Sure-Shot Game Calls holds grand opening in Winnie
Sure-Shot Game Calls celebrated the grand opening of its new retail location in Winnie on May 9.
According to Hannah Bruce, a company spokesperson, the new location is more than a retail store.
“The new location is built as a place for the community — where hunters, families and outdoor enthusiasts can gather, connect and carry forward the traditions that define Southeast Texas,” she said.
She noted that although the brand’s reach extends far beyond the region, its story is deeply tied to this part of the state.
“Since the 1940s, Winnie has been a part of Sure-Shot’s DNA. On Saturday, we get to carry that forward and celebrate it the way it deserves,” said owner Jay Bruce. “This space gives us a place to connect with the community in a real way — built around the people and traditions that make this place what it is.”
He said the Winnie location is designed to serve as a year-round destination — not only for retail, but also for community events, storytelling and shared experiences centered on the outdoor lifestyle.
Winsupply Inc. buys Rural Pipe & Supply
Winsupply Inc. announced May 5 that it has acquired Rural Pipe & Supply, a locally owned company headquartered in Jasper with an additional location in Livingston.
Rural Pipe & Supply was started in 1999 by Tommy and Amanda Shaver. Rural supplies waterworks and construction materials, including PVC and HDPE pipe, sewer systems, irrigation products and fittings for contractors, municipalities and residential customers.
Rural Pipe & Supply employs 18 people. The Shavers will remain in leadership roles following the acquisition.
Winsupply, founded in 1956, operates more than 680 companies nationwide and reported $8.4 billion in annual sales as of early 2026.
Davis Timber Co. expands operations in Louisiana
Davis Timber Company Inc. of DeRidder, Louisiana, announced it will invest $1.9 million to expand its Beauregard Parish operations with new production capabilities that will enhance efficiency and strengthen Louisiana’s timber industry, according to Louisiana Economic Development.
The company is expected to create 12 new direct jobs while retaining 11 current positions. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will generate an additional nine indirect jobs, for a total of 21 potential new jobs in the Southwest Region.
The expansion will take place at the company’s production facility within the Beauregard Regional Airport Industrial Complex in DeRidder, where Davis Timber produces poles and pilings used in utility and infrastructure applications. The project will add new processing capabilities to the existing operation, improving efficiency and enhancing product readiness for market.
“With its prime location in the center of the Southwest Louisiana timber belt and the availability of essential ancillary services, DeRidder provided the ideal location for Davis Timber Co. Inc. to establish its pole and pilings business,” President and CEO Robert Davis said. “An improving economic climate, funding opportunities and industry deregulation in the state of Louisiana have allowed us to increase production by building and adding a kiln-drying operation and setting the stage for company growth and development.”
Abbott announces TSIF grant to AOI
Gov. Greg Abbott announced last month that a Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund grant of $20,852,518 has been awarded to Applied Optoelectronics Inc. for an expansion of its manufacturing capacity in Sugar Land. The expansion represents more than $279 million in capital investment and is expected to create 500 jobs.
Founded in Houston in 1997, AOI specializes in the design and manufacture of fiber-optic networking products. The expansion of the Sugar Land manufacturing facility will increase production of specialized semiconductor chips and transceivers used to build high-speed optical networking infrastructure.
“We are proud to partner with the state of Texas to expand our homegrown manufacturing,” AOI Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer Stefan Murry said. “This investment helps us increase semiconductor and optical transceiver production, create high-quality jobs and help define the future of AI data center infrastructure.”
Jasper tire company celebrates 50 years
Last month, Bill Snelson and Lakeway Tire celebrated 50 years of service to Jasper County and the surrounding area.
Lakeway Tire started at the corner of U.S. 96 and Lamar Street in 1976 and has since expanded to locations in Lumberton and Woodville.
The Jasper store is located at 403 W. Gibson St.
