☕ Front Porch Morning: A Chilly Friday, Two Blood Drives, a Quick Pill-Drawer Check and a Little Money Back on Some Water Bills

Or: Wear a Warm Coat, Give a Pint If You Can, Dance in Your Chair at 1 and Get Ready for the Coldest Night Saturday

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Friday, November 13, 2026

Good morning, neighbor. Today is Friday, Nov. 13. The National Weather Service says mostly sunny, high near 47°F in Dunlap, with a light northwest wind. It’s a warm-coat kind of day.

Tonight dips to about 31°F, and Saturday night is the coldest, about 28°F. Then Sunday warms up to about 55. Nothing here needs worry. Just a few things to jot down.

⏱️ Your 30-second morning recap

• Yesterday: The FDA posted recalls for two “male enhancement” supplements that hide prescription drugs. Tennessee American Water customers got another $13.07 bill credit. Health officials say flu season is running about a month early. And older homeowners got a reminder about property tax relief.
• Today: Mostly sunny, high near 47°F. Two blood drives: Dunlap, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Jasper Highlands, 2 to 6 p.m. Chair Dancing at the library at 1 p.m.
• Tonight: Partly cloudy, low around 31°F. Rook Night in Spencer starts with food at 5 p.m.

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

1. Blood drive in Dunlap: TODAY, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Citizens Tri-County Bank, 15699 Rankin Ave. Bring a photo ID. Walk-ins are welcome.
2. Chair Dancing: TODAY at 1 p.m., Sequatchie County Public Library, 227 Cherry St. It’s free. Stop at the front desk first.
3. Two cold nights: about 31°F tonight and 28°F Saturday night. Keep space heaters 3 feet from blankets, curtains and chairs.

Tomorrow’s heads-up: Saturday, Nov. 14, is sunny with a high near 50°F. The library is closed Saturdays. Saturday night is the coldest of the week, about 28°F, so bring the pets and potted plants inside.

📰 In Case You Missed It Yesterday (Thursday, Nov. 12)

💊 A Quick Check of the Pill Drawer

On Nov. 12, the FDA posted two company recalls. Both are products sold for men as “enhancement” supplements, and both were found to hide prescription drugs.

• 10 Day Forecast capsules (Game Changer Products LLC). Blue capsules on a card with a black background and white letters. They contain hidden sildenafil and acetaminophen. All lots are recalled.
• Candy Power For Man organic honey (Eros Apothecary). It contains hidden tadalafil.

What it means for you: Most folks won’t have these. But if you or someone in the house does, stop using it and throw it away. This matters most for anyone who takes nitroglycerin or other heart medicine, because the hidden drug can drop blood pressure too low. If you feel unwell after taking one, call your doctor. A good habit: show your pharmacist any supplement before you start it.

👉 Read more (FDA: 10 Day Forecast recall) · FDA: Candy Power For Man recall

💧 A Few Dollars Back on Some Water Bills

Tennessee American Water says it put another $13.07 credit on customer accounts on Nov. 10. The money comes from legal settlements with makers of PFAS chemicals. The company says that brings the total credits to more than $84 per customer.

What it means for you: This is mainly Chattanooga-area news. Most Valley homes are on other water systems. If you or a family member are a Tennessee American Water customer, look for the credit on your bill. There’s no form to fill out. Questions? Call 1-866-269-2837.

👉 Read more (Tennessee American Water announcement)

💉 Flu Came Early This Year: Two Weeks to Thanksgiving

Here’s an update on a story we’ve been following. Hamilton County’s health officer, Dr. Stephen Miller, told Local 3 News that flu season is running “about a month early.” Experts told the station an early season doesn’t necessarily mean a bad one. The CDC says a flu shot takes about two weeks to start working.

What it means for you: Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26, about two weeks away. If you want to be protected for the family dinner, now is a good time. Ask your pharmacy, your doctor or the Sequatchie County Health Department, (423) 949-3619. Wash hands often, and stay home if you feel sick.

👉 Read more (Local 3 News: Flu cases rising faster than anticipated) · CDC: Flu vaccine key facts

🏠 Property Tax Relief: Don’t Leave It on the Table

On Nov. 12, Dunlap.Today’s Courthouse Corner reminded older homeowners about Tennessee’s property tax relief program. It can pay back part or all of the property tax for people who qualify. You apply through your county trustee once your 2026 tax bill arrives.

The state Comptroller’s 2026 brochure says homeowners 65 or older by Dec. 31, 2026, who live in the home and had 2025 income of $38,470 or less (counting spouse and co-owners), may qualify. There are also programs for disabled homeowners and disabled veterans.

