☕ Front Porch Morning: Tractor Saturday, a Half-Day to Vote, and a Coat-Weather Night Near 38

Or: Vote Before Noon, Wave at the Old Tractors, and Bring the Plants In Before Dark

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Saturday, October 17, 2026

Good morning, neighbor. The wind has calmed down some, the air has turned crisp, and Saturday is full of good things. Early voting is open only from 9 a.m. to noon today. The free Days of Yesteryear antique tractor show opens its gates at 8 a.m. Central, and the farmers market runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’ll be sunny and breezy, with a high near 61°F, then a clear, cold night around 38°F. And yes, the Indians won homecoming. Let’s take it one cup at a time.

⏱️ Your 30-second morning recap

• Yesterday: The Sequatchie County Indians won their homecoming game over Community, 50–7.
• Yesterday: Dunlap City Hall’s Thursday meeting results still are not posted on the city website. City Hall reopens Monday, and the number is (423) 949-2115.
• Good to know: For 2027, Medicare’s standard Part D drug plan caps your yearly out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,400. Open enrollment runs through Dec. 7.
• Today: Early voting 9 a.m. to noon. Tractor show gates at 8 a.m. Farmers market 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fredonia Mountain homecoming 1 to 5 p.m.
• Weather: The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap (updated about 1:26 a.m. Central) calls for mostly sunny skies and a high near 61°F, with north winds gusting to 25 mph. Tonight will be clear, with a low around 38°F.

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

1. Early voting is 9 a.m. to noon today only. It’s listed at the Election Commission, 68 Spring St., Dunlap. Bring a photo ID. There’s no voting on Sunday.
2. The tractor show is free, and the gates open at 8 a.m. It’s at Coops Creek Commons, 287 Pine St., with free parking. The farmers market is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harris Park.
3. Tonight drops to about 38°F. Bring in tender plants, unhook the garden hoses, and make sure the heat comes on. Wear a coat if you’ll be out after dark.

Tomorrow’s heads-up: Sunday, Oct. 18 starts chilly, near the upper 30s, then turns sunny with a high near 68°F. Forecasters said frost is most likely up on the Plateau and in colder hollows. The tractor show has a second day, with gates at 8 a.m. There is no early voting on Sunday.

📰 In Case You Missed It Yesterday (Friday, Oct. 16)

🏈 Homecoming Win: Indians 50, Community 7

It was a happy homecoming night at Indians Stadium. According to the MaxPreps game recap, Sequatchie County beat the Community Vikings 50–7 and led 44–0 at halftime. That puts the Indians at 5–3 for the season.

Next up, the Indians play Walker Valley next Friday, Oct. 23. Check the kickoff time before you go, since Walker Valley is in Cleveland, which runs on Eastern Time.

What it means for you: If a grandchild marched in the parade or played in the band last night, today is a good day to tell them you’re proud of them.

👉 Read more (MaxPreps: game recap)

🏛️ City Hall Results Are Still Not Posted

The Dunlap Board of Mayor and Commissioners met Thursday, Oct. 15, at 5 p.m. The agenda included Ordinance No. 321, which would change the zoning map at 1466 and 1494 Main Street, and a sludge mitigation proposal from the water and wastewater department.

As of early Saturday morning, the city website still lists that meeting as the “next meeting,” and no minutes or vote results have been posted. This is normal, because minutes are usually approved at the following meeting.

What it means for you: City Hall is closed for the weekend. If those Main Street addresses are near you, or you’re curious about the sludge plan, call (423) 949-2115 on Monday (office hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and ask what was decided.

👉 Read more (City of Dunlap: government page)

🔥 The Cold Is Here, and Heating Help Is a Phone Call Away

Friday’s cold front ended our warm stretch. A lot of homes will run the furnace or heat pump for the first time this weekend.

If the first heating bills worry you, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help pay for electric, gas, propane, fuel oil, kerosene, wood or coal heat. The help is paid directly to your supplier. In Sequatchie County, LIHEAP is handled by SETHRA (the Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency) at 312 Resource Road, Dunlap. The phone number is (423) 949-2191. Marion County’s office is (423) 942-8876, and Bledsoe County’s is (423) 447-2444.

What it means for you: You don’t have to wait for a shutoff notice. Write the SETHRA number on your calendar for Monday, and keep your ID, income papers and a recent utility bill together in one envelope.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: heating help and money guard)

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself: Fake “Church Leader” Texts and Storm-Repair Knockers

Dunlap Police warned this week about text messages pretending to come from local church leaders. The texts urgently ask people to buy Green Dot gift cards. These messages are not real.

