Jodi Ann Evans of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, March 31, 2025 in Waldron, Arkansas. Jodi was born December4 21, 1980 in Norman, Oklahoma to Joel Earl Potts and Charolett Ann (Copeland) Potts. She was 44 years old.
Jodi was a devoted member of the Waldron Pentecostal Church of God. She loved the Lord and desired to serve him more and learn all she could. Helping others was her passion. Jodi enjoyed being a homemaker and taking care of her family. She treasured time and memories made with her children and grandchildren.
Jodi leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband Jeff Evans, her mother Charolett Potts of Waldron, and her children: Shanna Sanders of Atkins, Arkansas, Sage Hardie of Van Buren, Arkansas, Arrabela Hardie of Van Buren, Arkansas, Jenna Evans of Waldron, Arkansas, Jolie Evans of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, Jaclyn Evans of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, Jace Sanders of Waldron, Arkansas, Dalton Sanders of Waldron, Arkansas, Jerry Don Briggs of Waldron, Arkansas, Kobe Evans of Ft. Smith, Arkansas. She will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren: Aspin Petchenik, Olivia Petchenik, Jacelyn Sanders, Chase Sanders, River Sanders. Jodi will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of extended family, friends, neighbors and loved ones.
Jodi was preceded in death by her father, Joel Potts, one daughter Taelyon Dawn Briggs, and one sister, Marissa Kaye Potts.
Jodi’s celebration of life service will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Konnor McKay and Rev. Travis May officiating. Interment will follow in the Buffalo Cemetery. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Jodi’s pallbearers will be Richard Freeman, Kevin Keeler, Brent Deetcherage, Travis May, Kurtis Bell and Josh Sanford.
Jodi’s visitation will be Monday, March 7, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Arkansas turkey hunters will need to add one more item to their hunting vest this season: an Arkansas Turkey Hunting Tag. The tags and a valid hunting license are required to enable the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to more accurately judge the number of hunters taking to the field in the search of a gobbler.
The resident versions of the turkey tags, labelled RTT for adults and YTT for youth hunters, are free but must be acquired through the AGFC’s licensing system before the hunter takes to the woods. Even residents who hold lifetime licenses and disability licenses are required to add this free permit to their licensing account before hunting. Checking out the tags will enable all resident hunters a total of two legal gobblers.
Nonresidents have a few more hoops than resident hunters to jump through if they wish to chase an Arkansas turkey. For nonresident hunters under 16, the Nonresident Youth Turkey Tag remains free and will be the only license they need. Adult hunters, on the other hand, will need to either purchase a Nonresident Turkey Tag (NRTT) for $100 in addition to their Nonresident Annual Hunting License (NBG), which costs $410, or they may opt for the newly created Nonresident Annual Turkey Hunting License (NRTL), which includes a tag, for $325.
“Many hunters who chase turkeys in Arkansas may not have an annual license from last deer season, so we wanted to offer this $325 license as a more affordable option for nonresidents wanting to pursue turkeys in Arkansas,” Brad Carner, deputy director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, said. “If you already hunt deer here, you can just buy the $100 tag to add to your annual license as well. Whichever way is more economical will work.”
Nonresidents who hold a Non-expiring Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Permit from their time as residents in Arkansas will still need to get the Nonresident Turkey Tag in the license system, but will not be charged the $100 fee when they check out of the system.
Regardless of the license, all nonresidents will need to choose wisely this spring, as all nonresident options are limited to a single legal turkey per year.
“The Commission has heard from many hunters through the regulations public comment process as well as during informal conversations about the idea of reducing bag limits for turkeys to one per year in order to preserve hunt quality and protect Arkansas’s turkey flock,” Carner said. “Although very few hunters actually harvest two birds, the Commission did decide to opt for a more conservative limit on nonresidents after many discussions.”
According to Susan Porter, AGFC licensing manager, one additional turkey tag option may appear in Arkansas’s license system for some hunters. The code NBLTP represents another free turkey tag, this one specifically for Mississippi residents who are hunting land that falls under the Arkansas/Mississippi reciprocal agreement.
“They will need to have all licenses required to hunt in Mississippi, but some of these lands are on the Arkansas side of the Mississippi River, so they will need to get this free turkey tag to transport their bird back across state lines to check it with Mississippi’s license system,” Porter said. “That is the only scenario where a hunter in Arkansas would need this particular tag on their license profile.”
Arkansas’s turkey season opens April 21 statewide. In Turkey Zone 1, it closes April 29; it continues through May 11 in Turkey Zone 2. The Special Youth Turkey Hunt for hunters younger than 16 is April 12-13. A full list of turkey regulations is available in the 2024-25 Arkansas Hunting Guidebook.
