Local builders and suppliers can only guess at what’s driving construction material prices to their highest levels ever, but the demand isn’t slowing down, and the construction market is as strong as it’s been in years.

Jody Smotherman is one of those people who belongs in just about any environment. He’s spent the last three years in the specialty field of health care community engagement, and it’s a good descriptor for the new Stone County Medical Center administrator who shows a passion for people and improved quality of life.