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United Communications, Middle Tennessee’s leading fiber broadband provider, announced the launch of its new 8 Gig Certified Community program. The program recognizes Middle Tennessee communities that offer the region’s fastest residential internet speeds—helping support economic growth, education, careers, and small business development. Williamson County was named the region’s first 8 Gig Certified County during a county commission meeting on Monday. United Communications has invested more than $60 million to build a fiber network across Williamson County, reaching more than 28,000 homes and businesses. The City of Fairview also recently received its 8 Gig certification at a town council meeting in late 2025. “Earning the title of an ‘8 Gig Certified Community’ is about more than just a number on a speed test—it’s about opportunity,” said William Bradford, president and CEO of United Communications. “It’s about giving families the bandwidth for remote work and online learning and giving local businesses the infrastructure to compete globally. It’s about bridging the digital divide to create opportunities for everyone, regardless of where they live.” Broadband access plays a key role in Williamson County’s continued growth. Reliable, affordable high-speed internet helps businesses expand, supports remote work, gives students more learning options, and makes telehealth more accessible for families across the county. “I’m grateful to Chris Jones and the Middle Tennessee Electric board for believing that they could make this happen and to William Bradford and United Communications for actually making this happen,” said Mayor Rogers Anderson. “We appreciate the work they do very much.” United Communications plans to recognize additional communities through the 8 Gig Certified Community program in the coming months. The company’s fiber network now connects more than 125,000 locations across Middle Tennessee. Through the Project UNITE initiative, United partners with local governments to expand access, help bridge the digital divide, and keep communities connected. United’s 8 Gig Premier internet plan is Middle Tennessee’s fastest residential and small business internet offering, built for families, gamers, remote workers, content creators, and entrepreneurs. With up to 80 times the bandwidth of a standard 100 Mbps connection, 8 Gig Premier supports smooth streaming, online gaming, video calls, and large uploads—even with many devices online at once. The plan includes a next-generation Wi-Fi 7 router for whole-home coverage and low latency. Customers also receive built-in cybersecurity tools, parental controls, and real-time threat protection, along with priority customer support and fast response times. To learn more or sign up, visit United.net or call 931-364-2227. MORE NEWS The post Williamson County, Fairview Named Middle Tennessee’s First Official “8 Gig Certified” Communities appeared first on Williamson Source.

Donald Wayne Steele, 80, of Brentwood, passed away on January 12, 2026 at Alive Hospice in Nashville, Tennessee Wayne was born in Kannapolis, North Carolina to Paul Edward and Ruth Kistler Steele on September 6, 1945. He graduated in 1963 from Garner High School in Garner, North Carolina. After High School, Wayne enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served active duty for three years before transferring to the Naval Reserve for an additional three years. Wayne graduated from Campbell University. While in college, Wayne sold books and served in management for Southwestern Company. After graduation, Wayne began selling custom apparel for Tom James Company, where he advanced into Executive Management until his retirement in 2007. Among his many interests, Wayne especially loved hunting fishing and ballroom dancing. He was an outdoorsman who bow hunted, but especially enjoyed bird hunting and his passion, fishing. Wayne spent many hours taking lessons in ballroom dancing and relished the time he spent with the Nashville Swing Dance Club and the people he knew there. Wayne is proceeded in death by his father, Paul Edward Steele and his mother, Ruth Kistler Steele. He is survived by his brother, Barry G. Steele (spouse Chris) and his life partner, Susan Saunders. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2PM Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Belmont United Methodist Church in Ferguson Chapel with a reception to follow. Arrangements are being handled by Williamson Memorial Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Source: Williamson Memorial​​ Click For More Obituaries The post OBITUARY: Donald Wayne Steele appeared first on Williamson Source.

Sarah Jane Blocker, age 76, passed away at her home in Spring Hill, TN on January 16, 2026, surrounded by her family. Jane was born on July 12, 1949, in Cullman County Alabama, the daughter of the late Houston Columbus Barbee and Vernie Ruby Stephens – Barbee. Jane loved Christmas and took great joy in shopping for Christmas decorations. Anyone who visited her home during the holidays can attest to the care and enthusiasm she put into decorating and celebrating the season. She also loved working outdoors in her flowerbeds, and her yard was always beautifully kept. Melvin and Jane also shared a love for antiques and owned an antique store while living in Alabama. Above all else, Jane loved her family and friends and was happiest when spending time with them, especially her grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Wendell and Michael Barbee and her sister Robbie Mount. Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Melvin L. Blocker of Spring Hill, TN; her daughters, Jennifer (Cole) Gobbell of Nashville, TN and Mandy King of Centerville, TN; her grandchildren Zack King of Chicago, IL and Liam King of Centerville, TN; and her grand-dog Sailor of Nashville. She is also survived by her sisters, Wilma Tanner of Arab, AL and Jeanette (Carl) Yates of Lutz, FL; her brothers, DeWayne Barbee of Gulf Breeze, FL, Ed (Faye) Barbee of Joppa, AL and Ronald (Margaret) Barbee of Arab, AL; as well as countless nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Greg Tanner, Randy Barbee, Corey Barbee, Aaron Roe, Skyler Solley and Cole Gobbell. Honorary pallbearers will be Jackie Mount, Jacob NeSmith and Liam and Zack King (unable to attend). Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday January 21, 2026, at 2 PM at Blountsville Funeral Home with Tim NeSmith officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hebron Cemetery. Visitation will be at Blountsville Funeral Home from 12-2 PM. Click For More Obituaries The post OBITUARY: Sarah Jane Blocker appeared first on Williamson Source.

At 1:46 PM in Williamson County, the weather conditions feature a temperature of 39.4°F with a brisk wind blowing at 14.4 mph. Skies are partly cloudy, and no precipitation has been recorded. For the remainder of the day, temperatures will hold steady with a high of 39.4°F, the current temperature, indicating little to no temperature increase as the day progresses. Tonight, the temperature is expected to drop to a low of 23°F. Winds will decrease to a maximum of 8.6 mph, and the sky will remain partly cloudy through the evening. Weather conditions are set to remain stable with no precipitation forecasted and no significant changes expected. The region should experience overcast conditions transitioning into a clear and chilly night. Today's Details High 39°F Low 23°F Wind 14 mph Humidity 39% UV Index 3.5 (Moderate) Precip 0% chance · 0 in Now 39°F · feels 28°F Sunrise 6:55am Sunset 5:00pm 7-Day Forecast Day High Low Conditions Monday 39°F 23°F Overcast Tuesday 37°F 13°F Clear sky Wednesday 48°F 28°F Rain: slight Thursday 50°F 37°F Overcast Friday 38°F 21°F Overcast Saturday 22°F 18°F Snow fall: slight Sunday 27°F 14°F Overcast The post 1/19/26: Partly Cloudy with Highs of 39°F in Williamson County appeared first on Williamson Source.