☕ Front Porch Morning: Happy Halloween, Clocks Fall Back Tonight and the Health Marketplace Opens Sunday

Or: A Mild, Cloudy Saturday Near 74, Free Trunk-or-Treats in Dunlap and One Extra Hour of Sleep

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Saturday, October 31, 2026

Good morning, neighbor, and Happy Halloween. Yesterday brought a few things worth knowing: a new study says stand-alone Medicare drug plan premiums are going up for most people next year, unless they switch. Early voting wrapped up with 2,500 Sequatchie County voters. New Social Security rules for heart-related disability claims started Friday. And police out West warned about phone callers pretending to be the FTC.

Today is Halloween. Dunlap has free trunk-or-treats this afternoon and evening. Tonight, clocks fall back one hour. Tomorrow, the Health Insurance Marketplace opens for 2027. The weather is mostly cloudy and mild, near 74°F, and dry this evening. Nothing here needs worry. Just a few things to jot down.

⏱️ Your 30-second morning recap

• Yesterday: Most people in stand-alone Medicare drug plans will pay more in 2027 if they stay put. Switching can help, and you have until Dec. 7. Early voting ended with 1,280,642 Tennesseans voting. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
• Today: Lewis Chapel Trunk or Treat, 3 to 5 p.m. Scare on the Square at Harris Park and Hot Rod Halloween on Cherry Street, both 5 to 7 p.m. All free. Cagle Mountain Restaurant closes at 4 p.m.
• Weather: The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap (updated 1:26 a.m. Central) calls for mostly cloudy, high near 74°F, light wind. Tonight, cloudy, low around 51°F. Sunset is about 5:47 p.m.

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

1. Set your clocks BACK one hour before bed tonight. The official change is 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. You get an extra hour of sleep. Phones change on their own.
2. Halloween evening fun is 5 to 7 p.m. in downtown Dunlap. It’s free. Carry a flashlight. It gets dark right around 5:47 p.m.
3. Medicare drug plan? Compare before Monday, Dec. 7. Many premiums go up in 2027. Free help: TN SHIP, 1-877-801-0044.

Tomorrow’s heads-up: Sunday, Nov. 1, the clocks have changed, so church and breakfast come an hour “earlier” on your body. A 30% chance of showers, mainly before 1 p.m., high near 65°F. The Health Insurance Marketplace opens for 2027 plans. Sunset is about 4:46 p.m. now.

📰 In Case You Missed It Yesterday (Friday, Oct. 30)

💊 Medicare Drug Plan Premiums Are Going Up: Switching Can Save You Money

A new analysis from KFF, reported Friday by KFF Health News, says people in stand-alone Medicare drug plans (Part D plans you buy separately) will see their average monthly premium rise about 50% in 2027, from about $34 to $51. About 3 out of 4 people in those plans who don’t get extra help will pay more if they stay in the same plan.

The good news: many people can avoid the increase by switching to a lower-cost plan during open enrollment. People who get drug coverage inside a Medicare Advantage plan will see a much smaller change, under $2 a month on average for the drug part.

What it means for you: Find your plan’s fall letter (the “Annual Notice of Change”) and look for next year’s monthly premium. If it went up, take one look at other plans. Check that your medicines and pharmacy are covered. Free, friendly help: TN SHIP, 1-877-801-0044, or 1-800-MEDICARE. Deadline: Monday, Dec. 7.

👉 Read more (KFF Health News, Oct. 30, 2026)

🗳️ Early Voting Is Over: Election Day Is Tuesday, Nov. 3

Dunlap.Today’s Courthouse Corner reported Friday that 1,280,642 Tennesseans voted early or absentee, about 45% more than in 2022. Sequatchie County finished with 2,500 early voters.

What it means for you: If you didn’t vote early, you vote on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at your own precinct. Bring a photo ID. Not sure where your polling place is or what hours it keeps? Look it up at GoVoteTN.gov, or call ahead to confirm with your county election office.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today Courthouse Corner, Oct. 30, 2026)

❤️ New Social Security Rules for Heart-Related Disability Claims

A Social Security rule that changes how the agency judges heart-related disability claims took effect Friday, Oct. 30. It adds new listings, including aortic valve disease and cardiomyopathy, and updates the rules for conditions like heart failure and coronary artery disease. The new rules apply to new applications, to claims still waiting for a decision, and to periodic reviews.

