💵 Social Security's Raise Is 3.6%, Medicare Shopping Opens Today, and City Hall Meets Tonight

Or: About $76 More a Month, One Medicare Letter to Check, and a Jacket for Saturday Night

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Thursday, October 15, 2026

Good morning, neighbor. Pour the coffee and settle in. It is one more summer-warm day in the Valley. The National Weather Service says today will be sunny with a high near 89.

Yesterday we were waiting on a number. Now we have it. Social Security’s raise for 2027 is 3.6 percent. For the average retired worker, that is about $76 more a month, starting with January’s payment.

Today also brings three starts: Medicare Open Enrollment opens, state burn permits are required again, and Dunlap City Hall meets at 5 p.m. Then a cold front arrives Friday. By Saturday night, the low is forecast near 38.

⏱️ What this means for you in 30 seconds

• The raise is official: 3.6 percent for 2027. Average retired worker: about $2,094 a month now, about $2,170 after. It shows up in January 2027 payments. Nothing to sign up for.
• Today (Thu., Oct. 15): Medicare Open Enrollment opens (through Mon., Dec. 7). Burn permits required. City Hall meets at 5 p.m., 15595 Rankin Ave. Sunny, near 89.
• Fri., Oct. 16: Homecoming parade, listed for 9:30 a.m. (one calendar says 9 — arrive early). Windy afternoon, gusts near 25; Friday night gusts near 30.
• Sat.–Sun., Oct. 17–18: Free Days of Yesteryear tractor show, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 287 Pine St. Saturday high near 60; Saturday night near 38.
• Tue., Oct. 20: Free walk-in flu shots, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and “Let’s Talk Medicare” at the library, 10 a.m.

📝 Jot This Down

1. 2027 Social Security raise: 3.6 percent. It is automatic. Anyone who wants a fee, a gift card or your numbers to “unlock” it is a scammer.
2. Medicare Open Enrollment: today through Mon., Dec. 7. Free, no-sales help: TN SHIP, 1-877-801-0044. Medicare will never call you to sell you a plan.
3. Burning a brush pile? Get the free permit the same day. Online at BurnSafeTN.org or call 1-877-350-2876. Skip windy Friday.

💵 It’s Official: A 3.6 Percent Raise for 2027

On Wednesday, the Social Security Administration announced a 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment for 2027. That is up from this year’s 2.8 percent. Social Security says nearly 72 million people will see the raise starting in January 2027. About 7.3 million people on SSI will see it a little sooner, on Dec. 31, 2026.

Social Security’s own estimate table shows what that means for typical checks:

• Average retired worker: about $2,094 a month before, about $2,170 after — roughly $76 more.
• Average widow or widower (aged): about $1,938 before, about $2,007 after.
• Average retired couple, both receiving: about $3,237 before, about $3,354 after.

Doing the simple math for your own check: multiply your current monthly benefit by 0.036. A $1,500 check, for example, grows by about $54 before any change in your Medicare premium.

When you will see your new amount: If you have a free my Social Security account, your notice shows up online in late November. To see it online, Social Security says you need an account and paperless notices set up by Wednesday, Nov. 18. Everyone else gets a paper notice in the mail during December. This year’s notice is a simplified, one-page letter with your new amount and any deductions.

One more thing to watch for: the 2027 Medicare Part B premium has not been announced yet. It usually comes out of the same check, so your take-home raise may be a bit smaller than 3.6 percent. Social Security says that premium will show in the online Message Center starting in late November.

What it means for you: Write “3.6%” on the kitchen calendar and plan next year with that number — not a guess from a neighbor or a social media post. Then wait for your own letter before you settle the budget. It is like knowing it will rain, but waiting to see how much lands in the gauge.