All turkeys harvested in Arkansas must be checked via agfc.com, the AGFC mobile app or by phone within 12 hours of harvest. If they are checked immediately upon harvest, the turkey does not need a physical tag attached to it. If the hunter is unable to immediately check the bird, then they must affix a possession tag indicating the hunter’s name, CID number and the date and time of harvest that must remain with the bird until it is checked. Checking should also be more convenient this season, as the AGFC plans to roll out a new “express check” option on its website beginning with the Special Youth Turkey Hunt. Visit www.agfc.com/licenses to procure your turkey tag.
That the ground beneath our feet is solid is one of the anchors of our belief system. When something happens — say, an earthquake or a sinkhole opens up — the ensuing panic is because our basic belief system has been shaken. The Earth is not always solid.
Sinkholes form in areas underlain with limestone or dolomitic rocks. These carbonate rocks were deposited in shallow seas during the past half million years and underlay continents around the world, including here in the Ozarks. The carbonates are the exoskeletons of microscopic sea creatures and a few larger ones, just to keep things interesting. The cave systems found throughout the Ozarks are found in these carbonate layers that have been eroded by flowing water across the ages.
Rainwater is acidic in nature, with an average pH of between 5.0 and 5.6. Rainwater falling through the atmosphere intercepts carbon dioxide molecules and forms a weak carbonic acid solution. As carbon dioxide levels increase in our atmosphere, the pH of rainwater is becoming more acidic. The bleaching of coral reefs around the world is in part due to increased ocean temperatures but also because of the increased acidity of rainwater.
Geologists use the phrase “karst geology” to describe these underground erosional events. Rainwater seeps in through cracks in the earth and begins dissolving channels through the limestone and dolomite layers. Eventually a Swiss cheese-like rock forms, and water flows more freely. These perforated rocks are critical to humans. About a quarter of the freshwater supply used around the world is drawn from these honeycombed rocks.
Aquifers are the underground rivers that follow these perforated carbonate rock layers. The Edwards Plateau of central Texas is one of the largest and best-studied aquifer systems in the world. It is huge, encompassing 1,250 square miles and containing more than 50 million acre-feet of water. Though that’s a lot of water, the demands for water use are also high. Because the aquifer is relatively shallow and overlain with lots of fractured rock layers, the recharge rate is relatively high, yet withdrawals are currently exceeding the recharge rate by about 6 percent per year.
Another important characteristic of this honeycombed rock is that oil is found in them. Saudi Arabian oil fields — and most relatively shallow oil fields — gush out all that oil because the network of karst limestone is so extensive that oil just keeps flowing when a pumpjack removes it.
But let water flow through honeycombed rocks long enough and a hollowed-out cave forms. If the carbonate layer is close enough to the surface and there is not a strong sandstone ceiling, the roof can collapse. This can be sudden or gradual, but eventually, a pothole in the earth’s surface is left. The Yucatán Peninsula is pot-marked with these water-filled sinkholes. The one in the accompanying photo was taken in southeastern New Mexico. A string of eight or 10 500-foot-wide sinkholes have formed in a row as they follow the course of the underground river. In this case, gypsum deposits (calcium sulfate) are being dissolved. And the lakes aren’t bottomless. The deepest is only 90 feet deep, but the water that fills them comes from below-ground sources, not rainwater.
Sinkholes appear from time to time and make the news. My favorite sinkhole story occurred in 2014 when the floor of the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky suddenly opened up and swallowed up eight vintage ‘vets. The hole was 60 feet long, 40 feet wide and 30 feet deep. But it turns out sinkholes are good promotion. That year, three million people visited, the largest number of attendees so far.
A friend and I were driving through the Arkansas woods heading to the Guion Ferry (before the bridge across the White River was built in the late 1980s) when he spotted a bare rock face in the woods. We stopped to investigate. It was a new sinkhole about 100 feet across that had dropped the soil perhaps 20 feet. To get there we had gone down one small ravine and up another hill and were several hundred feet from the road. There in the bottom of the sinkhole was an old couch. The effort to carry that old piece of furniture that distance just to dispose of it in a new hole in the ground spoke volumes of our base nature to pitch things in a hole.
Gerald Klingaman is a retired Arkansas Extension Horticulturist and retired Operations Director for the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. After more than two decades of penning the popular Plant of the Week column, he’s taking a new direction, offering views on nature as he pokes about the state and nation. Views and opinions reflect those of the author and are not those of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. If you have questions or comments for Dr. Klingaman about these articles contact him at [email protected].
