☕ Front Porch Morning: The Book Sale Opens to Everyone, a Medicine Cabinet Clean-Out, and Sunny Near 75

Or: Grab a Paperback, Gather Up the Old Pill Bottles, and Enjoy One More Golden Afternoon

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Thursday, October 22, 2026

Good morning, neighbor. It’s a quiet Thursday. The library itself is closed today, as it is every Thursday. But the Friends of the Library book sale is open to everyone from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Fairbuilding. Early voting runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. And after a little early fog, it’ll be sunny, near 75°F.

While your coffee cools, here’s one small chore for the week: gather up old and unused pill bottles. Saturday is a good day to get rid of them, and we’ll tell you how.

⏱️ Your 30-second morning recap

• Yesterday: Tennessee asked everyone to clean out the medicine cabinet for Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, Oct. 24. A report said military retired pay rises 3.6% on its own. Fall Creek Falls Utility District customers learned how an October billing mistake will be fixed.
• Good news: Tennessee’s newest state park, on the Hamilton–Rhea county line, will be named Angel’s Hollow. Ground was broken Wednesday for a new federal courthouse in Chattanooga.
• Today: Book sale, open to all, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free MobileMOC clinic in Grandview, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central. Early voting, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Weather: The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap (updated about 1:26 a.m. Central) calls for patchy fog before 8 a.m., then sunny with a high near 75°F. Tonight will be clear, low around 43°F.

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

1. The book sale is open to everyone today, Thursday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It’s at the Fairbuilding, 103 Heard St., Dunlap. No membership needed today. The library building on Cherry Street is closed.
2. Gather your old pills this week. Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Can’t wait? The Sequatchie County Sheriff’s Office drop box, 351 Fredonia Road, is listed as open 24 hours a day.
3. Early voting is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 68 Spring St., Dunlap. In past years, Thursday has been one of the lighter days. Bring a photo ID.

Tomorrow’s heads-up: Friday, Oct. 23, the library reopens at 8 a.m. A free Work It Out Wombats puppet show for grandchildren is at 10 a.m., and Chair Dancing is at 1 p.m. The book sale runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It’ll be sunny, near 73°F.

📰 In Case You Missed It Yesterday (Wednesday, Oct. 21)

💊 Clean Out the Medicine Cabinet: Take Back Day Is Saturday

On Wednesday morning, two Tennessee state departments asked folks to clean out their medicine cabinets for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It’s Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time. It’s free and anonymous. Nobody asks your name or what the pills were for.

The state says you can bring both prescription and over-the-counter medicines that are expired or no longer needed. Tennessee also has nearly 400 permanent drop boxes, with at least one in every county, so you don’t have to wait for Saturday.

• Sequatchie County Sheriff’s Office, 351 Fredonia Road, Suite A, Dunlap: listed as open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (423) 949-7750.
• Dunlap Police Department, 119 Church St.: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. (423) 949-3319.
• Nearby: Bledsoe County Sheriff, 235 Allen P. Deakins Road, Pikeville (weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Marion County Sheriff, 5 North Oak Ave., Jasper (weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

What it means for you: Old pills in the bathroom drawer are easy to mix up, and curious grandchildren and pets can find them. Put them all in one paper sack this week. Many boxes don’t take needles or liquids, so call ahead to confirm what they accept. To find Saturday’s staffed sites, visit TNtogether.com/takebackday or the DEA’s site finder.

👉 Read more (TN.gov: Drug Take Back Day)

🎖️ Military Retirees: Your 3.6% Raise Comes on Its Own

A report shared in our Wednesday money column says the same 3.6% raise announced for Social Security also applies to military retired pay, automatically. It takes effect Dec. 1, and the first bigger payment is due Thursday, Dec. 31. That’s about $36 more for every $1,000 of monthly retired pay.

VA disability pay works a little differently. Congress has to pass a separate bill each year to match the raise. As of mid-October, this year’s bill (S. 4487) was still working its way through Congress. Last year’s became law in late November.

What it means for you: You don’t have to apply for either raise. Military retirees can pencil in the new amount now. Disabled veterans can expect the raise but should wait for the VA’s official 2027 rate chart before spending it. Nobody needs to charge you a fee to “unlock” a raise. VA questions: 1-800-698-2411.

👉 Read more (SOFX: Veterans and military retirees set for 3.6% raise)

🚰 Fall Creek Falls Utility Customers: A Billing Fix Is Coming

If you get your water from the Fall Creek Falls Utility District, take a second look at your October bill. The district says its October bills were mailed late, on Tuesday, Oct. 13, while it switched to new billing software. Afterward it found two mistakes. Sales tax was left off, and some accounts got a minimum charge by mistake.

The district says it won’t send new October bills. Instead, your next bill will fix it. Some folks will see a small balance for the missing sales tax. Others will get a credit for the wrong minimum charge. The district also says it is waiving late fees for September and October.