👉 Read more (Social Security: 3.6 percent increase for 2027) · SSA: Effect on average benefits

🩺 Medicare Open Enrollment Starts Today

From today, Oct. 15, through Monday, Dec. 7, anyone with Medicare can review and change their health or drug plan for 2027. Any changes start Jan. 1, 2027. If your plan still fits — same doctors, same pharmacy, same prescriptions, costs you can live with — you do not have to do anything. It renews on its own.

A few 2027 numbers from Medicare and CMS:

• No Medicare drug plan may have a deductible above $700 in 2027 (it was $615 this year). Some plans have none.
• Once your out-of-pocket costs for covered drugs reach $2,400 (up from $2,100), you pay nothing more for covered drugs the rest of the year.
• CMS projects the average monthly premium for a stand-alone drug plan will rise less than a dollar, from about $35.09 to about $36.

Before you call or click, gather three things: your plan’s Annual Notice of Change letter, a list of every prescription with the dose, and the names of your doctors, hospital and pharmacy. Compare the whole year’s cost, not just the monthly premium.

For free, unbiased help, call TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044. SHIP does not sell insurance. You can also compare plans at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). And on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 10 a.m., the Sequatchie County Public Library hosts “Let’s Talk Medicare,” an educational overview by a licensed insurance agent. The library says it is not a sales event, and no sign-up is required.

What it means for you: Think of it like walking the garden fence before winter. Most years every board is fine. But one dropped drug or a doctor who left the network can cost real money, and a quiet half hour with your letter now can catch it.

👉 Read more (Medicare.gov: Open Enrollment) · Medicare: 2027 drug costs · Library: Let’s Talk Medicare

🛡️ Protect Yourself: A Local Text Scam, Plus Raise and Medicare Tricks

On Wednesday, the Dunlap Police Department warned about text messages from people pretending to be local church leaders. The texts urgently ask the reader to buy Green Dot cards. Police say the messages can look convincing, but they are not legitimate.

If you or a loved one has been caught by a scam like this, call the Dunlap Police Department at (423) 949-3319, or the E911 non-emergency line at (423) 949-9912.

This is also the season for two old tricks with new paint:

• Raise scams: Social Security warns that scammers claim they need your personal information or a payment to “activate” your COLA. The raise is automatic. Social Security will not ask for gift cards, wire transfers or secrecy.
• Medicare scams: Medicare says it will never call you to sell you anything or visit your home. Do not give your Medicare number to a caller, and do not join a plan over the phone unless you made the call.

What it means for you: A real pastor, a real agency or a real grandchild can wait five minutes while you call them back on a number you already know. If anyone asks for a gift card, that is your answer — hang up.

👉 Read more (SValleyNow: Dunlap Police scam warning) · ssa.gov/scam · Medicare: Reporting fraud

🏛️ City Hall Meets Tonight at 5

The Dunlap Board of Mayor and Commissioners meets in regular session tonight, Thursday, Oct. 15, at 5 p.m. in the George L. Wagner Municipal Building, 15595 Rankin Ave. The posted agenda includes:

• Ordinance No. 321, to amend the zoning map at 1466 and 1494 Main Street.
• A sludge mitigation proposal from the Water, Wastewater and Street Department (sludge is the solid material left after sewer water is cleaned).
• A gas account adjustment, plus police, fire, gas, water and financial reports.

Public comment on the approved agenda comes near the start of the meeting. The agenda does not say what the rezoning would change or what the sludge plan would cost. As of this morning, the meeting has not happened, so there are no decisions to report yet. City Hall: 423-949-2115.

What it means for you: If you live or own property near those Main Street addresses, tonight is the time to hear the details firsthand. We will share what was decided once it is published.

👉 Read more (City of Dunlap: Oct. 15 agenda) · Dunlap.Today: City Hall agenda

🔥 Burn Permits Are Required Starting Today

From Oct. 15 through May 15, the Tennessee Division of Forestry requires a burn permit for leaf piles, brush and other debris pile fires. Here is how it works:

• Online: seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., at BurnSafeTN.org.
• By phone: 1-877-350-BURN (2876), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central. The state says lines can be busy and encourages the online system.
• A permit is good for one day only. Get it the day you burn, and have the fire completely out by midnight.
• A fire in a barrel with a half-inch mesh screen cover, a grill, or a ceremonial fire does not need a permit.