What it means for you: When your tax bill comes, take it and your 2025 income papers (like a tax return or 1099) to the trustee’s office. Your taxes must be paid by the deadline to get the relief. Sequatchie County property tax line: 423-949-2526. State tax relief office: 615-747-8871.

👉 Read more (Comptroller: 2026 tax relief brochure)

🥤 Something Cheerful: South Pittsburg’s Coca-Cola Mural Is Unveiled

Here’s an update on a story we mentioned earlier this month. Sequatchie Valley Now reports the Marion County Chamber of Commerce and the City of South Pittsburg held a ribbon cutting for the new Coca-Cola mural on the Old Patton Hotel, at the corner of Cedar Avenue and 3rd Street. The South Pittsburg High School Marching Band played the National Anthem.

What it means for you: A nice reason for a Sunday drive. Park nearby, take a picture and enjoy a little bit of old-time downtown charm.

👉 Read more (SValleyNow: Coca-Cola mural in South Pittsburg)

📅 Today in the Valley (Friday, Nov. 13)

🩸 Two Blood Drives: Dunlap in the Morning, Jasper Highlands in the Afternoon

Dunlap: Blood Assurance holds a drive in honor of Bella Cooper today, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Central), at Citizens Tri-County Bank, 15699 Rankin Ave. Donors this month get a Childhood Cancer Awareness T-shirt. Appointments are encouraged, and walk-ins are welcome.

Jasper Highlands: The American Red Cross drive, sponsored by the Jasper Highlands Fire Department Auxiliary, runs 2 to 6 p.m. (Central) at JHFD Station One, 195 Turkey Trot Lane, Jasper. Sign up through the Red Cross link on the fire department’s post.

What it means for you: Bring a photo ID, eat a good breakfast and drink extra water. Plan on 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re not sure you’re able to give, the staff will ask a few health questions first. There’s no cost.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Blood drive honors Bella Cooper) · Jasper Highlands Fire Department: Blood Drive V

🪑 Chair Dancing at the Library, 1 p.m.

The Sequatchie County Public Library, 227 Cherry St., Dunlap, is open today 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chair Dancing for adults is at 1 p.m., a gentle 45-minute seated class upstairs in the conference room. It’s free, with no sign-up. First-timers sign a waiver.

What it means for you: Wear comfy clothes and bring a water bottle. Stop by the front desk before you go upstairs. The library is closed Saturday and Sunday, so today is the day for books, too. Questions: (423) 949-2357.

👉 Read more (Sequatchie County Public Library)

🃏 Rook Night in Spencer Tonight

A Rook tournament and loaded baked potato fundraiser is tonight at the Historic Burritt College Building, 445 Burritt College Drive, Spencer. Food starts at 5 p.m. and cards at 6 p.m. (Central). It’s $20 per two-person team, and a $10 potato plate comes with a drink and dessert.

What it means for you: A warm meal and a friendly card game on a cold night. Bring your favorite partner. Drive carefully on the mountain after dark.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Rook Night in Spencer)

🧥 Got an Extra Coat? Pikeville Can Use It

Dunlap.Today reports that Red Bird Mercantile and First Southern Baptist Church are collecting new or gently used coats for kids, families and neighbors. Drop them at Red Bird Mercantile, 3089 Main St., Pikeville (open weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or at the church office, 2827 Main St., Pikeville. Coats will be given out at the church on Tuesday, Dec. 1.

What it means for you: Take a peek in the hall closet today. That coat you haven’t worn in years could keep a child warm this winter. Church office: (423) 447-2849.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Community Coat Drive in Pikeville)

🏈 Friday Night Playoff Football on the Radio

Sequatchie Valley Now lists tonight’s playoff games, including Jellico at South Pittsburg, Whitwell at Cosby, Oneida at Marion County and Bledsoe County at Happy Valley. Several games are on The River 104.9 and its stream.

What it means for you: You can cheer from your warm recliner. Turn on 104.9. If you’d rather go, dress in layers, because it will be near freezing by the end of the game. Kickoff times vary, so call ahead to confirm.

👉 Read more (SValleyNow: Local playoff football Nov. 13)

🍽️ Senior Center and Meals

We found no posted news for the Sequatchie Senior Center, 103 Heard St., Dunlap. Please call ahead to confirm today’s lunch and activities: (423) 949-2228. Need a ride to an appointment? SETHRA Transit: (423) 478-1396.