After a windy front, you may also hear a knock from someone offering a “free roof inspection.” Some are honest, but be careful. Under Tennessee law, a contractor generally can’t ask for more than one-third of the job up front. You can check a contractor’s license yourself at verify.tn.gov.

• Never buy gift cards because a text or caller asked you to. Real pastors, churches and agencies don’t ask for them.
• To check a text, call the church at the number you already know, not the number in the message.
• Get three written estimates for any repair, and call your insurance company yourself.

To report a scam, call Tennessee Consumer Affairs at 1-800-342-8385.

What it means for you: Slow down. If anyone asks for a gift card, there’s a scam behind it. Hang up or delete the message, then call someone you trust.

👉 Read more (WDEF: Dunlap Police scam warning)

💊 Medicare Planning: Two 2027 Drug-Cost Numbers to Write Down

As you look over Medicare plans this fall, Medicare.gov lists two key numbers for 2027 drug coverage (Part D):

• $2,400: This is the most you’ll pay out of pocket for covered drugs in 2027. Once you reach it, covered drugs cost you $0 for the rest of the year.
• $700: This is the highest deductible a Part D plan can charge in 2027. Many plans charge less, and some have none.

Open enrollment runs through Monday, Dec. 7, and any changes start Jan. 1, 2027. You don’t have to switch plans. Free help with no sales pitch is available from TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044.

What it means for you: If your medicines cost a lot, that $2,400 limit matters. Write it next to your pill list, and bring both to a SHIP counselor or to Medicare.gov when you compare plans.

👉 Read more (Medicare.gov: drug coverage costs)

📅 Today in the Valley (Saturday, Oct. 17)

🗳️ Early Voting: Today Only, 9 a.m. to Noon

Early voting for the Tuesday, Nov. 3 general election is open this morning from 9 a.m. to noon Central. A Tennessee voting guide lists the site as the Sequatchie County Election Commission, 68 Spring St., Dunlap. Weekday hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the only other Saturday is Oct. 24. There is no Sunday voting.

• Bring: A current or expired photo ID from Tennessee or the federal government, such as a driver’s license, state ID or passport.
• Voting by mail: If you’re 60 or older, you can ask for an absentee ballot. Your written request must arrive by Saturday, Oct. 24.
• Last day of early voting: Thursday, Oct. 29.

Hours and sites can change, so call ahead to confirm at (423) 949-2431, or check GoVoteTN.gov. You can see your sample ballot there too.

What it means for you: If you’d like to vote before the Oct. 29 crowd, this morning is a good time. Put your photo ID with your car keys tonight, and you’ll be ready before noon.

👉 Read more (Tennessee Firefly: Sequatchie voting)

🚜 Days of Yesteryear: Free Antique Tractor Show, Gates at 8

The 21st annual Days of Yesteryear Antique Tractor Show is this weekend at its new home, Coops Creek Commons, 287 Pine Street, Dunlap, just west of Rankin Avenue. Gates open at 8 a.m. Central, and activities run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

You’ll find rows of old tractors and farm equipment, heritage farm demonstrations, a classic car cruise-in, kids’ activities, and food and craft vendors.

For questions, call Paul Swafford at (423) 618-0540 or Bill Gray at (423) 949-2815.

What it means for you: Bring a folding chair, a light jacket and a hat for the breeze. Go in the late morning, after the chill wears off, and take your time.

👉 Read more (The Dunlap-Tribune: Tractor Show this weekend)

🥕 Farmers Market and Young Entrepreneurs Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Dunlap Farmers Market is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central at Harris Park. Today is also Young Entrepreneurs Day, when kids and teens sell things they made or grew themselves.

The 2026 market season ends Oct. 31, so only two Saturdays are left after today: Oct. 24 and Oct. 31.

What it means for you: Bring a few small bills and buy a cookie or a craft from a young seller. It means a lot to them. The tractor show is close by, so you can park once and enjoy both.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Young Entrepreneurs Day)

🍳 Fredonia Mountain: Breakfast at 7 and Homecoming at 1

The Fredonia Mountain Community Center, 5242 Fredonia Road, Dunlap, has two events today:

• Fundraising breakfast, 7 to 9 a.m.: This supports the Eagle Point Railroad. It costs $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 6–10, and children under 6 eat free.
• Community Homecoming, 1 to 5 p.m. Central: This celebrates America’s 250th birthday and the 50th anniversary of Wheelers Apple Orchard. There will be old-fashioned games, crafts, fire department equipment, stories about Fredonia Mountain, Eagle Point Railroad history, and birthday cake, ice cream and apple cider. Admission isn’t listed, so call ahead to confirm if the cost matters to you.

