Columns

BRIDGES: From Arkansas to Hollywood, this man made his mark

Published

1 year ago

February 28, 2025

Grant Merrill

Arkansas musician Scott Bradley was never widely known outside of the studio, but his music was the heart of some of the most iconic American cultural icons of the twentieth century, most notably, the famed cartoon duo of Tom and Jerry.

Bradley was born in Russellville in 1891. He developed a love of music early and taught himself. By the 1910s, he headed to Houston to put his musical talents to work. He found work as a conductor for orchestras and theaters throughout Southeast Texas as well as radio stations. At the same time, he continued to write his own music. Though he was a successful musician, Bradley still took lessons from more experienced musicians to fine-tune his own craft.

By the early 1920s, California was rapidly becoming the heart of the entertainment world. Bradley left Texas in 1926 to become a conductor for a Los Angeles radio station. In 1929, he was hired by The Walt Disney Studio as a staff musician. However, Walt Disney had a falling out with some of his staff in 1930. One of Disney’s chief animators went to form his own cartoon studio for which Bradley worked for several years.

By the 1930s, the cartoon short feature had become a staple part of the moviegoing experience. Audiences expected to see a cartoon and perhaps another short film and a newsreel showing current events in addition to the previews of coming attractions and the main feature film. Seeing the success of Disney and others with the growing popularity of animation, Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer Studios decided to form its own cartoon studio in 1937 to compete. Bradley was quickly hired to help provide the music.

In 1940, MGM animators William Hanna and Joseph Barbera created the Tom and Jerry cartoon, though they were originally named Jasper and Jinx. Bradley went on to write and conduct the large orchestras for the music in the 114 original cartoons made between 1940 and 1957.

Since Tom and Jerry almost never spoke, most of the stories relied on Bradley’s music to set up and underline the different jokes, playful tensions, and transitions from one scene to the next. The physical humor and lack of dialogue helped make the cartoons immensely popular around the world as Bradley’s music needed no translations.

One 1947 cartoon in particular, “The Cat Concerto,” placed music at the center of the episode as Tom played a concert pianist whose piano happened to be Jerry’s home. Jerry got his revenge against Tom as he tried to finish his concert with increasing desperation. Thanks to Bradley’s music direction, the cartoon won the 1948 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, the fourth consecutive Academy Award for Tom and Jerry.

Bradley also composed the musical score for the 28 Barney Bear cartoons made by MGM between 1939 and 1954. Bradley would also go on to provide the music for the 24 Droopy cartoons produced between 1943 and 1957 and the Screwy Squirrel cartoons made in the late 1940s.

In 1957, MGM closed its cartoon studio as part of a corporate restructuring effort. Though MGM would continue to produce cartoons, the large budgets were gone and an entirely new group of directors, animators, and musicians were hired. Bradley’s contract was cancelled; and at the age of 65, he decided to retire. In those nearly two decades of the first batch of Tom and Jerry cartoons, Bradley was part of a team that earned eleven Academy Award nominations and won eight Academy Awards for the cartoons. Overall, he composed 250 cartoon music scores.

By the mid-1960s, television stations across the United States were airing Tom and Jerry cartoons first shown in theaters. Though edited from their original screen versions, the cartoons were an immediate sensation with children. Because of this, by the 1970s, new Tom and Jerry cartoons began to be produced strictly for television.

Bradley died at his home in California in 1977 at the age of 85 as a new generation of youngsters discovered in television reruns the cartoons he helped bring to life. A compilation album of his musical scores from some of these cartoons was released in 2006. Today, these cartoons continue to be seen on television and on video daily in homes around the world.

Up Next

KINGDOM ETHIC: Hunger and Thirst

Don't Miss

KINGDOM ETHIC: Meekness

Columns

HealthWorks Swim Programs Give South Arkansas Children Safety, Fitness and Summer Fun

Published

4 weeks ago

June 24, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

EL DORADO, Ark. — Families looking for productive ways to keep their children active this summer may not have to travel far. At HealthWorks Fitness Center in El Dorado, a growing swim program is helping children build confidence, stay active and learn skills that could one day save their lives.

HealthWorks offers private and group swim lessons designed to help children of different ages and ability levels become more comfortable in and around the water.

The program’s primary goal is not simply teaching children how to swim laps. Instructors also help students learn how to remain calm, control their breathing, float and move toward the side of a pool if they unexpectedly enter the water alone.

Swim coach Diego Valero said introducing children to basic water-survival skills at an early age can help them respond more effectively during an emergency. As children become more familiar with the water, they can replace panic with practical skills and greater confidence.

Those lessons are particularly important during the summer months, when families spend more time around swimming pools, lakes, rivers and other bodies of water.

Swimming also provides benefits beyond water safety. Regular lessons can help children develop coordination, endurance and strength while giving them a positive outlet for their energy.

The program offers a local answer to the familiar complaint that there is nothing for children to do in the community. By taking a closer look at programs already available in South Arkansas, families may discover activities that are entertaining, educational and beneficial long after summer ends.

