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Author: Kyla Wetmore

Kyla Wetmore

Kyla Wetmore

Kyla Wetmore is a senior double-majoring in business-public relations and psychology. Kyla was literally born on the news. Her father, formerly a news anchor, created a weekly feature documenting the preparation for her birth. She discovered her personal passion for journalism at the age of 10 when she started a very unsuccessful fifth-grade classroom newspaper. After returning from serving as a student missionary in Guam last year, she is thrilled to join the Southern Accent for her first year.

Jeff Eversole and Tonya Sadler are running for Hamilton County’s District 10 commissioner seat, with early voting taking place April 15–30 ahead of the May 5 election. The race features two candidates with contrasting platforms, as Sadler emphasizes transparency, infrastructure reform and tax shifts toward tourism, while Eversole highlights intentional development, education funding, job creation …

Southern’s public campus webcams offer live views of student spaces, prompting mixed reactions over safety, privacy and their purpose today.

From veterans and nurses to immigrants and longtime residents, Hamilton County community members spoke in their own words against the sheriff’s 287(g) agreement with ICE, sharing concerns about civil rights, public safety, family separation and community trust.

Collegedale community members remember Judge Kevin Wilson’s decades of service, compassion and lasting impact on the city.

The Katie Lamb Public Library in Collegedale received a $200,000 state grant from Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett to fund renovations. City leaders and state legislators worked together to secure the award, marking a major step toward expanding the library’s resources and improving community services.

By: Kyla Wetmore Ruthie Roque, a junior business administration major, sat in front of dozens of Polaroid images featuring participants in this year’s Latin American Cultural (LAC) Night, which will begin Saturday at 9 p.m. in Iles Physical Education Center.   As director and sole scriptwriter for LAC Night, Roque flipped through the pictures as she …

By: Kyla Westmore Many publications, including The Southern Accent, reported on a human trafficking sting operation conducted in the City of Collegedale on Aug. 21. This has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the human trafficking arrests.  The Accent submitted a public records request to the Collegedale Police Department (CPD) under the Freedom of Information …

By: Kyla Wetmore  Seven individuals appeared before Judge Kevin Wilson for court dates related to the human trafficking charges against them on Sept. 17 at the Collegedale Municipal Court.  The defendants—arrested as part of Operation Enduring Justice, an initiative launched by the federal government in 2024—were among 11 individuals apprehended in Collegedale on Aug. 21. …

By: Kyla Wetmore Andrew Morkert has been appointed interim city manager by the City of Collegedale, following the unexpected resignation of former City Manager Wayon Hines.  Morkert has served the City of Collegedale for 16 years, most recently as director of building and codes, according to a press release from the commissioners’ office. As interim …

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Students throw a birthday party in Southern Village. Saturday, October 3, 2026. (Photo by Lily Murphy)

College is a time of discovery, personal growth and changing priorities. Southern Adventist University students share how their college experiences have helped them become more outgoing, discover new interests, deepen their faith and appreciate the friendships and everyday moments they will carry into life after graduation.

Southern Adventist University Title IX statistics provided by Dennis Negrón. (Graphic by Katie McConnell).

A high-profile sexual assault case at Cornell University has sparked renewed discussion about Title IX at Southern Adventist University. Students share concerns about reporting sexual misconduct and campus safety as university officials explain the investigation process, available support resources and questions surrounding the Title IX coordinator’s Instagram account.

A person selects Egypt on the recently refreshed OMM mission board located in the Bietz Center for Student Life at Southern Adventist University. (Photo courtesy of source)

Southern Adventist University’s Office of Ministry and Missions has upgraded its digital board in the Bietz Center to offer an interactive look at global mission needs. The update features country-specific Christian mission data, maps of unreached communities and profiles of current Southern student missionaries.

Southern Adventist University Homecoming weekend attendees listen to a live broadcast provided by the WSMC. Saturday, October 24, 2026. (Photo by Katie McConnell)

Hundreds of alumni returned to Southern Adventist University for Homecoming Weekend, which featured more than 50 events. From a book signing with Susi Hasel Mundy to campus tours, workshops, a classic car show and alumni gatherings, the weekend offered opportunities for graduates to reconnect and make new memories.

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