NFV’s Claire Hanson (21) powers through a pair of MFL/MM defenders on her way to the basket and two of her 13 points; the junior also hauled down 10 rebounds and blocked six shots. Looking on, in position for a potential offensive rebound, is Helena Fantz (12). In the final minute of play, Fantz made a huge offensive rebound that the TigerHawks were able to convert into points in their 55-53 win Friday in West Union. (Jerry Wadian photo)

NFV gals beat MFL/MM by 2

By Jerry Wadian
jwadian@thefayettecountyunion.com

The NFV girls won a thriller over visiting MFL/MM Friday in West Union, 55-53.

In their first meeting in November, the Bulldogs won handily, 54-43, and for a while Friday, it looked like the ‘Dogs would walk away with another easy win.

Kelli Kovarik, a teacher at North Fayette Valley High School and co-owner of K&K Gardens with her husband, Keith, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in November 2016. She had her thyroid removed on Jan. 3, and she now needs to receive a single radiation treatment and CT scan so the doctors can be sure the cancer didn’t spread. She encourages others to get their thyroid checked out, because if it is caught early enough, the cancer has a 98 percent cure rate. Chris DeBack photo

Spreading the word

By Chris Deback
cdeback@thefayettecountyunion.com

Living in a small town can be a curse as well as a blessing.

At least Kelli Kovarik of Hawkeye believes so, especially when it comes down to talking about that dreadful “C word,” cancer.

Being a private person, she was a little reluctant to sit down and talk about her ongoing experience with thyroid cancer.

However, a part of her realizes the importance of talking about it, not just for her own sake, but for the sake of others. Whether she’ll ever know it or not, her speaking up could save someone else’s life.