What it means for you: This is a gentle afternoon for the whole family. It’s also a fine chance to share your own memories of the mountain with the grandkids.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Fredonia Mountain Homecoming)

🥧 Whitwell Mountain: Free Pie, Picnic and Play, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In Marion County, Miners Memorial Park hosts “Pie, Picnic and Play” today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central at Camp Chet, 5050 Pocket Road, Whitwell. Admission and all activities are free.

New Grass Express plays bluegrass from 10 a.m. to noon. Pie-tasting votes are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will also be hay rides, kids’ activities and local BBQ. Money from food sales goes to the Whitwell Mountain Volunteer Fire Department.

What it means for you: You get free live music and homemade pie, and you’ll be home well before the cold evening.

👉 Read more (Dunlap.Today: Whitwell Mountain fall event)

🦷 Free RAM Clinic in Chattanooga Opens This Morning

Remote Area Medical’s free clinic is open today and Sunday at Notre Dame High School, 2701 Vermont Ave., Chattanooga. The doors open at 6 a.m. Eastern Time, which is 5 a.m. on your Dunlap clock. It offers free dental work (cleanings, fillings and extractions), eye exams and glasses, and basic medical exams. No ID, insurance or proof of income is needed.

Patients are seen in the order they arrive, and dental and vision spots can fill up early. You’ll wait in the parking lot, which has no heated shelter. Dentures are not offered at this clinic. RAM’s phone line, 865-579-1530, is answered on weekdays only, so check ramusa.org for updates before you drive.

What it means for you: If you go, bring warm layers, a blanket, water, snacks and all your medicines. If today’s line is too long, you can try Sunday.

👉 Read more (Remote Area Medical: Chattanooga clinic)

☀️ Today’s Weather: Sunny and Breezy, Then a Cold, Clear Night

The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap (updated about 1:26 a.m. Central) says today will be mostly sunny, with a high near 61°F. North winds will blow around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Tonight will be clear, with a low around 38°F.

Sunday will be sunny, with a high near 68°F, and Sunday night will drop to about 38°F again. Monday will be sunny, near 71°F. Forecasters said Friday that the first frost of the season was most likely on the Plateau Sunday morning. Valley hollows and creek bottoms can also run colder than town.

Because of the breeze, today is a poor day for burning. A free burn permit is required from Oct. 15 to May 15.

Time note: Dunlap and Sequatchie, Marion, Bledsoe 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: Dress in layers. Before dark, bring in tender potted plants, unhook and drain your garden hoses, and check that your furnace or heat pump comes on.

👉 Read more (National Weather Service: Dunlap forecast)

🗓️ Put These on the Fridge: Sunday and Next Week

• Saturday, Oct. 17 (today): Early voting 9 a.m. to noon. Tractor show gates at 8 a.m. Market 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fredonia breakfast 7 to 9 a.m. and homecoming 1 to 5 p.m. Whitwell Mountain 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. RAM clinic in Chattanooga. Tonight near 38°F.
• Sunday, Oct. 18: Tractor show day two, with gates at 8 a.m. RAM clinic day two. No early voting. Sunny, near 68°F.
• Tuesday, Oct. 20: Free flu shots at the Sequatchie County Health Department, 16939 Rankin Ave., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central. “Let’s Talk Medicare” at the library at 10 a.m., an educational talk, not a sales event.
• Saturday, Oct. 24: Early voting 9 a.m. to noon. Deadline for absentee ballot requests (age 60+). Fall Creek Falls Fire Department community breakfast, 7 to 10 a.m., 24897 TN-30, Spencer. Farmers market.
• Thursday, Oct. 29: Last day of early voting. Saturday, Oct. 31: Last farmers market of the season.
• Tuesday, Nov. 3: Election Day. Monday, Dec. 7: Medicare open enrollment ends.

✅ Your Calm Morning Checklist

• ✅ Vote 9 a.m. to noon if you want to go today, and bring a photo ID. If you’re unsure, call (423) 949-2431 or check GoVoteTN.gov.
• ✅ Visit the free tractor show at 287 Pine St. (gates at 8 a.m.) and the market (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Bring small bills for the young sellers.
• ✅ Before dark, bring in plants, drain the hoses and check the heat. Tonight will be about 38°F.
• ✅ Don’t burn today, because it’s too breezy.
• ✅ Never buy gift cards because a text asked you to, even if it seems to come from a pastor. Call the church at a number you already know.
• ✅ Write $2,400 (the 2027 Part D yearly limit) next to your pill list. TN SHIP’s number is 1-877-801-0044.
• ✅ Put two Monday calls on the calendar: City Hall, (423) 949-2115, about Thursday’s votes, and SETHRA, (423) 949-2191, if you’re worried about heating bills.
• ✅ Circle these dates on the fridge: Oct. 20 (flu shots and Medicare talk), 24, 29, Nov. 3 and Dec. 7.