Lessons for Different Ages and Skill Levels

HealthWorks Swim School uses the American Red Cross Water Safety and Learn-to-Swim programs. Its instructors are certified American Red Cross lifeguards and water-safety instructors.

Group lessons are limited to six students per instructor, allowing children to receive more individualized guidance while still learning alongside other swimmers.

The program offers lessons for children beginning at six months old.

Its Diaper Dippers program introduces children between six months and 3 years old to the water with a parent or guardian present. Songs, toys and guided activities are used to help young children become comfortable while parents receive information about water safety.

Older children can advance through five Learn-to-Swim levels:

Level 1 introduces basic water skills and is recommended for children who are not yet comfortable putting their heads underwater.
Level 2 focuses on fundamental aquatic skills such as floating and gliding.
Level 3 introduces stroke development and longer swimming movements.
Level 4 works on stroke improvement, treading water and swimming greater distances.
Level 5 helps experienced swimmers refine six swimming strokes and learn flip turns.

Children progress at their own pace, with instructors building upon each swimmer’s comfort level and existing skills.

Free assessment tests are available before group sessions to help determine the safest and most appropriate placement for each child.

From First Lessons to Competitive Swimming

Children who develop stronger swimming skills may also have the opportunity to continue through the Southern Arkansas Swim Club’s Thunder Turtles summer league team.

The summer league practices at HealthWorks on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Separate practice periods are offered for beginner-focused and advanced swimmers.

Participants must be able to swim 25 yards without assistance before joining the summer league team.

The club provides young swimmers with opportunities to practice regularly, participate in meets and develop their skills in a team environment. The 2026 schedule includes competitions in El Dorado, Monticello and Arkadelphia, along with the Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines, Iowa.

Whether a child is entering the water for the first time or preparing for competition, the programs provide opportunities to build discipline, friendships and confidence.

How Families Can Begin

Families interested in HealthWorks Swim School can visit the front desk at HealthWorks Fitness Center, located at 304 N. Madison Avenue in El Dorado, and request an enrollment form.

The enrollment form includes options for private lessons and group sessions. Parents can also review program information, lesson procedures and answers to frequently asked questions before registering.

For questions about HealthWorks Swim School, families may contact the aquatics department at 870-862-5442, extension 13.

Questions about the Southern Arkansas Swim Club may be directed to Diego Valero at 870-918-2238 or [email protected].

For South Arkansas families searching for something worthwhile for their children to do, the program demonstrates that local opportunities are available. Sometimes, families simply have to look a little closer beneath the surface.

Columns

Free Back 2 School Bash to Bring Family Entertainment and Educational Resources to El Dorado

Published

4 weeks ago

June 24, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

EL DORADO, Ark. — Families across South Arkansas are invited to attend the Back 2 School Bash 2026, a free community event combining family entertainment with educational opportunities ahead of the new school year.

The event will be held July 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Douglas Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, located at 969 Smackover Highway in El Dorado. Registration will begin at 4:15 p.m.

The Back 2 School Bash will feature waterslides, bouncy houses, amusement rides, motorcycle clubs and other activities for children of all ages. Colleges and additional educational organizations are also expected to participate, giving families an opportunity to connect with helpful information and resources.

Admission is free and the event is open to the entire community.

Attendees will also be able to enjoy free food and refreshments, including snow cones, cotton candy and popcorn. Music will be provided by DJ P “Flann,” with prizes and giveaways planned throughout the evening.

The event flyer also lists appearances and activities featuring Hamilton’s Farm and the national champion EHSS cheerleaders.

Organizers hope the celebration will provide children and families with an enjoyable evening while helping students become excited and prepared for the upcoming school year.

For additional information, contact Nikki Lee McCoy at 870-814-2876. The event flyer also lists Jamie Davis at 870-918-5096 as a contact.

Columns

Free YAS Summer Camp Marks Fifth Year of Supporting South Arkansas Children

Published

4 weeks ago

June 23, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

El Dorado, Ark. — What began as one mother’s search for an affordable way to keep six children safe, fed and learning during summer break has grown into a free camp serving families across the community.

Stephanie Miller-Owens founded the YAS Summer Camp after realizing that many parents faced the same summer dilemma she did.

“A few years ago, I had six small children at home with nothing to do during the summer — at least nothing I could afford for six kiddos,” Miller-Owens said. “Then I noticed so many other parents were having the same issue.”

She said families wanted their children to enjoy summer break without losing the academic progress they had made during the school year. Parents also needed a dependable environment where their children could remain safe, active and properly fed.

“We didn’t want our babies to lose what they had learned during the school year,” she said. “We wanted them safe and happy, and we wanted to make sure they had healthy meals daily.”

That need inspired Miller-Owens to establish a summer program provided at no cost to participating families.

“I had this bright idea to help these parents, so I started an absolutely free summer camp that combats learning loss, provides meals and safety, all while allowing children to learn and have fun,” she said.