Some cities and counties have stricter rules of their own. If you live inside Dunlap city limits and are unsure, call City Hall at 423-949-2115 before you strike a match.

What it means for you: Today and Saturday morning look calmer. Friday afternoon and Friday night are forecast to be gusty, with gusts near 25 to 30 mph — not a day to burn.

👉 Read more (TN Division of Forestry: Get a burn permit)

🌡️ One More Hot Day, Then a Cold Front and a Frosty Weekend Night

The National Weather Service forecast for Dunlap, updated before 6 a.m. today:

• Today (Thu.): Sunny, high near 89. Tonight clear, low around 63.
• Friday: Increasing clouds, high near 80. Wind turns northwest in the afternoon, gusts up to 25 mph. Friday night low around 45, gusts up to 30 mph.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 60, north wind gusts up to 20 mph. Saturday night low around 38.
• Sunday: Sunny, high near 64. Sunday night low around 40.
• Mon.–Wed.: Sunny and milder, highs near 68, 70 and 74.

The Weather Service office in Morristown says record highs are possible again today; Chattanooga’s record for Oct. 15 is 85, set in 1950. It also says frost is possible Saturday night, and less likely Sunday night, mainly in Northeast Tennessee and higher elevations. Here in the Valley, cold air settles in hollows and creek bottoms on clear, calm nights, so low spots could see patchy frost even if town stays a few degrees above freezing.

What it means for you: Do outdoor chores early today and drink water. Tie down porch cushions before Friday’s wind. Saturday afternoon, bring in tender potted plants, cover the garden, and check that the furnace comes on — and set out the warm coat for anyone heading to the tractor show early.

👉 Read more (NWS forecast for Dunlap) · NWS Morristown discussion

🚶 A Gentle Reminder at the Rankin Avenue Crosswalk

The Dunlap Tribune reports a close call on Oct. 5 at the pedestrian crosswalk on Rankin Avenue (U.S. 127), in front of Sonic, just south of Coops Creek. A driver stopped suddenly for two people crossing, and a motorcycle behind struck the back of the vehicle. Thankfully, no one was hurt, no walkers were struck, and neither vehicle needed a tow.

Police Chief Randy Phillips offered simple advice: keep to the 30 mph speed limit, do not follow too closely, and watch both sides of the crosswalk. People on foot should use the crossing signal, and even with the lights flashing, wait until cars have actually stopped before stepping out.

What it means for you: That stretch is busy, with cars pulling in and out of businesses all day. Give yourself an extra car length, and if you are walking, make eye contact with the driver first.

👉 Read more (Dunlap Tribune: No injuries at crosswalk accident)

📌 Still On: Voting, Homecoming, Tractors, Flu Shots and Roads

• Early voting continues through Thu., Oct. 29, for the Tue., Nov. 3 election. As of this morning, Sequatchie County’s early-voting site and hours were still not posted online — call the Election Commission at 423-949-2431 (68 Spring St.) before you go. Bring a Tennessee or federal photo ID. If you are 60 or older and want to vote by mail, your written request must arrive by Sat., Oct. 24.
• Homecoming, Fri., Oct. 16: Dunlap.Today and the library’s weekly post list the parade at 9:30 a.m.; the library’s calendar shows 9 a.m. — arrive early. The Indians host Community at 7 p.m. at Indians Stadium. The library stays open during the parade.
• Days of Yesteryear Antique Tractor Show, Sat.–Sun., Oct. 17–18: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days at 287 Pine St. (Coops Creek Commons). Free admission and parking. Demonstrations, kids’ events, a car cruise-in and vendors start at 9. Questions: Paul Swafford, 423-618-0540, or Bill Gray, 423-949-2815.
• Free flu shots, Tue., Oct. 20: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sequatchie County Health Department, 16939 Rankin Ave., behind the Erlanger Sequatchie Valley emergency center. For ages 6 months and up.
• County Commission: Still no Monday, Oct. 19, meeting expected. The Dunlap Tribune reported the next regular session is in November. Confirm at 423-949-3479.
• Roads: TDOT flaggers continue on parts of SR-111, SR-399 and SR-8 in Sequatchie County. In Marion County, Popular Springs Road closes Mon.–Thu., Oct. 19–22, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central for paving, weather permitting. I-24 in Marion County has nighttime lane closures Sunday–Thursday, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• At the pump: AAA’s Wednesday reading put Chattanooga regular at about $3.77 a gallon, down about 17 cents in a week. Dunlap stations can differ.

