☕ Front Porch Morning: Sunny 72, Social Security Arrives Today, a Free Health Talk Tonight and Veterans Day Tomorrow

Or: Check the Bank, Run Your Errands Today and Save a Curb Spot for Wednesday’s Parade

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Good morning, neighbor. Today, Tuesday, Nov. 10, is a sunny one. The National Weather Service says sunny, high near 72°F in Dunlap.

Today is a busy little “get it done” day. Social Security arrives today for many folks. Banks and post offices close tomorrow for Veterans Day. And there’s a free health talk tonight. Nothing here needs worry. Just a few things to jot down.

⏱️ Your 30-second morning recap

• Yesterday: Pikeville Clinic in Bledsoe County closed for now because of a staff shortage. Other clinics nearby are open. Also, if your Medicare plan is ending next year, you still have time to pick a new one.
• Today: Sunny, high near 72°F. Social Security pays today for birthdays on the 1st–10th. Free Health Department talk at 6:30 p.m. Central on Cagle Mountain.
• Tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day: Parade at 10 a.m. from the Dunlap courthouse. Banks, post offices and the library are closed.

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

1. Social Security arrives TODAY, Tuesday, Nov. 10, for birthdays on the 1st through 10th. It’s a day early because of Veterans Day. It is not an extra payment.
2. Do bank and post office errands TODAY. Both are closed Wednesday, Nov. 11.
3. Free Health Department talk tonight, 6:30 p.m. Central, Cagle Mountain Community Center, 8208 State Route 8.

Tomorrow’s heads-up: Wednesday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day. Sunny, high near 69°F. The Dunlap Veterans Day Parade leaves the courthouse at 10 a.m., and the program is at 11 a.m. at the Sequatchie County Veterans Memorial Park. A 30% chance of showers Wednesday night.

📰 In Case You Missed It Yesterday (Monday, Nov. 9)

🏥 Pikeville Clinic Is Closed for Now: Here’s Where Else to Go

Dunlap.Today shared on Nov. 9 that Pikeville Clinic, LLC, in Bledsoe County, has temporarily closed because of a sudden shortage of medical staff. All treatments and appointments are paused for now. The clinic says staff are calling patients who had appointments this week to cancel or reschedule. No reopening date was given.

What it means for you: If you go to Pikeville Clinic, you don’t need to panic. Watch for that phone call. To move your medical records, or for urgent questions about your care, the clinic gave this email: clinicpk@bledsoe.net. Other places nearby include Pikeville Urgent Care and Erlanger Bledsoe Hospital in Pikeville, and Dunlap Medical Center and Fast Access Healthcare in Dunlap. If you need a prescription refilled soon, call your pharmacy today. They may be able to help you through. For an emergency, call 911.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Pikeville Clinic Temporarily Closes)

📋 Is Your Medicare Plan Ending? You Still Have Time

A Nov. 9 report from NC Health News (on WFAE) says more than 4 million Medicare members across the country will see their Medicare Advantage or drug plan discontinued in 2027, based on a KFF analysis. Your plan would have told you in its “Annual Notice of Change” letter.

Here’s the calm part. If your plan is ending and you don’t pick a new one, you generally go back to Original Medicare. But you would not get a drug plan automatically. A Nov. 9 report from WROC in New York says people whose plans are ending get extra time, until Dec. 31, to choose.

What it means for you: Look for that letter. If it says your plan is ending, aim to choose by the regular deadline, Monday, Dec. 7, so there’s no gap. Make sure your pills, doctors and pharmacy are covered in the new plan. Free, honest help: TN SHIP, 1-877-801-0044. Medicare itself: 1-800-633-4227.

👉 Read more (WFAE: Plans are disappearing; what Medicare enrollees need to know) · Medicare.gov

📞 Marion County Sheriff: Not Sure About a Call? Ask Us

Sequatchie Valley Now shared a reminder from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department: if you get a suspicious phone call, or have questions, call them. Deputies say they are “always happy to assist” and help keep folks from being fooled.

What it means for you: You never have to decide on the spot. If a caller wants money, gift cards or your personal numbers, hang up. Then call someone you trust. In Marion County, the non-emergency number is 423-942-2525. In Sequatchie County, it’s (423) 949-9912. Save 911 for real emergencies.

