July 17, 2026
by Greg Koelker
I woke up to a shock this morning. Congress is thinking about something that makes sense! In fact, the House even passed a bipartisan bill! They passed a bill to do away with springing and falling. And not the fun or dangerous kind either. It would make it the law that we wouldn’t “fall back” this fall or “spring ahead” next spring ever again – if the Senate gets on board anyway. Those who hate monkeying with changing their alarm clocks could rest easy – for another hour at least! The House bill would make Daylight Saving Time the law of the land, meaning more daylight later in the day. Over the thirty-six years that I have been sharing this journal, I have complained about “falling back” more than a few times. In November 2020, I wrote an entire journal about it. Here’s an excerpt:
“It is Sunday morning. I got up at 5 and started making coffee when I discovered that I actually got up at 4, according to our La Crosse Technology kitchen clock. Anyone else do that? I, for one, or more than likely, I and many, many others, would be just fine without falling back or springing ahead . . . Some say roads and streets are safer with the return of standard time, but how many of you will be going to work or school in the dark and coming home in the dark in a couple of weeks, regardless? . . . If there is a good argument against Daylight Saving Time, I haven’t heard it. . .”
Contact your senator and urge she or he to support this bill. Our battle cry could be “Save the circadians!” (look it up)
We went to Cassville on Sunday to the Bicentennial Celebration. Cassville was settled in 1826 as a lead mining town. (Regardless of what some of my students might have guessed, I was not around then.)
Sister Carolyn and Brother-in-law Jamie Scholl had invited us to park behind their house, close to the Bicentennial parade route. Some young neighbors even set up chairs in the shade. Age has its perks. As the parade rolled by, we kept sliding the chairs back as a stealthy sun kept creeping up on us.
We were pleased to see the parade entries with the Twins. The Cassville Twin Picnic originated in 1929. In the 60’s, it was rebranded The Twin-O-rama. The last one was in 2009. It was revived for the Bicentennial. Ellen and her Irish twin Barb used to take their little brothers, twins Bob and Bill Hauk, to the parade and contest. Little brother Bill farms Ellen’s family place. He drove his restored Farmall Super M tractor in the parade. The M had been purchased by Hauk Brothers, Inc. (Ellen’s dad, Walt, and her uncle, Mose) in 1952.
We enjoyed Carolyn’s cotton-topped “wild women,” aka her grandbabies, racing about collecting thrown candy and surprises.
Cassville is our hometown, but Madison provided the enticement for leaving our cool burrow on such a hot day. The UW-Madison Marching Band sent a contingent of boisterous Badgers to brave the heat. They were playing, singing, marching, dancing, and just having fun. We were cooled off just a little by the memories of many 5th Quarters at Camp Randall. Of course, we saw family and old friends. We also wanted to cheer on our dear friend, 102-year-old Parade Marshall, Jane Bernhardt, riding in a convertible with her nephew, Rob Bernhardt. Jane is amazing!
After the parade, we drove out to Irish Ridge and cousin Jo (Mink) Sedbrook’s Campground for the Annual Mink Family Picnic. My Grandma Mary Potter and Grandma Julia Mink were sisters. There was a breeze, and it was pretty nice under the Sedbrook’s shelter. We got to visit with cousins whom I used to see much more often for holidays and picnics, just a hollow to the west at my Grandma’s farm. As always, we partook of some delicious picnic fare, including delicious meatballs, great chicken sandwiches, a unique sweet corn mix, my brother Del’s famous bacon-wrapped barbecued chestnuts, fresh fruit, and bars. We drove through Burton and stopped to visit Barb and Chuck for a bit. We were home by 4:30, where our kid in a gorilla suit bounded out of his shade to show he was taking his security job seriously.
This week, under the heat dome, we have been keeping busy inside. We read, write, listen to music, water plants, deadhead flowers, groom the aforementioned kid in a gorilla suit, cook, and watch movies. We watched the exciting, quirky, funny, and poignant space odyssey film, Hail Mary, with Ryan Gosling and Sarah Huller. I just started reading Bad Axe County by John Galligan. So far I like it. El and I are both reading View from the East Wing by Jill Biden. Very interesting. Who knew being First Lady included so much? Anyway, anyone got an idea for supper – that doesn’t require a hot oven? PBJ is at the top of my list, so . .
Until next time, get out – we saw air quality alerts this morning. Smoke from fires in northern Minnesota and Canada may affect us all. It could be worse I guess. Our mountain kids in Colorado are experiencing heavy smoke from nearby fires. I rode my bike down to the river this morning. The air smelled of smoke and downed hay. My eyes started watering.
Finally, after Congress figures out the DST conundrum – or probably puts it under the bed for further review – why don’t they take on getting rid of the antiquated Electoral College?
Pray for peace.
Greg Koelker is a lifelong resident of the Driftless region along the Mississippi River. He is the acclaimed author of the “Grouse Hollow Journal,” a column that celebrates rural life, nature, family heritage, and the traditions that bind communities together. While technically focused on the “outdoors,” his writing often explores broader themes of community values and education.
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