☕ Front Porch Morning: Early Voting Is Back, a $90 Check to Watch For, and Free Chair Dancing at 1

Or: Grab Your Photo ID, Peek in the Mailbox for a Treasury Check, and Keep Your Medicare Number to Yourself

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Monday, October 19, 2026

Good morning, neighbor. The tractors have gone home, the weekend is behind us, and it’s a crisp, clear Monday. Early voting reopens today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central. If you don’t use direct deposit, keep an eye on your mailbox for a $90 Medicare check later this month. And the library has free Chair Dancing at 1 p.m. It’ll be sunny, near 71°F. Let’s take it one cup at a time.

⏱️ Your 30-second morning recap

• Yesterday: A report said people in Original Medicare without direct deposit should get their one-time $90 rebate as a paper Treasury check later in October. It’s automatic. There’s nothing to sign up for.
• Overnight: A USA TODAY report warned that Medicare scammers are paying to show up at the top of internet searches, and calling about fake “new Medicare cards.”
• Today: Early voting, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 68 Spring St. Free Chair Dancing at the library at 1 p.m.
• Weather: The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap (updated about 1:26 a.m. Central) calls for sunny skies, a high near 71°F and light winds. Tonight will be clear, with a low around 44°F.

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

1. Early voting is open today, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s at the Election Commission, 68 Spring St., Dunlap. Bring a photo ID. Mondays have been busy in past years, so a lighter day is Thursday, Oct. 22.
2. A real $90 Medicare check never costs you a penny. It comes from the U.S. Treasury. Anyone who asks for a fee or your bank login to “release” it is a scammer.
3. Free Chair Dancing is at 1 p.m. at the library, 227 Cherry St. No sign-up. If it’s your first time, come a few minutes early to sign a short form.

Tomorrow’s heads-up: Tuesday, Oct. 20 brings free flu shots from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central at the Sequatchie County Health Department, 16939 Rankin Ave. No appointment or insurance needed. The free “Let’s Talk Medicare” talk is at the library at 10 a.m. It’ll be sunny, near 74°F.

📰 In Case You Missed It Yesterday (Sunday, Oct. 18)

💵 No Direct Deposit? Your $90 Medicare Check Comes by Mail

We told you earlier this month about the one-time $90 payment for people in Original Medicare Part B. Most of it went out by direct deposit around Oct. 8. A report published Sunday by Main Street Dollars, citing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, adds a few helpful details for everyone else.

If you don’t have direct deposit, your payment should come as a paper check from the U.S. Treasury later in October. It goes to the address Medicare has on file. The memo line reads “Medicare Improvement Fund Payment; $90 Payment to Offset October Premium.” That wording is an easy way to tell the real check from a fake one.

You don’t qualify if you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, if Medicaid helps pay your Part B premium, or if you pay the higher-income surcharge called IRMAA.

What it means for you: The payment is automatic. There’s no form to fill out. If you’ve moved lately, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to make sure your address is right. To ask about a payment that hasn’t come, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. If anyone asks you for a fee or your bank login to “release” your $90, hang up. That’s a scam.

👉 Read more (Main Street Dollars: $90 paper checks)

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself From Medicare Look-Alikes

A USA TODAY report published early this morning says Medicare scammers are busy during open enrollment, which runs through Monday, Dec. 7. The Federal Trade Commission warns that some pay to appear at the top of internet search results, with official-looking logos and web addresses that look almost like Medicare.gov.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network says another common trick is a phone call claiming Medicare is sending new cards, such as hard plastic cards, cards with a chip, or a new color, and asking for your Medicare number. That isn’t true. Medicare already has your number and doesn’t need to call you to check it.

What it means for you: Here are three simple habits. First, type Medicare.gov yourself instead of clicking an ad. Second, never give your Medicare or Social Security number to someone who called you. Hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself. Third, keep your Medicare card in a safe place at home and carry it only when you know you’ll need it. For free, honest help comparing plans, call TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044.

👉 Read more (USA TODAY via Post and Courier: Medicare scams)

📅 Today in the Valley (Monday, Oct. 19)

🗳️ Early Voting Reopens: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Early voting for the Tuesday, Nov. 3 election picks back up today at the Sequatchie County Election Commission, 68 Spring St., Dunlap, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central. There are 10 voting days left, counting today. The last day is Thursday, Oct. 29.