Donna Gwen Stanfill of Mena, Arkansas (formerly of Waldron, Arkansas) passed from this life, Monday, March 31, 2025 in Mena. Donna was born January 31, 1944 in Hon, Arkansas to Holland L. Piles and Virgie Inez (Frost) Piles. She was 81 years old.
Donna grew up in and around the Parks area. She loved riding horses even into adulthood. She sold Home Interior for over 23 years. She spent many hours traveling and helping ladies with all things decor. She had a passion for what she did. When Donna became Nana she wanted to be closer to her grandchildren and relocated to Mena. Having Donna close by and doting on her grands and then great grands made for sweet memories dear to everyone. Donna also loved her dogs who served as her companions and friends.
Donna leaves behind to cherish her memory, one daughter, Tanya Fretz and husband Mark of Mena, Arkansas. Nana will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren: Talyssa Simmons and husband Dalton of Lincoln, Arkansas and Chandler Fretz of Lincoln, Arkansas as well as great grandchildren: Amzie and Elva Simmons. Donna is also survived by one brother Keith Piles and wife Rhonda of Parks, Arkansas. Donna will be missed by those whose lives she impacted including a host of extended family, cousins, friends and neighbors she loved dearly.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband Glenn Stanfill, one son Russell Lynn Rogers and brother Leamon Piles.
Donna’s celebration of life will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 3, 2025 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Pat Ray Biggs officiating.
Interment will be in Hawkins Cemetery in Parks, Arkansas.
Donna’s visitation will be Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.
The Greenwood Clock Tower 250: NASCAR’s Bold Move to Small-Town America. In an unprecedented expansion move, NASCAR announced that the Cup Series will make its way to Greenwood, Arkansas, for the first time in history. The newly minted Greenwood Clock Tower 250, presented by Gatorade and Ditch Witch, is set to take place at a state-of-the-art temporary circuit, making history as the first NASCAR event in the region.
A Race in the Heart of Arkansas.
Greenwood, a small town known for its historic clock tower and rich Southern charm, the only liquor store outside of Fort Smith, has never been on the radar of motorsports’ biggest leagues—until now. The announcement of the Greenwood Clock Tower 250 sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community, with fans and drivers alike eager to see how this unique track will challenge competitors. The race will take place on a temporary street course through the heart of Greenwood, incorporating both high-speed straights and technical turns that wind around the town’s picturesque downtown area. Spectators will be treated to an up-close experience as NASCAR’s biggest stars roar past local landmarks. The track will use the new bypass for a portion of the track. Pitlane will be along Coker St in front of Arvest Bank and El Palenque.
Why Greenwood?
NASCAR officials cited the town’s passionate racing community, its growing economy, and its ideal location in the South as key reasons for choosing Greenwood as the latest addition to the schedule. The town has a deep-rooted love for motorsports, with local short-track racing drawing significant crowds over the years. “The opportunity to bring NASCAR to Greenwood is something we never imagined,” said Greenwood Mayor Doug Kinslow. “This town lives and breathes racing, and to have the best drivers in the world competing here is beyond anything we could have dreamed.” But, thanks to Greenwood’s only liquor store in the Wal-Mart parking, the owner Witaro (Arkansas Man of Mystery) sold enough booze to make his dream a reality. “Surprisingly, the number of people were supportive of the business, especially after they put the billboard above my van.”
An Unforgettable Weekend
The Greenwood Clock Tower 250 will be more than just a race—it will be a festival of speed and Southern hospitality. Fans can expect a weekend full of activities, including fan meet-and-greets, live music, and a showcase of classic and modern racing machines. Presented by Gatorade and Ditch Witch, the event is expected to bring a major economic boost to Greenwood, with businesses preparing for an influx of visitors from across the country. Hotels are already reporting increased bookings, and local restaurants are gearing up for a race weekend unlike any other.
What’s at Stake?
As part of the NASCAR Cup Series regular season, the Greenwood Clock Tower 250 will play a crucial role in shaping the playoff picture. The tight corners and fast-paced layout of the street circuit promise thrilling action, with potential for dramatic finishes and unexpected winners. Former Cup Series champion Chase Elliott expressed his excitement about the event: “Street courses bring a whole new dynamic to our sport. Greenwood’s track is going to be fast, technical, and completely different from anything we’ve raced on before. I can’t wait to see what kind of show we put on for the fans.”
A New NASCAR Tradition?