What it means for you: If you or your spouse has a heart-related disability claim in progress, ask your doctor or representative how the new rules fit your medical records. Questions: Social Security, 1-800-772-1213. If you aren’t on disability, there’s nothing you need to do.

👉 Read more (BabyBoomer.org, Oct. 30, 2026)

📞 A Caller Says He’s From the “FTC”? How to Protect Yourself

Police in Reno, Nevada, said Friday that phone scammers pretending to be the Federal Trade Commission or local officers took about $200,000 from residents, mostly older adults, in two weeks. The callers say they’re “investigating fraud” and push people to pay right away. We haven’t seen a local report of this, but phones don’t stop at the county line.

What it means for you: Here’s the one rule to remember: real government agencies never ask you for money over the phone. Caller ID can be faked. If a call makes you feel you must act right now, hang up. Then call the agency back at a number you look up yourself. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

👉 Read more (BabyBoomer.org, Oct. 30, 2026)

📅 Today in the Valley (Saturday, Oct. 31)

🌥️ Mild and Cloudy Near 74, a Dry Halloween Evening, Showers Sunday Morning

The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap (updated 1:26 a.m. Central) calls for mostly cloudy skies today, with a high near 74°F. The wind is calm, turning southeast around 5 mph this afternoon. Tonight is cloudy, low around 51°F, with no rain in the forecast.

Sunday: a 30% chance of showers, mainly before 1 p.m., mostly cloudy, high near 65°F. Monday: partly sunny, near 70°F. Rain is more likely Wednesday (70%).

What it means for you: A comfortable day for errands and a dry evening for trick-or-treaters. Bring a light jacket after dark. Keep an umbrella by the door for Sunday morning church.

👉 Read more (National Weather Service: Dunlap forecast)

🎃 Free Halloween Fun in Dunlap: Afternoon and Evening

Here’s today’s lineup. All times are Central, and all are free:

• 3 to 5 p.m.: Trunk or Treat at Lewis Chapel Community Center.
• 5 to 7 p.m.: Scare on the Square at Harris Park, downtown Dunlap, with food, music and fun. It’s presented by Citizens Tri-County Bank with local businesses, groups and churches. Questions: (423) 949-2173.
• 5 to 7 p.m.: Hot Rod Halloween trunk-or-treat along Cherry Street, now in its third year. Questions: (423) 949-4263.
• 6 to 9 p.m.: Hill Circle Spooktacular, a free haunted house at 691 Hill Circle, off Fredonia Road near the fair building. It uses fog and strobe lights, and actors may touch visitors, so it’s best for older kids and brave grown-ups. Donations are welcome but not required.

Also: Cagle Mountain Restaurant closes early, at 4 p.m. today, so its staff can take their own children trick-or-treating.

What it means for you: If you’re taking grandkids, the downtown events start in daylight and end in the dark. Put a flashlight in the treat bag. Drivers, take Cherry Street and the park area slow this evening. If you’re handing out candy at home, a porch light on is the welcome sign.

👉 Read more (The Dunlap-Tribune, Oct. 27, 2026)

🏈 Youth Harvest Bowl in Pikeville This Morning

The youth Harvest Bowl Championship and Cheer Competition is today at Bledsoe County High School, 877 Main St., Pikeville (Central time). Games begin in the morning. A $5 gate fee was listed for at least one team. We couldn’t find a full game schedule online, so call ahead to confirm, or ask your grandchild’s coach for their game time.

What it means for you: If a grandchild is playing or cheering, bring a folding chair, a light jacket and a little cash for the gate.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today, Oct. 30, 2026)

🕐 Clocks Fall Back Tonight, and the Mountain Clock Rule

Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. Clocks go back one hour, so 2 a.m. becomes 1 a.m. Most phones and computers change on their own. Set the stove, microwave, car and bedside clocks back before bed tonight.

Starting Sunday, mornings get lighter sooner (sunrise about 6:03 a.m.), and it gets dark earlier (sunset about 4:46 p.m. in Dunlap).

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. That stays the same after the change.

What it means for you: Take your medicines by the new clock starting Sunday. Plan to drive home before dark, which now comes before 5 p.m. A good habit while you’re going around the house changing clocks: press the test button on your smoke alarm.

👉 Read more (SValleyNow: Time to Fall Back One Hour)

🩺 The Health Insurance Marketplace Opens Tomorrow

Open enrollment for 2027 Marketplace health plans (HealthCare.gov) starts Sunday, Nov. 1, and runs through Friday, Jan. 15, 2027. Sign up by Tuesday, Dec. 15 for coverage that starts Jan. 1.