What it means for you: No need to call in a hurry. Keep your October bill with your next one so you can compare them. If something still looks wrong, call the number printed on your bill. A real utility worker won’t ask you for payment at your door or by gift card.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Fall Creek Falls Utility billing fix)

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself: A “Warrant” From a Stranger Proves Nothing

The Better Business Bureau told WBBJ in Jackson this week that callers pretending to be deputies or FBI agents are now sending official-looking papers that claim to be arrest warrants. They may use a real officer’s name, and caller ID can even show a real police number.

Here’s the calm truth. Real law enforcement doesn’t call to demand money to keep you out of jail. Courts don’t take payment by gift card, wire transfer, crypto or payment app.

What it means for you: If you get a call or paper like this, hang up. Look up the court clerk or sheriff’s number yourself, from the phone book or a bill, and call it. In Dunlap, the police non-emergency line is (423) 949-3319. A fancy seal on a paper is just ink.

👉 Read more (WBBJ: Scammers posing as law enforcement)

🌳 Good News Down the Road: Angel’s Hollow and a New Courthouse

Governor Bill Lee and the state’s conservation department announced that Tennessee’s 70th state park will be called Angel’s Hollow State Park. It’s on much of the old McDonald Farm, in the valley along the Hamilton and Rhea county line, about 2,500 acres in all. The visitor center will be in Sale Creek. It will be dedicated Friday, Nov. 6, the same day the Hamilton County Fair opens.

And on Wednesday morning, leaders broke ground on a new U.S. District Courthouse in downtown Chattanooga. Chattanoogan.com reported that plans for it go back to 1998.

What it means for you: Angel’s Hollow is less than an hour’s drive from Dunlap, a nice fall outing once it opens. Write “Nov. 6, Angel’s Hollow” on the calendar if you’d like to be there. Nothing changes at the courthouse for now.

👉 Read more (Chattanoogan.com: Angel’s Hollow State Park)

⛽ At the Pump: A Few Cents Up This Morning

AAA’s reading early this morning puts regular gas in Chattanooga at about $3.70 a gallon, up about 8 cents from Wednesday’s $3.62. Prices have still mostly come down over the past few weeks.

What it means for you: No need to rush to fill up. If you’re already in town for the book sale or the polls, top off when it’s handy. Prices in Dunlap can differ from Chattanooga’s.

👉 Read more (AAA: Tennessee gas prices)

📅 Today in the Valley (Thursday, Oct. 22)

📚 Book Sale Day: Open to Everyone, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Friends of the Sequatchie County Public Library Book Sale & Silent Auction is open to the public today and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central, at the Fairbuilding, 103 Heard St., Dunlap. Wednesday was for members only. Today, anyone can come. There are gently loved books plus silent auction items, and every dollar goes to the library.

Saturday, Oct. 24 is Fill-a-Bag Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., when you fill a bag for one low price. The silent auction closes at noon Saturday.

What it means for you: Bring your reading glasses and a sturdy tote. If you bid on an auction item, write down the closing time, noon Saturday, so you don’t miss it. The library building itself is closed today. Library: (423) 949-2357.

👉 Read more (Sequatchie County Public Library)

🩺 Free MobileMOC Clinic in Grandview: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Our Time

UTC’s MobileMOC free mobile clinic is at the Grandview Community Center, 175 Emergency Road, Grandview, in Rhea County. Its calendar lists 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern. That’s 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central, our time.

The clinic is free and open to anyone 18 and older, with or without insurance. It offers basic care and senior checks like fall and balance screenings and memory screenings.

What it means for you: Call 423-425-1657 to schedule an appointment before you drive. Bring a list of your medicines. Remember, Grandview is on Eastern Time, one hour ahead of Dunlap.

👉 Read more (UTC MobileMOC calendar)

🗳️ Early Voting, Day 8: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Early voting for the Tuesday, Nov. 3 election continues today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central at the Sequatchie County Election Commission, 68 Spring St., Dunlap. Counting today, there are 7 early-voting days left. The last one is Thursday, Oct. 29.

The Tennessee Firefly tracker shows that in past elections, Thursday has been one of the lighter early-voting days here. That’s history, not a promise. 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. It’s OK if it has expired. If standing is hard, today may be a good day to go. To confirm hours, call (423) 949-2431.

👉 Read more (Tennessee Firefly: Sequatchie voting)

🪕 Bluegrass Awards Tonight in Chattanooga

The 37th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards are tonight at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga. The IBMA’s website says the show begins at 7:30 p.m. (Chattanooga is on Eastern Time, so that would be 6:30 p.m. our time). A WDEF schedule listed 7 p.m., so check your ticket or call ahead to confirm. Tickets are sold only through Ticketmaster.

Prefer free? On Saturday, Oct. 24, Pickin’ in the Park fills Miller Park and Miller Plaza with free bluegrass from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern.

What it means for you: If night driving is hard, the free Saturday daytime music is the easier choice. Many of us can enjoy the tunes from the radio, too.

👉 Read more (IBMA World of Bluegrass: FAQ)

🍽️ 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. With the book sale in the same building this week, call ahead to confirm today’s lunch and activity times. We couldn’t find today’s menu online.