What it means for you: A quick call before you leave saves a cold trip for nothing.

👉 Read more (Sequatchie County: Senior Citizens Center)

🌤️ Today’s Weather and Two Cold Nights

Today: mostly sunny, high near 47°F, northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Tonight: partly cloudy, low around 31°F. Saturday: sunny, high near 50°F. Saturday night: mostly clear, low around 28°F. Sunday: sunny, high near 55°F.

What it means for you: Expect frost on the windshield Saturday and Sunday mornings. Give yourself an extra 10 minutes. Let the dog or cat sleep inside, and check on a neighbor who lives alone.

👉 Read more (National Weather Service: Dunlap forecast)

🗓️ Put These on the Fridge: The Days Ahead

• Today, Friday, Nov. 13: Blood drives in Dunlap (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Jasper Highlands (2 to 6 p.m.). Chair Dancing, 1 p.m. Rook Night in Spencer, food at 5 p.m. Low near 31°F.
• Saturday, Nov. 14: Sunny, about 50°F. Coldest night, about 28°F.
• Monday, Nov. 16: Sequatchie County Commission, 6:30 p.m., courthouse. Chair Dancing at the library, 12:15 and 1 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 26: Thanksgiving. The library is closed Nov. 25 to 27.
• Saturday, Nov. 28: Jasper’s skating rink opens on the square.
• Tuesday, Dec. 1: Free “Navigating Medicare” class with TN SHIP at the library, 10 a.m. Sign up: 423-949-2357. Pikeville coats handed out the same day.
• Monday, Dec. 7: Medicare open enrollment ends. Free help: TN SHIP, 1-877-801-0044.

What it means for you: Write these on the kitchen calendar today, so you don’t have to remember them.

👉 Library calendar · More Valley dates on Dunlap.Today

✅ Your Calm Friday Checklist

• ✅ Give blood if you can: Dunlap 9 to 2, or Jasper Highlands 2 to 6. Bring a photo ID.
• ✅ Peek in the pill drawer for “10 Day Forecast” or “Candy Power For Man.” Toss them if you find them.
• ✅ Chair Dancing at 1 p.m. Library is open until 5 today.
• ✅ Thinking about a flu shot before Thanksgiving? This is a good week.
• ✅ Find one spare coat for the Pikeville coat drive.
• ✅ Space heater 3 feet from everything, plugged into the wall. Pets in tonight.

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

Can I give blood if I’m over 65?

There is generally no top age limit for giving blood, but you must feel well and pass a short health check that day. Bring your list of medicines, and ask the staff if you’re unsure.

Do I need an appointment for the Dunlap blood drive?

Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Citizens Tri-County Bank, 15699 Rankin Ave.

I take nitroglycerin. Should I worry about the recalls?

Only if you have one of the two recalled products. If you do, stop taking it and call your doctor. Your regular prescriptions are not part of these recalls.

Is the library open Saturday?

No. It’s open today, Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed Saturday and Sunday. It opens again Monday at 8 a.m.

Are today’s times Central or Eastern?

All of today’s events in Dunlap, Jasper and Spencer are on Central time, our time.

🔗 Helpful Numbers & Resources

• Sequatchie County Public Library, 227 Cherry St., Dunlap: (423) 949-2357
• Sequatchie Senior Center, 103 Heard St., Dunlap: (423) 949-2228
• Sequatchie County Health Department: (423) 949-3619
• Sequatchie County property tax line: 423-949-2526 · State tax relief office: 615-747-8871
• Tennessee American Water: 1-866-269-2837
• First Southern Baptist Church of Pikeville: (423) 447-2849
• SETHRA Transit rides: (423) 478-1396
• Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) · TN SHIP free Medicare counseling: 1-877-801-0044
• Social Security: 1-800-772-1213 · Report a scam: ssa.gov/scam
• FDA questions: 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)
• Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability: 1-866-836-6678
• TDOT road conditions: SmartWay.tn.gov or dial 511
• National Weather Service Dunlap forecast: weather.gov point forecast

🌅 A Warm-Coat, Good-Neighbor Kind of Day

Here’s the whole day in one breath. A sunny, chilly 47. A chance to give blood in Dunlap or Jasper Highlands. A gentle class at the library at 1. A quick look in the pill drawer. Maybe a spare coat for Pikeville. Tonight, bring the pets in and give the heater some room. Nothing today needs hurrying, and nothing needs worrying over. Read Dunlap.Today every morning for plain-English Valley news, and find local businesses on Dunlap.Directory.

— Dunlap.Today