Now entering its fifth year, the YAS Summer Camp continues to focus on academic achievement, safety and prevention. The camp provides breakfast and lunch each day and has expanded its services to include transportation for participating children.

This year’s camp began June 8 and will continue through July 17.

Miller-Owens credited the program’s growth to a dedicated team and community supporters who share her commitment to serving children.

“I work with an amazing team that shares the same love and passion for educating our babies,” she said. “We are blessed to have great supporters in the community who stepped up to sponsor this program and allowed us to help even more families this year.”

Summer programs such as YAS can be especially important for young people in South Arkansas. During the weeks away from school, children may have fewer opportunities for structured learning, regular meals, supervision and positive social interaction. Free programs help make those resources available to families regardless of their financial circumstances.

By combining academics with recreation, meals, transportation and prevention education, the camp helps children maintain important skills while giving parents greater peace of mind during the summer months.

Miller-Owens said she remains grateful that the program has continued to grow and reach additional families each year.

“It is our endeavor to continue providing love, safety and education to every child we meet,” she said. “To God be the glory.”

Community members and businesses interested in supporting or sponsoring the YAS Summer Camp are encouraged to contact Miller-Owens for additional information.

Columns

Community Baby and Safety Shower to Support South Arkansas Families

Published

4 weeks ago

June 23, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

EL DORADO, Ark. — New and expectant parents across South Arkansas are invited to attend a Community Baby and Safety Shower designed to connect families with essential supplies, education and local support services.

The event will take place Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Immanuel Baptist Church, located at 3209 West Hillsboro Street in El Dorado.

The shower is being hosted by TOUCH Coalition, which stands for Tremendous Opportunities for Union County Health, in partnership with Ambetter Health & Wellness, the UAMS Institute for Community Health and the UAMS Family Medicine Clinic.

While supplies last, families attending the event will be able to receive diapers, wipes and baby formula. A free boutique featuring baby clothing and other infant items will also be available.

Arkansas Children’s Hospital representatives will be on site to provide car-seat safety checks and education. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to bring their child’s car seat to receive guidance on proper installation and use.

Safe-sleep classes will be offered at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Participants who complete one of the classes may receive a portable Pack ’n Play while supplies are available.

More than 30 vendors are expected to participate, offering resources, supplies, educational materials and information about services available to children and families throughout the region.

Organizers say the event is intended to help parents prepare for their new arrival while learning about infant safety, health and community resources in a welcoming environment.

Columns

OP-ED: SENATOR TOM COTTON

Published

4 months ago

March 11, 2026

Sandy Sanford

Communist China has been working to undermine the United States at seemingly every turn. From leaking COVID from a lab to buying up farmland in Arkansas, they will stop at nothing to try to do us harm. Their latest target? Medications. The flow of illegal Chinese drugs into our country is stronger than ever and puts our nation at risk. For these reasons, we must now take long-overdue action to protect the health and safety of Arkansans. Communist China is a major source of counterfeit and unregulated active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). These are the substances in medications that produce a drug’s intended therapeutic effect. For example, ibuprofen is the API used in many pain relievers.

Communist China doesn’t have the same quality-control standards as the United States, meaning that APIs produced by corrupt, unregulated Chinese manufacturers can’t be trusted. When sourcing APIs from Communist China, there’s no telling whether they are diluted or mixed with other dangerous ingredients. Nonetheless, these substances make their way into our homes by way of online marketplaces. Under-regulated GLP-1s are a good example of how Chinese APIs can infiltrate our pharmaceutical supply chain. While FDA-approved versions of these drugs can be life-changing, the under-regulated compounded GLP-1 market exposes Americans to dangerous, unreliable Chinese APIs. These products are sold directly to American patients at high volumes through online marketplaces. Yet, when they arrive on a patient’s doorstep, they have no way of knowing what’s actually in it or what it will do.

That’s why Congress must take action to protect Arkansans against this unnecessary risk. In November, I introduced the Combatting Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals Act to identify and sanction those responsible for bringing counterfeit drugs and drug ingredients into our country. I also wrote to Attorney General Pam Bondi, urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate and prosecute anyone affiliated with bringing illicit foreign pharmaceuticals into America. Recently, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that it was working with the DOJ to investigate under-regulated manufacturers of compounded GLP-1s for potential violations of federal law. While this is a welcome development, we must do more to address this ongoing problem. That’s why I also recently wrote to the Director of the Food and Drug Administration, urging him to investigate the extent to which unregulated Chinese ingredients are infiltrating American medications.

Communist China’s unfettered access to America’s pharmaceutical supply chain presents national security risks as well as significant health risks to Arkansans. Protecting Americans from illicit Chinese pharmaceuticals requires that we strengthen enforcement, secure our supply chains, and hold bad actors accountable. Every Arkansan should have the assurance that their medication will provide the therapy it advertises. And above all, no Arkansan should ever have to worry that the medicine they take contains unsafe or counterfeit ingredients that may do more harm than good.