free meal with military ID, and Jewel’s Cutz in Spencer has $5 haircuts for veterans. Anthony & Theresa’s Homecookin’ is back starting tomorrow and is taking Thanksgiving orders. Stone Sales & Service in Dunlap has Elberton granite in stock, and Montes Stone Products in Whitwell is showing stone fire pits. The Van Buren County Eaglettes softball team is selling smoked bologna for Dec. 12 pickup. Red Bird Mercantile in Pikeville sent a heartfelt thank-you to its town. And if a call to a landline won’t go through, we explain the phone hiccup some businesses reported this week. A few small finds are at the end.

Time note: All times in this roundup are Central.

⏱️ What this means for you in 30 seconds

• Veteran? Today only: Free meal at The Cookie Jar Cafe (1887 Kelly Cross Rd., Dunlap) with a military ID. $5 haircut at Jewel’s Cutz in Spencer.
• Need a doctor? Call Mountain Bend Medical Associates at 423-949-6300. New-patient spots are limited.
• Got dirt to move? The Co-Op rents a Cat mini excavator and a Cat track loader, with delivery. Call (423) 949-2161 for rates.
• Homecookin’ is back: Doors open again Thursday, Nov. 12, then Thursday through Sunday. Thanksgiving orders: (423) 949-4089.
• Smoked bologna for a good cause: Eaglettes pre-orders now, pickup Sat., Dec. 12. Call Coach Cody at 931-254-2247.
• Landline call won’t connect? Try the business’s cell number instead.

🚜 Need a Digger? Sequatchie Farmers Co-Op Now Rents Heavy Equipment

Sequatchie Farmers Co-Op on Heard Street has served Dunlap for more than 90 years. It’s known as Tennessee’s oldest member-owned co-op. Now, besides feed, seed and farm supplies, it’s renting heavy equipment.

• What you can rent: A Caterpillar 304 mini excavator and a Caterpillar 255 compact track loader. Both are sized for small-to-medium digging, grading and site prep.
• Delivery: The Co-Op offers delivery, so you don’t need your own trailer or a big truck.
• Rates: Not posted. Call or stop in to ask about price and availability.
• Where: 502 Heard Street, Dunlap. Phone: (423) 949-2161.

What it means for you: Renting a machine for a weekend is like borrowing your neighbor’s post-hole digger. You get the job done without buying something that sits in the barn all year. If you’ve got a ditch to clean out, a driveway to level or a fence line to clear before winter, call and ask what a day or a weekend costs. Ask about delivery fees, too.

👉 Read more on Dunlap.Today · Sequatchie Farmers Co-Op on Dunlap.Directory

🩺 Looking for a Family Doctor? Mountain Bend Medical Is Opening Early Today

Mountain Bend Medical Associates in Dunlap says it has had overwhelming demand for new-patient appointments. So the clinic said it would open early today, Wednesday, Nov. 11, to help more people get started.

• How to get in: Call 423-949-6300 to set up a new-patient appointment.
• Heads-up: The clinic says appointments are limited and asks folks not to wait.
• Where: 29 Crestview Drive, Dunlap.
• Not stated: The exact early opening time wasn’t in the announcement. Ask when you call.

What it means for you: Finding a doctor who takes new patients is like finding a good mechanic. Once you’ve got one, life gets a lot easier. If you’ve been putting off getting set up with a primary-care office, or you’re new to the Valley, today is a good day to make the call. Have your insurance card and a list of your medicines handy.

👉 Read more on Dunlap.Today · Mountain Bend Medical Associates on Dunlap.Directory

🇺🇸 Veterans Day Thank-Yous: A Free Meal in Dunlap and a $5 Haircut in Spencer

Two local businesses are saying thanks to veterans today, Wednesday, Nov. 11.

