Bays Mountain Park is sad to announce the death of one of its wolves, Unalii.

Unalii passed away in his enclosure the morning of January 29. The cause of death is currently under review by veterinarian staff at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

On January 28, Unalii appeared lethargic while displaying swelling/bleeding of the rear right thigh and leg. The symptoms had a rapid onset and park staff immediately notified local veterinarian staff.

Staff and volunteers worked that night under the direction of the park’s veterinarian to offer treatment until Unalii could be seen by a veterinarian in person the next day. Unfortunately, Unalii passed prior to that appointment.

A veterinarian, who visits the park quarterly to check on the animals, saw Unalii twice in December for an injured leg. The veterinarian believed Unalii suffered a ligament strain and prescribed medication for pain. She noted no signs of infection or other injury.

“I feel that due to the rapid nature of Unalii’s passing, there would not have been anything that could have been done differently to change this outcome,” said Sara Anderson, veterinarian for Bays Mountain Park.

Park staff routinely observe the animals throughout the day and if anything is out of the ordinary, the issue is addressed in a timely manner. Volunteers and guests often call and text park staff if they notice an issue with the animals. Park staff are trained to treat minor injuries, but if the issue can’t be resolved, a veterinarian with the credential to treat the animals is called immediately.

Unalii (Cherokee for “Friend”) was born in 2014 in Sandstone, MN and had been at Bays Mountain Park since he was 6 weeks old. Unalii is best known for his children’s book, Unalii’s Unexpected Adventure, published in celebration of Bays Mountain Park’s 50^th Anniversary.

“He had a kind and friendly spirit that endeared him to anyone that worked with him,” said Park Manager Megan Krager. “He was known to be a big eater and always tried to make his way to the front of the chow line at feeding time. Everyone at the park will miss him greatly.”

If you would like to make a donation to Bays Mountain Park in support of the wolves, visit www.baysmountain.com and click on “Give.”

Taking care of your mental health can be just as important as taking care of your physical health. Coping with the stresses of everyday life can be daunting at times, so being mindful of where you are and what you’re doing can help alleviate those challenges.

The Kingsport Public Library is bringing back its Mindful Monday series next week to help people start the new year with a renewed sense of well-being. The classes are intended to teach helpful strategies for dealing with day-to-day stress.

All events will take place in the library’s auditorium from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 pm. Masks are recommended. The events are free to the public, though space is limited. All supplies will be provided.

January 30th – Mindful Journaling: Learn how to mindfully journal your thoughts and feelings, and why it can be beneficial for your overall health and wellbeing.

February 6th – Chair Yoga/Meditation: Have you ever felt stiff while working all day, but you’re not sure how to get the kinks out? Join us for a night of chair yoga. This will be a beginner level class. Bring your own yoga mat or towel if you’d like.

February 13th – Mini Zen Gardens: Join us at the library to make your own mini Zen garden. This event will be limited to 10 people.

February 20th – Myofascial Release: The MedFit team from Great Body Company will be joining us for myofascial release therapy. Myofascial release therapy works specifically with the connective tissue to relieve tightness that causes restrictions.

For more information about any of the events, contact the Kingsport Public Library at 423-229-9489 or visit www.kingsportlibrary.org.

Kingsport Rec Soccer is now accepting registrations for its spring soccer season. Divisions are offered for ages 3 to 15. All practices and games are held at Eastman Park at Horse Creek.

There are two divisions offered by Kingsport Rec Soccer:

Rec Soccer – This division is open to players ages 3 to 15 who are primarily devoted to the enjoyment and love of the game without a strong emphasis on competition. Players meet twice a week—on a weekday evening and on Saturdays.

Assessments are set for the week of February 13, with the 8-week program starting the week of March 13. Registration fees range from $45 – $85 per player for one 8-week season. There is a $30 discount for each additional child in the same household.

Tribe Soccer – This division is open to players ages 8 to 15 who are interested in competitive soccer and committed to attending additional training and games, as well as developing skills on their own. Players meet 3 to 4 times a week. 