The Tennessee Firefly tracker says that in past elections, today and Tuesday have been among the busier early-voting days here. The lighter days left have been Saturday, Oct. 24 (9 a.m. to noon), Thursday, Oct. 22 and Wednesday, Oct. 28. That’s history, not a promise.

If you need an absentee ballot, the Election Commission must receive your written request by Saturday, Oct. 24. Tennessee requires a reason for voting absentee.

What it means for you: Bring a Tennessee or federal photo ID. It’s OK if it has expired. If standing in line is hard, try mid-morning on a lighter day. Call ahead to confirm hours at (423) 949-2431.

👉 Read more (Tennessee Firefly: Sequatchie voting)

💃 Free Chair Dancing and a Busy Library Monday

The Sequatchie County Public Library, 227 Cherry St., Dunlap, hosts free Chair Dancing for adults at 1 p.m. Central. It’s gentle, seated exercise, about 45 minutes, in the upstairs conference room. No sign-up is needed. First-timers should come a little early to sign a short waiver. It also meets Wednesdays and Fridays at 1 p.m.

Bringing grandchildren? The library lists Storytime Sprouts (ages birth to 3) at 10 a.m. and STEAM Night at 4 p.m. At 6 p.m., the library’s free “Scoops ‘n Stories” storytime and craft, with a wizard theme, meets at the Udder Yum Ice Cream Shoppe on Rankin Avenue. The story and craft are free, and ice cream is sold separately.

What it means for you: Chair Dancing is a friendly way to loosen stiff joints and see neighbors. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. The library’s number is (423) 949-2357. Call ahead to confirm today’s hours.

👉 Read more (Sequatchie County Public Library: calendar)

🍽️ Senior Center, Rides and Weekday Help

It’s a weekday, so the Sequatchie County Senior Citizens Center, 103 Heard St., Dunlap, is the place to call about lunch, rides and activities. The number is (423) 949-2228. We couldn’t find today’s menu posted online, so call ahead to confirm.

For rides to the doctor or the store, SETHRA Transit asks you to call (423) 478-1396 to schedule. For heating-bill help this fall, SETHRA in Dunlap is at (423) 949-2191.

What it means for you: Monday is a good day to make your calls for the week. Write the numbers on a sticky note by the phone.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: meals, rides and help at home)

🚧 Paving in Marion County and a Bledsoe Meeting Tonight

In Marion County, Popular Springs Road is closed for paving from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central, today through Thursday, Oct. 22, weather permitting. Emergency vehicles can still get through. Expect delays, or plan another route.

In Bledsoe County, the County Commission meets tonight at 7 p.m. Central at the Bledsoe County Courthouse in Pikeville. The posted agenda includes a budget amendment, the lease for the Ross House and museum, the resignation of the county’s Veteran Services Officer, and two public comment periods.

What it means for you: If you’re a Bledsoe County veteran who works with the Veteran Services office, it may be worth asking the county mayor’s office who will help you in the meantime. If you drive Popular Springs Road, go before 8 a.m. or after 3 p.m.

👉 Read more (Bledsoe County: Oct. 19 commission agenda)

☀️ Today’s Weather: Sunny and Near 71

The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap (updated about 1:26 a.m. Central) says it’ll be clear and near 39°F early this morning, then sunny with a high near 71°F and light northeast winds. Tonight will be clear, with a low around 44°F.

Tuesday will be sunny, near 74°F, and Wednesday sunny, near 77°F. No weather alerts were posted for Dunlap early this morning.

If you plan to burn leaves or brush, remember that a free burn permit is required from Oct. 15 to May 15. Dry, sunny days can let a small fire spread fast.

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: Start with a jacket and shed it by lunch. It’s a fine afternoon for a short walk or a sit on the porch.

👉 Read more (National Weather Service: Dunlap forecast)

🗓️ Put These on the Fridge: This Week

• Monday, Oct. 19 (today): Early voting, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chair Dancing, 1 p.m. Popular Springs Road paving, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bledsoe County Commission, 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 20: Free flu shots, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central, 16939 Rankin Ave. “Let’s Talk Medicare” at the library, 10 a.m., no sign-up. It’s an educational talk led by a licensed insurance agent, not a sales event.
• Wednesday, Oct. 21: Genealogy help at the library, 9 to 11 a.m. Chair Dancing, 1 p.m. Friends of the Library book sale (Friends-only day), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Fairbuilding, 103 Heard St.
• Thursday, Oct. 22: Library closed. Book sale, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Historically a lighter early-voting day.
• Saturday, Oct. 24: Early voting 9 a.m. to noon. Absentee request deadline. Book sale “Fill a Bag Day,” 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 29: Last day of early voting. Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day. Monday, Dec. 7: Medicare open enrollment ends.