• The Cookie Jar Cafe (Dunlap): Veterans get a free meal with a valid military ID. No RSVP. Just walk in and tell the staff. 1887 Kelly Cross Road, Dunlap. Phone: (423) 949-5852.
• Jewel’s Cutz (Spencer): All veterans can get a $5 haircut today at the Spencer barbershop.
• Not stated: Neither post listed the hours for the offer. A quick call before you go saves a wasted trip.

What it means for you: A thank-you from a neighbor is like a hand-written note. It means more than a big sign. If you’re a veteran, put your military ID in your shirt pocket before the parade, then stop for lunch or a trim. If you’re driving a veteran around today, these make an easy, kind stop.

👉 Cookie Jar Cafe on Dunlap.Today · Jewel’s Cutz on Dunlap.Today · The Cookie Jar Cafe on Dunlap.Directory · Jewel’s Cutz on Dunlap.Directory

🍽️ Homecookin’ Is Back Tomorrow, and Taking Thanksgiving Orders

We told you last week that Anthony & Theresa’s Homecookin’ planned to reopen on Thursday, Nov. 12. Here’s the update: the Southern comfort-food spot on Highway 28 in Dunlap has posted its hours, and it’s taking Thanksgiving meal orders.

• Thursday and Friday: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Saturday: 7 a.m.–11 a.m. (breakfast hours)
• Sunday: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Monday through Wednesday: Not listed as open days.
• Thanksgiving: Made-to-order holiday meals. The owners ask folks to order soon. Menu and prices weren’t in the post, so call.
• Phone: (423) 949-4089.

What it means for you: The owners said they missed seeing familiar faces. Welcoming a restaurant back is like welcoming a neighbor home from a long trip. A visit says “glad you’re back.” If you don’t want to cook the whole Thanksgiving dinner this year, call early, before the kitchen fills up.

👉 Read more on Dunlap.Today · Anthony & Theresa’s Homecookin’ on Dunlap.Directory

🪨 Rock Solid: Elberton Granite in Dunlap and Stone Fire Pits in Whitwell

Two Valley stone yards are getting folks ready for cool-weather projects.

• Stone Sales & Service (Dunlap): Has rough-cut, light grey Elberton granite in stock, ready for pickup or delivery. It’s for landscaping, stone home exteriors and building projects. The yard also carries boulders, flagstone and building stone. It has served the region since 1991. 579 Quarry Road, Dunlap. Phone: (423) 949-5021.
• Montes Stone Products (Whitwell): Is showing stone fire pits in round and square shapes. 993 SR 28, Whitwell. Phone: (423) 949-5500.
• Prices: Neither post listed prices. Call for a quote.

What it means for you: A stone fire pit is like a front porch for the back yard. It’s where folks naturally gather. With cold nights on the way, it’s a good time to start planning. Measure your spot, then call for a quote before you buy.

👉 Stone Sales & Service on Dunlap.Today · Montes Stone Products on Dunlap.Today · Stone Sales & Service on Dunlap.Directory · Montes Stone Products on Dunlap.Directory

🥎 Smoked Bologna for a Good Cause: The Van Buren Eaglettes’ First Fundraiser Sale

The Van Buren County Eaglettes middle school softball team is holding its first smoked bologna sale. Pre-orders are open now.

• Plain smoked: 2.5 lb. for $20 or 5 lb. for $35.
• Spicy smoked: 2.5 lb. for $25 or 5 lb. for $45.
• Pickup: Saturday, Dec. 12.
• To order: Call Coach Cody at 931-254-2247 or email chuddleston@vanburenschools.org.
• Team motto: “You don’t find confidence, you build it!”

What it means for you: Buying from a school fundraiser is like putting a dollar in the offering plate and getting supper back. Your money helps young players with gear and travel. A chunk of smoked bologna also makes an easy Christmas-week gift or a quick sandwich supper.

👉 Read more on Dunlap.Today · Van Buren County Schools on Dunlap.Directory

🛍️ A Thank-You From Main Street in Pikeville: Red Bird Mercantile

Red Bird Mercantile on Main Street in Pikeville has sold clothing and accessories for women, teens and children since 2021. This week, the owner shared a heartfelt Thanksgiving message to the town.