👉 Read more (Tribune: Tractor show) · Tribune: Free flu shots · SValleyNow: Marion road closure

📅 Your Week on One Page (Thu., Oct. 15 – Thu., Oct. 22)

• Thu., Oct. 15 (today): Medicare Open Enrollment opens. Burn permits required. City Hall 5 p.m. Library closed. Sunny, near 89.
• Fri., Oct. 16: Homecoming parade 9:30 a.m. (arrive early). Chair Dancing 1 p.m. at the library. Football vs. Community 7 p.m. Gusty afternoon; low near 45.
• Sat., Oct. 17: Days of Yesteryear, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Farmers Market 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Harris Park. High near 60; night near 38, frost possible in low spots.
• Sun., Oct. 18: Days of Yesteryear, day two. Sunny, near 64.
• Mon., Oct. 19: Chair Dancing 1 p.m. Popular Springs Road (Marion) closures begin. No Sequatchie County Commission meeting expected.
• Tue., Oct. 20: Free flu shots 9 a.m.–4 p.m., 16939 Rankin Ave. “Let’s Talk Medicare” 10 a.m.; Book Club 6 p.m. at the library.
• Wed., Oct. 21: Social Security payday for birthdays on the 11th–20th. Genealogy help 9–11 a.m.; Chair Dancing 1 p.m. Friends of the Library Book Sale, Friends-only day, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Thu., Oct. 22: Book Sale and Silent Auction open to all, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Library itself closed Thursdays.

A little further ahead: Mail-ballot request deadline Sat., Oct. 24. Early voting ends Thu., Oct. 29. Library Fall Festival Fri., Oct. 30. Election Day Tue., Nov. 3. Sign up for online Social Security notices by Nov. 18. Medicare Open Enrollment ends Mon., Dec. 7.

✅ Your Front-Porch Checklist for the Week

• ✅ Write “3.6%” on the calendar — your 2027 Social Security raise, starting with January’s payment.
• ✅ If you want your COLA letter early, set up my Social Security with paperless notices by Nov. 18.
• ✅ Set your Medicare Annual Notice of Change beside your pill bottles; call TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044 with questions.
• ✅ Hang up on anyone asking for gift cards, Green Dot cards or your Medicare number. Call back on a number you know.
• ✅ Get a same-day burn permit before lighting a brush pile; skip Friday’s wind.
• ✅ Tie down porch items Friday; cover tender plants and test the furnace Saturday.
• ✅ Call 423-949-2431 for early-voting place and hours; put your photo ID with your keys.
• ✅ Circle Oct. 17–18 for Days of Yesteryear and Tue., Oct. 20 for a flu shot and the Medicare talk.
• ✅ Bookmark Dunlap.Today for what City Hall decides tonight.

Practical rule: The raise is automatic, Medicare is optional, and anyone who rushes you for money or numbers gets a polite goodbye.