👉 Read more (SValleyNow: Be Aware of Scam Calls)

🏠 Grandkids Home Thursday and Friday? Here’s Why

Sequatchie County Schools announced “Remote Learning Days” on Thursday, Nov. 12, and Friday, Nov. 13. The reasons: to let students who are sick get well, and to let families travel to the Round 2 football playoffs in Unicoi County. Teachers will send assignments. Today, Tuesday, is a regular school day with Veterans Day programs, and there’s no school Wednesday.

What it means for you: If you help with grandkids, the rest of this week looks different. Students will be home Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Plan snacks and a quiet spot for schoolwork.

👉 Read more (SValleyNow: Remote Learning Days in Sequatchie County)

📅 Today in the Valley (Tuesday, Nov. 10)

☀️ Sunny and 72 Today, Then a Cooler Turn

The National Weather Service for Dunlap says sunny, high near 72°F, calm wind becoming west around 5 mph. Tonight: partly cloudy, low around 43°F. In the Chattanooga area it’s mostly sunny, high near 71°F.

Looking ahead for Dunlap: Wednesday sunny, near 69°F. Wednesday night, a 30% chance of showers. Thursday near 57°F with gusts to 20 mph. Friday only near 48°F, and Friday night drops to about 28°F. Forecasts can change.

What it means for you: Enjoy today. It’s a fine day for a porch sit or a walk. Use it to get ready for the cold: check the heater, find the blankets, and plan to cover tender plants by Thursday evening.

👉 Read more (National Weather Service: Dunlap forecast)

💵 Social Security Arrives Today: Check Your Account

USA Today and the Detroit Free Press both say the first November Social Security payments go out today, Tuesday, Nov. 10, instead of Wednesday, because Wednesday is Veterans Day. This is for people whose birthday falls on the 1st through 10th. The next payment days are Wednesday, Nov. 18 (11th–20th) and Wednesday, Nov. 25 (21st–31st).

What it means for you: It’s the same amount, just a day early. Check your bank today. If it’s not there, give it until the end of the day. Social Security’s number is 1-800-772-1213. Remember, their offices are closed Wednesday. And Social Security will never call to ask you to “confirm” a payment.

👉 Read more (USA Today: November 2026 Social Security payment schedule) · SSA payment calendar

🩺 Free Health Department Talk Tonight, 6:30 p.m. Central

Tonight, Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 6:30 p.m. Central, there’s a free community meeting at the Cagle Mountain Community Center, 8208 State Route 8, Dunlap. Beth Blevins, administrator of the Sequatchie County Health Department, will explain the services and programs the Health Department offers. There’s time to ask questions.

What it means for you: It’s a friendly way to learn what help is close to home, at no cost. Bring a friend and a short list of questions. Tonight’s low is about 43°F, so take a jacket. This was announced last week, so call ahead to confirm if you’re driving a long way.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Free Community Meeting in Dunlap)

📚 Friends of the Library Meet Today at 4 p.m.

The Friends of the Sequatchie County Public Library meet today, Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 4 p.m. (Central) at the library, 227 Cherry Street, Dunlap. They meet every second Tuesday. New folks can sign up at the meeting. The library is open today 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Phone: (423) 949-2357.

What it means for you: A nice way to meet neighbors and help the library. Need a book for the long weekend? Pick it up today. The library is closed Wednesday for Veterans Day and Thursday as usual. Chair Dancing is back Friday at 1 p.m.

👉 Read more (Sequatchie County Public Library)

🍽️ Senior Center: Call About Lunch and Rides

The Sequatchie County Senior Citizens Center, 103 Heard St., Dunlap, offers meals, rides and activities. Phone: (423) 949-2228. In Pikeville, the Bledsoe County Senior Citizens Center is (423) 447-6111. Need a ride? SETHRA Transit: (423) 478-1396.

What it means for you: We found no posted menu or hours for today or for Veterans Day, so call ahead to confirm before you go, and ask whether they’re open Wednesday.

👉 Read more (Sequatchie County Government: Senior Citizens Center)

🚧 Driving I-24 in Marion or Grundy Today? Allow a Little Extra Time

TDOT work posted by Sequatchie Valley Now: today, Nov. 10, the fast (left) lane of I-24 westbound will be closed near mile marker 140.5 in Marion County for work around traffic cameras, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. In Grundy County, the I-24 westbound shoulder is closed from about mile 133.8 to 132, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Flaggers are on US-41 (SR-2) in Grundy County, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., through Nov. 17.

What it means for you: Heading toward Monteagle or Nashville? Leave a few minutes early and stay patient around the cones. Before you go, check SmartWay.tn.gov or dial 511.