✅ Your Calm Morning Checklist

• ✅ Put your photo ID by your keys if you plan to vote. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• ✅ No direct deposit? Watch your mail for a U.S. Treasury check for $90 later this month.
• ✅ Never pay a fee or share your bank login to get that $90. It’s automatic.
• ✅ Type Medicare.gov yourself. Don’t click search ads.
• ✅ Keep your Medicare card at home in a safe place. Hang up on “new card” calls.
• ✅ Try free Chair Dancing at 1 p.m. at the library, 227 Cherry St.
• ✅ Circle Tuesday, Oct. 20 for free flu shots and the Medicare talk.

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

What are early voting hours today?

Early voting is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central today at the Sequatchie County Election Commission, 68 Spring St., Dunlap. It runs through Thursday, Oct. 29, with Saturday, Oct. 24 hours of 9 a.m. to noon. Bring a Tennessee or federal photo ID. To confirm, call (423) 949-2431.

I didn’t get my $90 Medicare payment by direct deposit. What now?

If you’re in Original Medicare without direct deposit, a report citing CMS says your payment should come as a paper U.S. Treasury check later in October, mailed to the address Medicare has on file. To ask about a payment, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. To ask whether you qualify, call 1-800-MEDICARE.

How can I tell the real $90 check from a fake?

The real check comes from the U.S. Treasury, and its memo line reads “Medicare Improvement Fund Payment; $90 Payment to Offset October Premium.” The payment is automatic. Nobody legitimate will ask you for a fee or your bank login.

Is Medicare sending out new plastic or chip cards?

No. The AARP Fraud Watch Network says calls about new plastic, chip or different-color Medicare cards are a scam to get your Medicare number. Hang up, and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself if you’re worried.

Do I need to sign up for Chair Dancing?

No. It’s free and meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. Central at the Sequatchie County Public Library, 227 Cherry St. First-timers should arrive a little early to sign a short waiver. Call (423) 949-2357 with questions.

Is the “Let’s Talk Medicare” event a sales pitch?

The library says it’s an educational presentation, not a sales event. It’s Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. at the library, with no sign-up needed. It’s led by Wendy Barrett, a licensed insurance agent, who won’t discuss personal coverage in the group. For free help with no sales pitch, call TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044.

Is Popular Springs Road closed all day?

No. Reports say it’s closed for paving from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central, Monday through Thursday this week, weather permitting. Emergency vehicles can still get through.

🔗 Helpful Numbers & Resources

• Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) · Medicare.gov: open enrollment
• TN SHIP free Medicare counseling: 1-877-801-0044
• Social Security (payment questions): 1-800-772-1213 · Report a scam: ssa.gov/scam
• Report fraud to the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• Sequatchie County Election Commission: (423) 949-2431 · 68 Spring St., Dunlap · GoVoteTN.gov
• Sequatchie County Public Library, 227 Cherry St.: (423) 949-2357 · sequatchielibrary.org
• Sequatchie Senior Center, 103 Heard St., Dunlap: (423) 949-2228 (weekdays)
• SETHRA Transit rides: (423) 478-1396 · SETHRA Dunlap office and LIHEAP heating help: (423) 949-2191
• Sequatchie County Health Department (flu shots Oct. 20): (423) 949-3619
• TN Division of Consumer Affairs (report a scam): 1-800-342-8385
• Sequachee Valley Electric outages (24/7): 1-888-421-7832
• Sequatchie County 911 non-emergency: (423) 949-9912. For an emergency, call 911.
• Free burn permits: BurnSafeTN.org or 1-877-350-2876 (weekdays)
• National Weather Service Dunlap forecast: weather.gov point forecast

🌅 One Easy Monday at a Time

A new week can feel like a long list. It doesn’t have to. Today, there are just a few small steps. Vote if you’re ready, check the mailbox, and keep your Medicare number to yourself. If you feel like it, wiggle your toes at Chair Dancing. Everything else can wait for another cup of coffee. 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