The 11-week program begins with assessments the week of February 13 and pre-season training the week of February 20. Registration fees range from $225 – $235 (plus the cost of a jersey) per player. There is a $30 discount for each additional child in the same household.

The deadline to register for any division is February 19. The organization also needs volunteer coaches as well. To register visit www.tricitiesunited.org. For more information about becoming a volunteer coach contact Shane Davis at 423-408-8144.

Whether you enjoy wading in the pool, watching competitive swimming or just want to assist your community, the Kingsport Aquatic Center could use your help.

The KAC needs volunteer timekeepers for two of its upcoming swim meets – sixteen for the Mid-South event on Feb. 2-4 and eight for the AAC event on Feb. 9-11. Each day has a morning session from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and on the final day there is also an evening session from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Aquatics Program Coordinator Madison Gump said virtually anyone can do the job. All you have to do is stand behind the diving block and be able to push the button on a stopwatch.

“We have a few timekeepers, at least five or six, but if we can get some more then we’ll be able to meet our needs,” Gump said. “Even if you can’t do every single day and can just do one session, it still helps us tremendously.”

The timekeepers are volunteers and as such would not be paid for their services. However, Gump said the KAC typically provides its volunteers with snacks in the morning and a dinner option during the evening session.

In addition, these events would be a good opportunity for students to earn volunteer hours for the Tennessee Promise scholarship.

Both the Mid-South and AAC events are co-ed, collegiate events that the KAC has hosted since 2017. The Mid-South event is expected to have approximately 250 competitors, while the AAC will have a little over 100 competitors.

If you are interested in volunteering to be a timekeeper for either event, please contact Madison Gump at 343-9767 or email her at madisongump@kingsporttn.gov.

For more information about the Kingsport Aquatic Center, visit swimkingsport.com.

A herd of uniquely painted goats will soon be “frolicking” across the Model City, providing residents and visitors a unique display of colorful, public art.

The Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts is sending out a request for sponsors for a special public art display of 10 painted, fiberglass goats. These goats will be unveiled at the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) Festival: A Celebration of the Arts. This is a new arts & crafts festival debuting April 21-23 at the Kingsport Farmers Market.

Each goat can be sponsored for $1,500 and will be cloaked in creativity, directed by the sponsor and executed by a local artist. After their premier at the festival, the goats will be deployed throughout the community to provide entertainment and inspiration.

What does a $1,500 sponsorship provide?

1. Ownership of the goat sculpture, with the option to donate it back to Engage Kingsport.
2. The choice of who will paint the goat is up to the sponsor, but the Office of Cultural Arts will provide a list if requested.  Painters must follow the guidelines of the project (listed below).
3. Each goat may have a business logo painted as a 3”x3” brand on the hindquarters of the animal.
4. Each sponsor will be highly recognized in marketing for the project, including, but not limited to, being recognized with the goats at the Fun Fest parade, the new G.O.A.T. Festival, and within city social media/promotional channels.
5. Each goat will have a $200 stipend for the artist with an allowance of an additional $200 for paint and decorating materials (taken from sponsor’s $1500).
6. Each goat, by signed agreement, will be on display from April 21 through the Fun Fest parade.  At the conclusion of the Fun Fest parade, the goats can be taken by the sponsor, or donated back to the city for a more permanent installation.
7. Each goat donated back to Engage Kingsport may be on display for at least one year but may be on display for many years to come.

Goat painting guidelines:

1. Each goat needs to be painted or decorated.
2. The goat can be painted/decorated as the sponsor see fits with either abstract or realistic symbolism or design; however, the only company logo should be in the 3’x3’ branding.
3. All decorations or paint should be secured to the goat so that nothing falls or flakes off.
4. No decorations should leave sharp edges of any kind.
5. All décor/paint should be both indoor/outdoor materials.
6. All designs must be approved by the Public Art Committee.

For more information about sponsoring a goat, please visit https://arts.kingsporttn.gov/sponsor-your-own-artistic-goat-the-kingsport-goat-herd/ or contact the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts at 423-392-8416.