• What she said: “During one of the most difficult times of my life, you surrounded me with kindness, patience, and grace.”
• Her ask: “As we enter the holiday season, I hope you’ll continue to support the small businesses that make our town so special.”
• Where: 3089 Main Street, Pikeville. Phone: (423) 447-2700.

What it means for you: A small-town shop runs on friendships the way a woodstove runs on kindling. When you’re starting your Christmas list, think of the shops where they know your name. Small Business Saturday is Nov. 28, and that’s a good day to remember them.

👉 Read more on Dunlap.Today · Red Bird Mercantile on Dunlap.Directory

📞 If a Call to a Local Business Won’t Go Through, Try Their Cell Number

On Monday, some local businesses reported that Verizon and some AT&T cell customers couldn’t get calls through to landline phones around the Valley. Businesses said Verizon knew about the problem and was working on it.

• The businesses are open. It’s a phone-connection problem only.
• Example: RLM Land & Auction in Pikeville asked anyone who can’t reach its main line to call 423-716-4838.
• Status: We didn’t find word that it’s been fixed. It may already be. If you still have trouble, contact your cell provider.

What it means for you: This is like a washed-out road with a detour. You can still get there, just another way. If a store’s main number rings and rings, check their Facebook page or business card for a cell number, or text them.

👉 Read more on Dunlap.Today · RLM Land & Auction on Dunlap.Directory

🧺 Small Finds on Main Street

• Stillwaters Creek snowbird rates (Spencer): Long stays start at $600 a month. Book 4 or 5 months and get one month free. 12512 TN-111, Spencer. (931) 946-5267. Dunlap.Today · Directory
• Home Folks Thanksgiving orders (Soddy-Daisy): Turkey or ham, 2 lb. for $19 or 5 lb. for $49. Cobblers (peach, pecan or apple) $25. Order by Sat., Nov. 21. 8981 Dayton Pike. (423) 332-5724. Dunlap.Today · Directory
• Big Bad Breakfast catering (South Pittsburg): Now booking holiday catering for office parties, team meetings and community gatherings: casseroles, biscuits, fruit and pastries. Dunlap.Today · Directory

✅ Your Main Street Checklist

• ✅ Veteran? Put your military ID in your pocket before you leave for the parade.
• ✅ Need a family doctor? Call Mountain Bend at 423-949-6300 today.
• ✅ Dirt work before winter? Ask the Co-Op what a weekend rental and delivery cost.
• ✅ Not cooking all of Thanksgiving? Call Homecookin’ at (423) 949-4089 soon.
• ✅ Want smoked bologna for Christmas week? Order from the Eaglettes; pickup is Dec. 12.
• ✅ Thinking fire pit? Measure your spot, then call for a quote.
• ✅ Landline won’t answer? Try the business’s cell number or send a text.

Practical rule: When a local business posts a deal or a deadline, write it on the calendar the same day. The calendar remembers so you don’t have to.

— Dunlap.Today

📚 Plain-English Main Street Glossary

• Mini excavator: A small digging machine with a bucket on an arm. Good for ditches, footings and small ponds.
• Compact track loader: A small machine on rubber tracks with a front bucket. Good for moving dirt and gravel and for leveling ground. Some folks call it a “skid steer on tracks.”
• Member-owned co-op: A store owned by the people who shop there. Members may get extra benefits, but anyone can shop.
• New patient: Someone who hasn’t been seen at that clinic before. The first visit is often longer.
• Primary care: Your everyday doctor or nurse practitioner, for checkups, colds, blood pressure and referrals.
• Elberton granite: Granite from the Elberton, Georgia area, known for a grey color and for lasting a long time.
• Landline: A phone that’s wired to a building, like an office or store phone, instead of a cell phone.
• Pre-order: Ordering ahead so the cook knows how much to make. Sometimes you pay ahead, too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment does Sequatchie Farmers Co-Op rent?