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 I early vote today, Saturday?

Yes, from 9 a.m. to noon Central. The site is listed as the Sequatchie County Election Commission, 68 Spring St., Dunlap. Bring a Tennessee or federal photo ID. The only other Saturday is Oct. 24, and early voting ends Thursday, Oct. 29. To confirm, call (423) 949-2431 or check GoVoteTN.gov.

Is the tractor show really free?

Yes. Admission and parking are free at Coops Creek Commons, 287 Pine St., Dunlap. Gates open at 8 a.m. Central both days, and activities run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For questions, call Paul Swafford at (423) 618-0540 or Bill Gray at (423) 949-2815.

Who won the homecoming game?

Sequatchie County beat Community 50–7 on Friday night, according to MaxPreps. The Indians are now 5–3 and play Walker Valley next Friday, Oct. 23.

What did City Hall decide Thursday night?

We don’t know yet. As of Saturday morning, the city had not posted minutes or results for the Oct. 15 meeting about Ordinance No. 321 (Main Street zoning) and the sludge proposal. Call City Hall at (423) 949-2115 on Monday, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

What is the $2,400 Medicare number?

Medicare.gov says that in 2027, once your out-of-pocket costs for covered Part D drugs reach $2,400, you pay $0 for covered drugs for the rest of the year. The highest standard deductible a plan can charge is $700. For free help comparing plans, call TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044. Open enrollment ends Dec. 7.

I got a text from a “pastor” asking for gift cards. What do I do?

Don’t reply, and don’t buy any cards. Dunlap Police warned that these texts are scams. Call the church at a number you already know. To report it, call Tennessee Consumer Affairs at 1-800-342-8385.

Will it frost tonight?

The National Weather Service forecasts a low around 38°F tonight in Dunlap. Forecasters said frost was most likely up on the Plateau Sunday morning, and colder hollows can run lower than town. Bring in tender plants and drain your hoses to be safe.

Is the RAM clinic on Central or Eastern time?

It’s on Eastern Time, because it’s in Chattanooga. Doors open at 6 a.m. Eastern, which is 5 a.m. in Dunlap. The clinic runs Saturday and Sunday at Notre Dame High School, 2701 Vermont Ave. Check ramusa.org before you drive.

Is the library open today?

No. The Sequatchie County Public Library is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. It reopens Monday, and its phone number is (423) 949-2357.

🔗 Helpful Numbers & Resources

• Sequatchie County Election Commission: (423) 949-2431 · 68 Spring St., Dunlap · GoVoteTN.gov
• Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) · Medicare.gov: drug coverage costs
• TN SHIP free Medicare counseling: 1-877-801-0044
• Social Security: 1-800-772-1213 · Report a scam: ssa.gov/scam
• SETHRA LIHEAP heating help (Sequatchie): (423) 949-2191 · 312 Resource Rd., Dunlap · Marion (423) 942-8876 · Bledsoe (423) 447-2444
• Dunlap City Hall: (423) 949-2115 (Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–4 p.m.) · dunlaptn.gov/government
• Days of Yesteryear info: Paul Swafford (423) 618-0540 · Bill Gray (423) 949-2815 · daysofyesteryear.org
• Dunlap Farmers Market: dunlapfarmersmarket.com (Saturdays 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Central, Harris Park, through Oct. 31)
• RAM clinic questions (weekdays only): 865-579-1530 · ramusa.org Chattanooga clinic
• Contractor license check: verify.tn.gov
• TN Division of Consumer Affairs (report a scam): 1-800-342-8385
• FTC fraud reports: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) · ftc.gov/complaint
• Sequatchie Senior Center, 103 Heard St., Dunlap: (423) 949-2228 (call on a weekday for meals and rides)
• SETAAAD: 1-866-836-6678 · SETHRA rides: (423) 478-1396
• Sequachee Valley Electric outages (24/7): 1-888-421-7832
• Sequatchie County 911 non-emergency: (423) 949-9912. For an emergency, call 911.
• Tennessee Adult Protective Services: 1-888-277-8366
• Free burn permits: BurnSafeTN.org or 1-877-350-2876 (weekdays 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Central)
• National Weather Service Dunlap forecast: weather.gov point forecast

🌅 One Good Saturday at a Time

Saturdays like this one are why we love the Valley. Vote before noon if you’re ready, wave at the old tractors, buy a cookie from a young seller, and be home with the heat on before the cold night. There’s no rush on Medicare and nothing to fear from a text you can simply delete. We’ll be here again tomorrow morning with your coffee. Read Dunlap.Today every morning for plain-English Valley news, and find local businesses on Dunlap.Directory.

— Dunlap.Today