☕ Front Porch Morning: Free Flu Shot Day, a Medicare Talk at 10, and Sunny Near 77

Or: Roll Up a Sleeve, Bring Your Medicare Questions, and Keep Your Photo ID by the Keys

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Good morning, neighbor. Today is the day we’ve been circling all week. Free flu shots are at the Sequatchie County Health Department from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central. The library’s free “Let’s Talk Medicare” talk is at 10 a.m. Early voting is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. And it’ll be sunny, near 77°F. That’s three errands, one trip to town, and a pretty fall day to do it in.

⏱️ Your 30-second morning recap

• Yesterday: Dunlap.Today reported the group behind the Coke Ovens museum was awarded a $70,000 state grant for building repairs. Newsweek reminded readers the next Social Security payments arrive Wednesday, Oct. 21.
• Overnight: Tennessee American Water posted a water main repair in Chattanooga starting Monday night. If your water looks cloudy, run the cold tap a few minutes.
• Today: Free flu shots, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 16939 Rankin Ave. Medicare talk at the library, 10 a.m. Early voting, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 68 Spring St.
• Weather: The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap (updated about 1:26 a.m. Central) calls for sunny skies and a high near 77°F. Tonight will be clear, with a low around 46°F.

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

1. Free flu shot today, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central. It’s at the Sequatchie County Health Department, 16939 Rankin Ave., Dunlap, behind the Erlanger emergency center. No appointment. No insurance needed.
2. “Let’s Talk Medicare” is at 10 a.m. at the library, 227 Cherry St. It’s free, and no sign-up is needed. It’s a learning talk, not a sales event.
3. Early voting is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Election Commission, 68 Spring St. Bring a photo ID. It’s OK if it has expired.

Tomorrow’s heads-up: Wednesday, Oct. 21 is a Social Security payment day for people whose birthday falls on the 11th through the 20th. The Friends of the Library book sale opens (Friends-only day) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Fairbuilding, 103 Heard St. Chair Dancing is at 1 p.m. It’ll be sunny, near 78°F.

📰 In Case You Missed It Yesterday (Monday, Oct. 19)

🏚️ Good News for the Coke Ovens Museum: A $70,000 Fix-Up Grant

Dunlap.Today’s Courthouse Corner reported Monday that the Sequatchie Valley Historical Association was awarded $70,000 from the Tennessee State Museum. That’s the volunteer group listed with the museum at Dunlap Coke Ovens Park, 350 Mountain View Road. The grant pays for building repairs and upgrades, such as roofs, heating and air, restrooms and accessibility. The state’s list doesn’t say which project it’s for. The work must be finished by June 30, 2027.

Neighbors got help too: the Sam H. Werner Military Museum in Marion County ($76,237), the Grundy County Historical Society ($63,100), the Beersheba Springs Historical Society ($5,200) and the Van Buren County Historical and Heritage Museum ($60,300).

The same report said Tennessee won $10.6 million in federal money for backup storm warnings, including 11,137 NOAA Weather Radios. It doesn’t say yet how the radios will be handed out, so there’s nothing to sign up for.

What it means for you: The museum is open Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays noon to 4 p.m., April through November. The park is open sunup to sundown. A weekend visit before it closes for the season would make a nice outing with the grandkids. Group tours: (423) 949-2156. And check the batteries in your own weather radio this week.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Courthouse Corner)

💵 Social Security Pays Again Wednesday: Check Your Birthday

A Newsweek report published Monday, based on the Social Security payment calendar, says the next round of October benefits arrives Wednesday, Oct. 21. That’s for most people whose birthday falls between the 11th and the 20th of the month. If your birthday is the 21st or later, your day is the fourth Wednesday, Oct. 28.

This payment still uses the 2026 amount. The 3.6% raise for 2027 starts with January checks. If you have a my Social Security account, you can see your new amount online starting in late November. Everyone else gets a letter in December.

What it means for you: Write your payment day on the calendar. If a payment is late, wait three mail days before calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Social Security will never call, text or email to ask for money to “release” your raise. That’s a scam. Hang up.

👉 Read more (Newsweek: Social Security payments this week)

🚰 Chattanooga Water Repair: If Your Water Looks Cloudy

Tennessee American Water posted a notice that crews began emergency repairs on a water main break in Chattanooga at 10 p.m. Monday. It said repairs would take about 5 hours. Customers in the affected area may notice low pressure or cloudy or discolored water for a while afterward. The notice didn’t list which streets.