A Caterpillar 304 mini excavator and a Caterpillar 255 compact track loader. Delivery is available. Rates weren’t posted, so call (423) 949-2161 or stop by 502 Heard Street in Dunlap.

Is Mountain Bend Medical Associates taking new patients?

Yes. The clinic said demand was so high that it would open early on Wednesday, Nov. 11, and that appointments are limited. Call 423-949-6300. It’s at 29 Crestview Drive in Dunlap.

Where can veterans get a free meal in Dunlap today?

The Cookie Jar Cafe, 1887 Kelly Cross Road, offers veterans a free meal on Veterans Day with a valid military ID. No RSVP is needed. Questions: (423) 949-5852.

Where is the $5 veterans haircut?

Jewel’s Cutz in Spencer is offering all veterans a $5 haircut on Nov. 11. The hours weren’t listed, so call ahead if you can.

When is Anthony & Theresa’s Homecookin’ open?

It reopens Thursday, Nov. 12. Hours: Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 7 to 11 a.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (423) 949-4089 for Thanksgiving orders.

How do I order the Eaglettes’ smoked bologna?

Call Coach Cody at 931-254-2247 or email chuddleston@vanburenschools.org. Plain is $20 for 2.5 lb. or $35 for 5 lb. Spicy is $25 or $45. Pickup is Saturday, Dec. 12.

Why can’t I reach a business on its landline?

On Monday, local businesses reported that some Verizon and AT&T cell customers couldn’t connect to landlines. Businesses said Verizon was working on it. Try the business’s cell number, a text or a message. If it keeps happening, contact your cell provider.

When is Small Business Saturday?

Saturday, Nov. 28, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It’s a good day to shop at the local stores you want to keep around.

🔗 Other Resources

• Dunlap.Today: Sequatchie Farmers Co-Op equipment rental
• Dunlap.Directory: Sequatchie Farmers Co-Op
• Dunlap.Today: Mountain Bend Medical opens early for new patients
• Dunlap.Directory: Mountain Bend Medical Associates
• Dunlap.Today: Veterans eat free at The Cookie Jar Cafe
• Dunlap.Directory: The Cookie Jar Cafe
• Dunlap.Today: Jewel’s Cutz $5 veterans haircut
• Dunlap.Directory: Jewel’s Cutz
• Dunlap.Today: Homecookin’ reopens with Thanksgiving orders
• Dunlap.Directory: Anthony & Theresa’s Homecookin’
• Dunlap.Today: Elberton granite at Stone Sales & Service
• Dunlap.Directory: Stone Sales & Service
• Dunlap.Today: Montes Stone Products fire pits
• Dunlap.Directory: Montes Stone Products
• Dunlap.Today: Eaglettes smoked bologna fundraiser
• Dunlap.Directory: Van Buren County Schools
• Dunlap.Today: Red Bird Mercantile thank-you
• Dunlap.Directory: Red Bird Mercantile
• Dunlap.Today: Landline calling problem
• Dunlap.Directory: RLM Land & Auction
• Dunlap.Today: Stillwaters Creek snowbird rates
• Dunlap.Directory: Stillwaters Creek Campground + Cabins
• Dunlap.Today: Home Folks Thanksgiving orders
• Dunlap.Directory: Home Folks Family Restaurant
• Dunlap.Today: Big Bad Breakfast holiday catering
• Dunlap.Directory: Big Bad Breakfast
• Dunlap.Today: New Businesses
• Dunlap.Directory
• Dunlap.Today

🌿 Keep Learning, Stay Calm

This week’s Main Street is about neighbors looking out for each other. The Co-Op is lending a bigger hand with dirt work, a clinic is opening its doors early, a cafe and a barbershop are thanking veterans, and a favorite kitchen is coming back just in time for Thanksgiving. You don’t have to do it all. Pick the one call that matters most to you, make it today, and enjoy the parade.

👉 Read more calm, practical Valley news anytime at Dunlap.Today.