Columns

BRIDGES: Clayton Twins

Published

1 year ago

June 23, 2025

Staff Reports

Twin brothers John Middleton Clayton and William Henry Harrison Clayton were born on their father’s farm near Philadelphia in October 13, 1840. Their lives were defined like many men of that generation by the Civil War and Reconstruction. These two Pennsylvania brothers would play leading roles in the aftermath of the war in Arkansas.

The two were part of a larger family that included eight children. As they grew up, the country fell apart around them. When the Civil War started, President Abraham Lincoln called for volunteers and the organization of units to serve in the Union Army. William Clayton organized a company of men in his home county in 1862. He was elected first lieutenant while John Clayton became first sergeant. William saw fighting in the most intense battles of the war, including Antietam and Gettysburg. By the end of the war, he became a teacher and began studying the law. Meanwhile while John Clayton rose to become a colonel in the Army of the Potomac by the end of the war, still not even 25 years old.

Their older brother, Powell Clayton, had distinguished himself during the Civil War and rose to the rank of brigadier general by 1864, at the age of 31. He commanded a garrison of troops occupying Pine Bluff, where he bought a plantation and settled after the war. His glowing reports about Arkansas inspired his brothers to join him in Pine Bluff in 1867. The three became very active in state politics, with their eldest brother eventually rising to governor by 1868 and U. S. Senator by 1871.

John Clayton was elected to the State House of Representatives in 1870, representing Jefferson County. Once he became involved in state politics, promoting higher education became one of his great passions. He was appointed to the first board of trustees as the University of Arkansas was being established and helped determine its location in Fayetteville. The university would open the next year, with students attending tuition-free. In 1872, he was elected to the state senate. In the 1873 session, the state also established the Branch Normal College as a college for the freedmen, and Clayton worked to ensure it had funding and convinced officials to locate the college in Pine Bluff. Today, the college is the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He got caught up in the chaos of Reconstruction in Arkansas, going so far as to recruit men to march to Little Rock in 1874 to support the besieged Gov. Joseph Brooks in the midst of the Brooks-Baxter War.

In spite of his participation in the gunfights in the streets of the capital and voters tossing out everyone in favor of a new state constitution, he was elected Jefferson County Sheriff in 1876 and served in the position for ten years.

In 1877, in the meantime, William Clayton was appointed United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, serving the court of Judge Isaac Parker, the notorious “hanging judge.” For 14 of the next 22 years, Clayton served ably as a federal prosecutor, successfully prosecuting nearly 10,000 cases, including convicting 80 murderers. His record of convictions is still unprecedented for any federal prosecutor.

He was almost the victim of an assassin’s bullet. In 1883, he had prosecuted the notorious Belle Starr of Fort Smith on a horse theft charge. Though Starr was involved in many criminal enterprises, this was one of the few for which she was ever convicted. After her release from a federal prison in Michigan the following year, Starr plotted her revenge. Learning that Clayton would attend a Wild West Exhibition at the Sebastian County Fair, she was preparing to shoot him during the loud performance. At the last minute, her plot was discovered, and Clayton was unharmed.

His brother, however, was not so fortunate. In 1888, John Clayton ran for Congress in the sprawling second district, which then ran from Jefferson County, east and north of Little Rock, and back toward Russellville. The election was exceptionally close; but his opponent, incumbent Clifton Breckinridge, seemed to come out ahead by just over 800 votes. Allegations of fraud soon erupted. Contesting the results, Clayton went to Plumerville to investigate one of the most seriously flawed precincts and build his case. On a cold January night in 1889, he was shot. Clayton died that night at age 48.

Powell Clayton, with all of his powers as a United States Attorney and funding of private investigations, was never able to identify or prosecute a suspect. More than 130 years later, the murder remains unsolved. A later investigation showed that Clayton had won the disputed election.

In 1897, a new federal district court was created within the Indian Territory, and President William McKinley appointed Clayton as federal judge. President Theodore Roosevelt appointed him Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals for the territory in 1901. He stepped down from his judicial service in 1907 and served as a delegate to the Oklahoma State Constitutional Convention that year. He retired to a private law practice in Oklahoma where he died in 1920. His home in Fort Smith is now a historic museum.

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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.