What it means for you: If you have kin in Chattanooga, or you’re on that system, here’s the company’s simple tip. For discolored water, run the cold tap on the lowest floor of the house. For cloudy water, run the cold tap on the highest floor. It should clear in 3 to 5 minutes. For questions, use the customer service number on your water bill. A real water worker won’t ask you for payment at your door.

👉 Read more (Tennessee American Water: service alert)

📅 Today in the Valley (Tuesday, Oct. 20)

💉 Free Flu Shots Today Across the Valley

Today is Fight Flu TN day. Tennessee health departments are giving free flu shots to anyone 6 months and older. In Dunlap, it’s the Sequatchie County Health Department, 16939 Rankin Ave., behind the Erlanger Sequatchie Valley emergency center, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central. The Chamber’s listing says no appointment and no insurance are needed.

Nearby sites and hours, as listed this week:

• Bledsoe: 334 Frazier Ave., Pikeville, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Central
• Marion: 24 East 7th St., Jasper, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central
• Grundy: 278 N. Industrial Park Road, Coalmont, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central
• Rhea: 344 Eagle Lane, Evensville, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern (that’s 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. our time)
• Hamilton: J.A. Henry Community YMCA, 3500 Dodds Ave. #108, Chattanooga, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern (8 a.m. to noon our time), while supplies last
• Van Buren and anywhere else: use the map at tn.gov/health/fightflu

What it means for you: Wear a short-sleeved shirt or one with loose sleeves. Bring your Medicare or insurance card just in case, even though it’s free. If you’re not sure the shot is right for you, ask the nurse. To confirm hours in Dunlap, call (423) 949-3619.

👉 Read more (The Dunlap Tribune: free flu shots)

🩺 “Let’s Talk Medicare” at the Library, 10 a.m.

The Sequatchie County Public Library, 227 Cherry St., Dunlap, hosts a free talk on Medicare basics and changes coming in 2027 at 10 a.m. Central. Sign-up isn’t required, but the library says registering ahead helps them set out enough chairs. It’s for people about to enroll, people already on Medicare, and family members who help a parent or grandparent.

The presenter is Wendy Barrett, a licensed insurance agent with Williams Barrett Insurance Solutions. The library calls it an educational presentation, not a sales event, and says it doesn’t endorse her business. Personal coverage questions won’t be discussed in the group.

What it means for you: Bring a pencil and your plan’s Annual Notice of Change letter so you can jot notes in the margin. Open enrollment runs through Monday, Dec. 7. Nobody should rush you. For free one-on-one help from people who don’t sell insurance, call TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044. Library: (423) 949-2357.

👉 Read more (Sequatchie County Public Library: Let’s Talk Medicare)

🗳️ Early Voting, Day 6: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Early voting for the Tuesday, Nov. 3 election continues today at the Sequatchie County Election Commission, 68 Spring St., Dunlap, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central. Counting today, there are 9 early-voting days left. The last one is Thursday, Oct. 29. Saturday, Oct. 24 hours are 9 a.m. to noon.

If you need an absentee ballot, your written request must reach the Election Commission by Saturday, Oct. 24.

What it means for you: Bring a Tennessee or federal photo ID. Past years show Tuesdays can be busy, so if lines are long, Thursday, Oct. 22 has historically been lighter. That’s history, not a promise. Call ahead to confirm hours at (423) 949-2431.

👉 Read more (Tennessee Firefly: Sequatchie voting)

📚 This Afternoon and Evening: LEGO Night, Book Club and More

The library is open today 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. From 4 to 6 p.m., it hosts a free family LEGO Night with a Build-a-Pumpkin Challenge. LEGOs are provided, and all ages are welcome, so it’s a good one for grandchildren. Teens have their Thrive Tribe hangout at 4 p.m.

At 6 p.m., the monthly Book Club meets to talk about Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth. New members are welcome. You can just show up.

Also tonight, the Chamber’s community calendar lists “The Future Unfolding” seminar from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Central at the Dunlap Seventh-day Adventist School gym, 105 Apache Lane. No cost is listed, so call ahead to confirm.

What it means for you: If evenings are hard for driving, today’s morning events are the ones to aim for. If you go out after dark, the sun sets a little before 7 p.m., so turn your headlights on early.

👉 Read more (Sequatchie County Public Library: this week)

🍽️ Senior Center, Rides and Weekday Help

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

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

What it means for you: If you need a ride to the flu clinic or the polls, call early this morning.