👉 Read more (SValleyNow: Lots of Roadwork announced by TDOT)

🗓️ Put These on the Fridge: The Days Ahead

• Today, Tuesday, Nov. 10: Social Security pays (birthdays 1st–10th). Friends of the Library, 4 p.m. Health Department talk, 6:30 p.m. Central, Cagle Mountain.
• Wednesday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day): Parade 10 a.m. from the courthouse to Veterans Memorial Park (ends about 10:30). Program 11 a.m. at the park. Banks, post offices and the library are closed. No school. Many chain restaurants offer free meals to veterans. Bring proof of service and call ahead to confirm.
• Thursday and Friday, Nov. 12–13: Sequatchie County students learn from home.
• Thursday, Nov. 12, 5–6 p.m. Central: “Food for All” class for older adults at the UT Extension Office in Dunlap (call 423-949-2611 to see if a seat is left).
• Friday night, Nov. 13: Cold, low near 28°F.
• Monday, Dec. 7: Medicare open enrollment ends.

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

👉 Veterans Day Parade and free meals (Dunlap.Today) · Library Veterans Day notice

✅ Your Calm Tuesday Checklist

• ✅ Check your bank for Social Security (birthdays 1st–10th).
• ✅ Do bank and post office errands today. Both close Wednesday.
• ✅ Pikeville Clinic patient? Watch for their call, and ask your pharmacy about refills.
• ✅ Find your Medicare “Annual Notice of Change” letter. Is your plan ending?
• ✅ Free Health Department talk, 6:30 p.m. Central, Cagle Mountain.
• ✅ Tomorrow: Veterans Day Parade, 10 a.m., Dunlap courthouse.

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

Why is my Social Security coming on Tuesday this week?

Wednesday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day, a federal holiday. When a payment day falls on a holiday, it moves to the business day before. So birthdays on the 1st through 10th are paid today, Tuesday, Nov. 10. It’s the same amount, not an extra payment.

What is closed on Veterans Day?

Banks, post offices and federal offices, including Social Security offices, are closed Wednesday, Nov. 11. The Sequatchie County Public Library is closed too, and there’s no school in Sequatchie County. Call ahead for anything else.

Pikeville Clinic is closed. Where can I go?

Nearby options include Pikeville Urgent Care and Erlanger Bledsoe Hospital in Pikeville, and Dunlap Medical Center and Fast Access Healthcare in Dunlap. For records or urgent questions, the clinic gave the email clinicpk@bledsoe.net. For an emergency, call 911.

My Medicare plan is ending. What should I do?

Pick a new plan during open enrollment, which ends Monday, Dec. 7. If you do nothing, you generally go back to Original Medicare without a drug plan. For free, unbiased help, call TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044.

Is tonight’s health talk on Central or Eastern time?

It’s on Cagle Mountain in Sequatchie County, so it’s Central time: 6:30 p.m. Chattanooga and Rhea County (Dayton) clocks run one hour ahead, on Eastern time.

🔗 Helpful Numbers & Resources

• Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) · TN SHIP free Medicare counseling: 1-877-801-0044
• Medicare Plan Finder: medicare.gov/plan-compare
• Senior Medicare Patrol: 877-808-2468
• Social Security: 1-800-772-1213 · Report a scam: ssa.gov/scam or 1-800-269-0271
• Sequatchie Senior Center, 103 Heard St., Dunlap: (423) 949-2228
• Bledsoe County Senior Citizens Center, Pikeville: (423) 447-6111
• SETHRA Transit rides: (423) 478-1396
• Sequatchie County Public Library, 227 Cherry St., Dunlap: (423) 949-2357
• UT Extension, Sequatchie County: 423-949-2611
• Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative (billing and outages): 1-888-421-7832
• Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability: 1-866-836-6678
• Sequatchie County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency: (423) 949-9912 · Marion County Sheriff’s Department non-emergency: 423-942-2525. For an emergency, call 911.
• AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360
• TDOT road conditions: SmartWay.tn.gov or dial 511
• National Weather Service Dunlap forecast: weather.gov point forecast

🌅 A Sunny Day to Get Ready, Then a Day to Say Thank You

Here’s the whole day in one breath. Sunshine near 72. Social Security in the bank. Errands done before tomorrow’s closures. A free health talk tonight at 6:30. And tomorrow, a parade at 10 to thank the folks who served. 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