What it means for you: If you’re on Medicare, this isn’t for you. Your deadline is still Dec. 7. But if a younger spouse, grown child or grandchild buys their own health insurance, remind them that shopping opens tomorrow. Help: HealthCare.gov or 1-800-318-2596.

👉 Read more (HealthCare.gov: Dates and Deadlines)

☎️ Weekend Reminder: Senior Center and Library

The Sequatchie County Senior Citizens Center, 103 Heard St., Dunlap, serves meals and activities on weekdays, so plan on Monday. Call (423) 949-2228 to confirm the menu. The Sequatchie County Public Library is closed on Saturdays, so call ahead to confirm its hours for next week at (423) 949-2357.

What it means for you: No need to make the drive today. Save it for Monday.

👉 Read more (Sequatchie County: Senior Citizens Center)

🗓️ Put These on the Fridge: The Days Ahead

• Saturday, Oct. 31 (today): Halloween. Lewis Chapel Trunk or Treat, 3 to 5 p.m. Scare on the Square and Hot Rod Halloween, 5 to 7 p.m. Cagle Mountain closes at 4 p.m. Set clocks back before bed.
• Sunday, Nov. 1, 2 a.m.: Clocks fall back one hour. Marketplace open enrollment begins.
• Monday, Nov. 2: Temporary traffic signal starts on US-72 in Marion County (through Dec. 14).
• Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day. Vote at your own precinct. Bring a photo ID.
• Saturday, Nov. 7: Trail of Tears commemorative gathering at Coops Creek (call ahead to confirm the time).
• Monday, Nov. 23: Reserve a free Thanksgiving meal, First Baptist Dunlap, (423) 486-5408. Monday, Dec. 7: Medicare open enrollment ends.

✅ Your Calm Morning Checklist

• ✅ Find your Medicare drug plan letter. Did next year’s premium go up?
• ✅ Hang up on anyone who calls asking for money “from the government.”
• ✅ Flashlight and light jacket for this evening’s Halloween fun.
• ✅ Porch light on if you’re handing out candy.
• ✅ Set the clocks back before bed tonight. Test the smoke alarm while you’re at it.
• ✅ Umbrella by the door for Sunday morning.

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

When exactly do I change my clocks?

The official change is 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. Clocks go back one hour. The easy way: set them back before bed Saturday night.

Are the Halloween events in Dunlap free?

Yes. The Lewis Chapel Trunk or Treat (3 to 5 p.m.), Scare on the Square at Harris Park (5 to 7 p.m.) and Hot Rod Halloween on Cherry Street (5 to 7 p.m.) are all free. The Hill Circle haunted house is free too, with donations welcome.

My Medicare drug plan premium went up. What should I do?

Compare plans before Dec. 7. Many people can find a lower-cost plan that still covers their medicines and pharmacy. TN SHIP gives free, unbiased help at 1-877-801-0044.

I’m on Medicare. Do I need to do anything when the Marketplace opens Nov. 1?

No. The Marketplace is for people who buy their own health insurance, not people on Medicare. Your Medicare deadline is still Monday, Dec. 7.

Someone called saying they’re from the FTC and I owe money. Is that real?

Treat it as a scam. Real government agencies don’t ask for money over the phone. Hang up and call the agency back at a number you look up yourself.

🔗 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
• HealthCare.gov Marketplace: 1-800-318-2596 · HealthCare.gov
• Tennessee voter lookup: GoVoteTN.gov
• Senior Medicare Patrol (Tennessee): 877-808-2468
• Scare on the Square questions: (423) 949-2173 · Hot Rod Halloween questions: (423) 949-4263
• 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
• First Baptist Church Dunlap, free Thanksgiving meals: (423) 486-5408 (reserve by Nov. 23)
• SETHRA Transit rides: (423) 478-1396
• 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

🌅 A Treat for the Kids, an Extra Hour for You, and a Gentle Saturday

Here’s the whole day in one breath. Take one look at your Medicare drug plan letter, and hang up on anyone who calls asking for money. Enjoy a mild, cloudy Halloween, with free fun downtown from 5 to 7 p.m. and a flashlight in your pocket. Then set the clocks back before bed and enjoy that extra hour of sleep. Nothing today needs hurrying, and nothing needs worrying over. We’ll be here again tomorrow morning, on the new clock. Read Dunlap.Today every morning for plain-English Valley news, and find local businesses on Dunlap.Directory.

— Dunlap.Today