— Dunlap.Today

📚 Plain-English Local Glossary

• COLA: Cost-of-living adjustment — Social Security’s yearly raise, based on inflation. For 2027 it is 3.6 percent. It is automatic and free.
• SSI: Supplemental Security Income, a separate monthly payment for people with limited income. Its raise starts Dec. 31, 2026.
• my Social Security: Social Security’s free online account, at ssa.gov/myaccount, where you can see letters and benefit amounts.
• Medicare Open Enrollment: The Oct. 15–Dec. 7 window each year to change Medicare Advantage or drug plans for the next year.
• Annual Notice of Change: The letter your plan sends each fall explaining what will change next year.
• Part B premium: The monthly cost for Medicare’s doctor coverage, often taken out of your Social Security check. The 2027 amount is not out yet.
• TN SHIP: Tennessee’s free, unbiased Medicare counseling program. It does not sell insurance.
• Rezoning: Changing the official map that says what a piece of land can be used for.
• Burn permit: Free, one-day permission from the Tennessee Division of Forestry to burn a debris pile, required Oct. 15–May 15.
• Green Dot card: A prepaid card sold in stores. Scammers like them because the money is hard to trace once you share the numbers.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the 2027 Social Security raise?

3.6 percent, announced by Social Security on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Social Security estimates the average retired worker’s check rises from about $2,094 to about $2,170 a month.

When will I see the extra money?

Social Security payments go up starting in January 2027. SSI payments go up starting Dec. 31, 2026.

When will I get my letter?

If you have a my Social Security account with paperless notices (set up by Nov. 18), you can see it online in late November. Otherwise, your paper notice comes in the mail in December.

Do I have to do anything to get the raise?

No. It is automatic. Anyone asking for a fee, gift card or your numbers to “activate” it is a scammer. If unsure, call Social Security yourself at 1-800-772-1213.

Do I have to change my Medicare plan?

No. Open Enrollment is optional. If your doctors, prescriptions and costs still work, your plan renews. For free help comparing, call TN SHIP at 1-877-801-0044.

What did City Hall decide about the Main Street rezoning?

Nothing yet — the meeting is tonight, Thursday, Oct. 15, at 5 p.m. at 15595 Rankin Ave. We will report the outcome once it is published. City Hall: 423-949-2115.

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

Do not buy anything or reply. Call your pastor on a number you already know. If you lost money, call the Dunlap Police Department at (423) 949-3319 or the non-emergency line at (423) 949-9912.

Where do I vote early in Sequatchie County?

As of this morning, the site and hours were not posted online. Call the Election Commission at 423-949-2431 (68 Spring St., Dunlap). Early voting runs through Thursday, Oct. 29.

Will it frost this weekend?

Saturday night’s low in Dunlap is forecast near 38, and the Weather Service says frost is possible Saturday night, mainly farther northeast and on higher ground. Low spots in the Valley could see patchy frost, so cover tender plants to be safe.

🔗 Other Resources

• Dunlap.Today
• Dunlap.Directory — find local businesses and services
• Social Security COLA · my Social Security · ssa.gov/scam
• Medicare.gov Open Enrollment · TN SHIP — 1-877-801-0044
• City of Dunlap — 423-949-2115
• Sequatchie County Government — 423-949-3479
• Sequatchie County Election Office — 423-949-2431 · GoVoteTN
• Tennessee burn permits — 1-877-350-2876
• Sequatchie County Public Library — 423-949-2357
• The Dunlap Tribune · SValleyNow
• NWS forecast for Dunlap
• ReportFraud.ftc.gov — report a scam

☕ One Number, One Letter, One Warm Coat

That is the heart of this week. Write down one number — 3.6 percent. Set one Medicare letter by the coffee cup and look it over when you have a quiet half hour. And find one warm coat before Saturday night’s chill. Everything else can wait its turn.

We’ll keep an eye on City Hall, the courthouse and the calendar for you, and we’ll fix it plainly when we get something wrong. Read Dunlap.Today for calm, plain-English Sequatchie Valley news, and send us the church, club and community notes we ought to share.