To schedule a ride to the doctor or the store, SETHRA Transit is at (423) 478-1396.

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

☀️ Today’s Weather: Morning Fog, Then Sunny Near 75

The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap (updated about 1:26 a.m. Central) calls for patchy fog before 8 a.m., then sunny skies with a high near 75°F, easing to around 71 late in the afternoon, with almost no wind. Tonight will be clear, low around 43°F, with patchy fog after 4 a.m. Friday looks sunny, near 73°F. No weather alerts were posted for Dunlap early this morning.

The sun comes up about 6:54 a.m. and sets about 5:58 p.m. Central. 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: Use low beams in the morning fog and leave extra room. Tonight is chilly, so keep a sweater by the door.

👉 Read more (National Weather Service: Dunlap forecast)

🗓️ Put These on the Fridge: This Week

• Thursday, Oct. 22 (today): Library closed. Book sale open to all, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. MobileMOC, Grandview, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central (423-425-1657). Early voting, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bloodanooga blood drive’s last day at UTC, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central.
• Friday, Oct. 23: Puppet show at the library, 10 a.m. Chair Dancing, 1 p.m. Book sale, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 24: Drug Take Back Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Early voting, 9 a.m. to noon. Absentee request deadline. Book sale Fill-a-Bag Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (auction ends at noon).
• Wednesday, Oct. 28: Social Security payday (birthdays 21st–31st). Thursday, Oct. 29: Last day of early voting.
• Sunday, Nov. 1: Clocks fall back one hour. Friday, Nov. 6: Angel’s Hollow State Park dedication. Monday, Dec. 7: Medicare open enrollment ends.

✅ Your Calm Morning Checklist

• ✅ Put old and unused pills in one paper sack for Saturday’s Take Back Day, or a drop box.
• ✅ Bring a tote bag to the book sale, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 103 Heard St.
• ✅ Put your photo ID by your keys if you plan to vote, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• ✅ Fall Creek Falls Utility customer? Keep your October bill to compare with the next one.
• ✅ A “warrant” that asks for money by phone is a scam. Hang up.
• ✅ Write “Nov. 6, Angel’s Hollow” on the calendar if you’d like to go.
• ✅ Set a sweater by the door for tonight’s low near 43°F.

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 anyone go to the book sale today?

Yes. Thursday and Friday, Oct. 22 and 23, the sale is open to everyone, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Fairbuilding, 103 Heard St., Dunlap. Saturday is Fill-a-Bag Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the silent auction ends at noon.

Is the library open today?

No. The Sequatchie County Public Library is closed on Thursdays. It reopens Friday at 8 a.m. The book sale is in a different building and is open today.

What can I bring to Drug Take Back Day?

The state says prescription and over-the-counter medicines that are expired or no longer needed. It’s free and anonymous, Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Many boxes don’t take needles or liquids, so call ahead to confirm. Find sites at TNtogether.com/takebackday.

Do military retirees have to sign up for the raise?

No. Military retired pay rises 3.6% automatically, with the first higher payment due Dec. 31. VA disability pay needs a separate act of Congress each year, so watch for the VA’s official 2027 rates.

How do I see the free MobileMOC clinic today?

Call 423-425-1657 to schedule. It’s at the Grandview Community Center, 175 Emergency Road, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern, which is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central. It’s free for adults 18 and up.

Someone sent me papers saying there’s a warrant for my arrest. What do I do?

Don’t call any number on the papers, and don’t pay. Look up the court clerk or sheriff’s office yourself and call them. Real courts never take gift cards or wire transfers to cancel a warrant.

🔗 Helpful Numbers & Resources

• Drug Take Back Day sites: TNtogether.com/takebackday · DEA site finder
• Sequatchie County Sheriff’s Office (drop box), 351 Fredonia Road: (423) 949-7750 · Dunlap Police (drop box), 119 Church St.: (423) 949-3319
• VA benefits: 1-800-698-2411 · VA disability rates
• 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
• MobileMOC free clinic appointments: 423-425-1657 · MobileMOC calendar
• Sequatchie County Public Library, 227 Cherry St.: (423) 949-2357 · sequatchielibrary.org
• Sequatchie Senior Center, 103 Heard St., Dunlap: (423) 949-2228 (weekdays)
• Sequatchie County Election Commission, 68 Spring St.: (423) 949-2431 · GoVoteTN.gov
• SETHRA Transit rides: (423) 478-1396 · SETHRA Dunlap office and heating help: (423) 949-2191
• Report fraud to the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov · AARP Fraud Watch Helpline: 877-908-3360
• 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

🌅 A Good Book, a Tidy Cabinet and a Golden Afternoon

Here’s the whole day in one breath. Pick up a paperback or two and help the library. Gather the old pill bottles for Saturday. Vote if you’re ready. Then sit a spell in the sunshine, because days this pretty don’t last forever in late October. Nothing today needs hurrying, and nothing needs worrying over. 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