👉 Read more (St. Alexius Outreach: senior center food deliveries)

🚧 Flaggers on Four State Roads and Popular Springs Road

TDOT’s roadway report through Wednesday, Oct. 21 lists resurfacing with single-lane closures and flaggers on four Sequatchie County roads: SR-111, US-127 (SR-28) from the Marion County line to Wilson Road, SR-399 from the Grundy County line toward SR-111, and SR-8 between Whitlow Road and Sherman Road.

In Marion County, Popular Springs Road is closed for paving from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central through Thursday, Oct. 22, weather permitting.

What it means for you: Leave 10 extra minutes for the flu clinic or the polls, slow down for flaggers and give them a wave.

👉 Read more (TDOT: Roadway Activity Report, Oct. 15–21)

☀️ Today’s Weather: Sunny and Near 77

The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap (updated about 1:26 a.m. Central) says it’ll be sunny today with a high near 77°F and hardly any wind. Tonight will be clear, with a low around 46°F. Wednesday will be sunny, near 78°F, and Thursday sunny, near 77°F. No weather alerts were posted for Dunlap early this morning.

Dry, sunny days can let a small fire get away fast. A free burn permit is required from Oct. 15 to May 15.

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: A light jacket for the morning, then shirt sleeves by lunch. Drink some water if you’re out running errands.

👉 Read more (National Weather Service: Dunlap forecast)

🗓️ Put These on the Fridge: This Week

• Tuesday, Oct. 20 (today): Free flu shots, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Let’s Talk Medicare,” 10 a.m. Early voting, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. LEGO Night, 4 p.m. Book Club, 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 21: Social Security payment day (birthdays 11th–20th). Genealogy help, 9 to 11 a.m. Book sale (Friends-only day), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fairbuilding, 103 Heard St. Chair Dancing, 1 p.m.
• 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. Sunday, Nov. 1: Clocks fall back one hour. Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day. Monday, Dec. 7: Medicare open enrollment ends.

✅ Your Calm Morning Checklist

• ✅ Wear loose sleeves and get your free flu shot, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 16939 Rankin Ave.
• ✅ Take your Medicare letter and a pencil to the library talk at 10 a.m.
• ✅ Put your photo ID by your keys if you plan to vote, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• ✅ Circle your Social Security payment day. Birthdays 11th–20th: Wednesday, Oct. 21.
• ✅ Never pay anyone to “release” a raise or payment. Hang up.
• ✅ Leave 10 extra minutes for flaggers on SR-111, US-127, SR-399 and SR-8.
• ✅ Check the batteries in your weather radio.

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

Where can I get a free flu shot today?

In Dunlap, at the Sequatchie County Health Department, 16939 Rankin Ave., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central. It’s free for anyone 6 months and older, with no appointment or insurance needed. Nearby county health departments have their own hours, listed above. To confirm, call (423) 949-3619.

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

The library says it’s an educational presentation, not a sales event, and that it doesn’t endorse the presenter’s business. It’s at 10 a.m. today at 227 Cherry St. For free help from counselors who don’t sell insurance, call TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044.

What are early voting hours today?

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

When does my Social Security payment come this month?

Most people get paid on a Wednesday based on birthday. Birthdays on the 1st–10th were paid Oct. 14. Birthdays on the 11th–20th get paid Wednesday, Oct. 21. Birthdays on the 21st–31st get paid Wednesday, Oct. 28. Some people, including many who started benefits before May 1997, are paid on the 3rd.

When will I see my 2027 raise?

The 3.6% raise starts with January payments. People with a my Social Security account can see the new amount online starting in late November. Others will get a letter in December.

Is the Coke Ovens museum open?

The park at 350 Mountain View Road is open sunup to sundown. The museum is open April through November, Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays noon to 4 p.m. Group tours: (423) 949-2156.

🔗 Helpful Numbers & Resources

• Sequatchie County Health Department (flu shots today): (423) 949-3619 · Fight Flu TN site map
• Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) · Medicare.gov: open enrollment
• TN SHIP free Medicare counseling: 1-877-801-0044
• Social Security: 1-800-772-1213 · Report a scam: ssa.gov/scam
• 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
• Dunlap Coke Ovens Park group tours: (423) 949-2156
• Report fraud to the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov · TN Division of Consumer Affairs: 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)
• TDOT road work: SmartWay.tn.gov or dial 511
• National Weather Service Dunlap forecast: weather.gov point forecast

🌅 One Little Pinch, One Good Talk, One Pretty Day

Some days ask a lot of us. Today asks very little. A quick pinch in the arm, an hour of Medicare questions with a pencil in hand, and maybe a stop to vote on the way home. Then the rest of this sunny afternoon is yours, for the porch, the garden or a good nap. 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