Le Journal

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Division of Archaeology will host its annual conference on research in Tennessee archaeology Saturday Jan. 24 at the Tennessee State Library and Archives. The event, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., is free and open to the public. No registration is required. The Current Research in Tennessee Archaeology program will include presentations on underwater archaeology, remote sensing and drone surveys, and investigations at both precontact and historic period archaeological sites. “Our Current Research conference is a great event that showcases the range of archaeological research happening across the Volunteer State,” said State Archaeologist Phil Hodge. “It provides an opportunity to learn about new discoveries and for students and the public to meet the archaeologists doing this work and learn firsthand about their research.” The many presentations will include: Outlining the history and archaeology of the Gray farmstead in Williamson County. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga compiling a list of historically documented shipwrecks across the state, including the Chattanooga Packet, sunk in 1921. Recent investigations at an abandoned, overgrown cemetery in Memphis documented and mapped for inscribed headstones and more than 80 likely grave depressions in a wooded area. Investigation of the remains of Tennessee and Mississippi volunteer soldiers who fell and were buried on the battlefield at the Battle of Monterey in the Mexican American War in 1846. More information on the program can be found on the Division of Archaeology website. MORE NEWS The post TDEC to Host Annual Archaeology Conference January 24 appeared first on Williamson Source.

Samuel Eto’o a tiqué son monde de par sa réaction au tohu-bohu de la finale de la CAN 2025 entre le Sénégal et le Maroc. Alors que les incidents de la finale de la CAN 2025, Sénégal-Maroc, sont sur toutes les lèvres, Samuel Eto’o a commenté la réaction du sélectionneur Pape Thiaw, qui avait demandé […]

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.

The State Review Board will meet on Friday, January 23, 2026, to examine Tennessee’s proposed nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. Beginning at 9 a.m. (CST), the meeting will be held at the Tennessee Historical Commission, located at 2941 Lebanon Pike in Nashville, Tennessee as well as virtually. Meeting information will be available on the THC State Review Board webpage. The Board will vote on 7 nominations from across the state. Those nominations that are found to meet the criteria will be sent for final approval to the National Register of Historic Places at the U.S. Department of the Interior. The nominations are: • Johnson’s Mill, Claiborne County • Club Baron, Davidson County • William T. Cheek House, Davidson County • McFerren Grocery and Oil Company, Fayette County • Flynn’s Lick Methodist Church, Jackson County • Dr. C.B. Jones House, Knox County • Toll Gate House, Lincoln County The State Review Board is composed of 12 people with backgrounds in American history, architecture, archaeology, or related fields. It also includes members representing the public. The National Register program was authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The Tennessee Historical Commission administers the program in Tennessee. The public is invited to attend the meeting. For additional information, please contact Rebecca Schmitt with the Tennessee Historical Commission at (615) 818-4476, or at National.Register@tn.gov. For more information about the Tennessee Historical Commission, please visit the website. MORE NEWS The post State Review Board to Consider 7 Properties for National Register of Historic Places appeared first on Williamson Source.

Martha Virginia Duke, age 98, formerly of Home, Pennsylvania, and most recently of Hendersonville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 7, 2026. Martha was born on November 13, 1927, in Dilltown, Pennsylvania, to Morgan and Maude McKee. At the age of 19, she married the love of her life, William “Bill” Duke, and together they shared more than 58 wonderful years of marriage—a true and enduring partnership that created a home where everyone felt welcomed, valued, and loved. She was a devoted homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and the beloved matriarch of her family. Martha’s life was defined by quiet strength, unwavering dedication to her loved ones, and a strong work ethic. She lived with grace and humility and was known for her steady presence, warm spirit, and the wisdom that comes from nearly a century of life’s experiences. While family was Martha’s greatest devotion, being “Grandma” for more than 55 years brought her the deepest joy and was a title she carried with great honor. She found happiness in the everyday moments of her granddaughter and great-grandchildren, celebrated every milestone and achievement, and loved them with unwavering, unconditional pride. Martha delighted in the simple pleasures of life and possessed many talents. She loved cooking for her family, canning, camping, and gardening. She also enjoyed working with her hands through crocheting, needlework, and sewing, as well as spending quiet moments doing puzzles—pursuits that reflected her patience, creativity, and attention to detail. Her home was always a place of warmth, care, and comfort. A cherished member of her community, Martha dedicated her professional life as a sales associate at J.C. Penney, where she retired after many decades of faithful service. Martha is survived by her only granddaughter, Shannon Sylvis Haylett and her husband Todd; her treasured great-grandchildren, Ashley Haylett Cannon and her husband Ian, Amanda Haylett, and Alivia Haylett; her younger sister, Marian McKee Kyser; nephew Joel Kyser and his wife Kate; niece Karen Kyser Gaillard and her husband Ed; nephew Robert Kyser and his wife Brenda; nephew Delbert McKee and his wife Corona; and multiple great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Morgan and Maude McKee; her beloved husband, William Duke; her daughter, Carol Duke Sylvis; her son-in-law, James Sylvis; her brother, Howard McKee; her sister-in-law, Emily McKee; and her niece, Kathy McKee Getty. She is joyfully reunited in heaven with those who went before her. Though she will be deeply missed, Martha’s legacy of love, resilience, and devotion will live on through her family—in the traditions she created, the keepsakes she made, the recipes she passed down, and the countless lives she touched. Her family will forever hold her in their hearts and honor her memory by living with the same generosity and love she so effortlessly gave to others. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, with visitation one hour prior to the service at Shumaker Funeral Home, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Burial will follow at Devers Cemetery in Banks Township, Pennsylvania. Click For More Obituaries The post OBITUARY: Martha Virginia Duke appeared first on Williamson Source.