With Greenwood’s debut on the NASCAR calendar, fans and analysts alike are wondering if this could be the start of a new era—one where small-town America plays a bigger role in shaping the future of the sport. If successful, the Greenwood Clock Tower 250 could become a staple of the NASCAR schedule for years to come, proving that great racing isn’t limited to the country’s biggest cities. As the engines get ready to fire up, one thing is certain—Greenwood, Arkansas, is about to make NASCAR history.
Nonprofit Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) held its first Day of Giving on National Single Parent Day on March 21.
In total, 163 supporters raised $34,090 to support single parent students. Additionally, 11 cities declared March 21 as ASPSF Day of Giving: Cabot, Conway, Fort Smith, Harrison, Helena, Hot Springs, Jasper, Jonesboro, Maumelle, North Little Rock, and Sheridan.
Destiny Hall is a spring 2025 ASPSF recipient studying nursing at Arkansas State University-Newport.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible generosity shown during the inaugural ASPSF Day of Giving,” ASPSF CEO Jenn Morehead said. “Thanks to our supporters, we not only met but surpassed our $25,000 goal. This success is a testament to the power of our community coming together to create brighter futures for families.”
Sponsored by Arvest, ASPSF Day of Giving was a 24-hour statewide event that gathered supporters across Arkansas to lift up single parents who seek to improve their lives and the lives of their families through higher education. Community members could participate by donating online, taking the Single Parent Juggling Challenge, becoming an ASPSF Ambassador, or stopping by The Filling Station in North Little Rock to celebrate single parents with music and food.
Whitney Henderson attended the March 21 ASPSF Spring 2025 Scholarship Ceremony in Conway. She is studying nursing at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton.
“Oftentimes, being a single mother is looked at as a flaw or a handicap — a situation that someone put themselves in,” said Destiny Hall, a spring ASPSF scholarship recipient. “While being a single parent is not always ideal, it creates resilience and strength.”
RECORD-BREAKING SPRING SCHOLARSHIPS Another way ASPSF celebrated National Single Parent Day — first declared by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 — was by distributing scholarships to single parents. On March 21, about two dozen spring recipients from Faulkner and nearby counties received their scholarships at a celebration in Conway.
About two dozen single parents and their families attended a Spring 2025 scholarship ceremony at McGee Center in Conway on March 21. In total, 550 single parents received a scholarship this semester from ASPSF.
Like nearly all the 10+ ASPSF scholarship ceremonies held across the state, the Conway event included a professional development workshop. Morehead led a presentation about resume writing and interviewing. A key part of the ASPSF program is to pair financial aid with wraparound services like workshops and mentoring so recipients are ready to enter the professional workforce once they graduate.
In total, ASPSF awarded 550 scholarships totaling $786,000 to low-income single parent students in March for the spring semester. This is the highest number of scholarship awards and scholarship dollars ASPSF has awarded in a single semester since at least 2023.
ASPSF Day of Giving included live music by Missy Harris at The Filling Station in North Little Rock.
This increase is all thanks to generous donors, including those who contributed to the ASPSF Day of Giving. Every dollar raised from the March 21 fundraiser will help hardworking single parent families break the cycle of poverty through education.
“Thank you for seeing the potential in myself and the others trying to better themselves and their children,” said Hall, a full-time student at Arkansas State University-Newport. “Thank you for helping my dream of becoming a registered nurse and being a woman my son can be proud of come true.”
North Little Rock was one of 11 cities to declare March 21 as ASPSF Day of Giving. From left: ASPSF spring recipient Kadeshia Cooper and son, ASPSF Volunteer from UA-Pulaski Tech Mary Kate Snow, Mayor Terry C. Hartwick, ASPSF’s Arlene Green, ASPSF’s Jen Lawrence, and ASPSF spring recipient Will Piggee.
For more information, contact ASPSF Chief Communications Officer Jen Lawrence at [email protected] or 501-550-6304.
In addition to Arvest’s platinum event sponsorship, Arvest of Jonesboro also donated $500 for ASPSF Day of Giving. From left: Deania Vanhoozer of Arvest, Shaila Creekmore of ASPSF, and Teresa Roche of Arvest.
About Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund: For more than 30 years, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund has worked to create stronger, more educated, and more self-sufficient families. Through scholarships and services, ASPSF opens doors for low-income single parents, helping them pursue education, secure employment, and transform the future for their families. With the help of volunteers and community support, ASPSF creates multigenerational change, transforming lives for both single parents and their children. For information about scholarships, volunteer opportunities, and ways to give, visit www.aspsf.org.
Harrison was one of 11 cities to declare March 21 as ASPSF Day of Giving. Pictured: ASPSF volunteers in the back with ASPSF’s Kim Paul-Williams and Mayor Jerry Jackson.
