50 Yard Challenge: Janesville teen offers free lawn care to those in need

JANESVILLE — Janesville teen Kadin Govan is making a difference for his neighbors and the broader community, mowing his way through the 50 Yard Challenge.

Govan, 14, an incoming freshman at Craig High School, has mowed 17 lawns in the past week as part of the nationwide program in which kids age 8 to 17 provide free lawn care for the elderly, disabled, single parents, veterans and others in need.

Govan was introduced to the challenge by his grandmother, who discovered it on Facebook. “It sounded fun,” Govan said.

The challenge rewards participants with a brand new lawn mower, weed eater and blower upon completing 50 lawns. After finishing the challenge, Govan hopes to continue mowing lawns for money.

Community support has been a significant part of Govan’s journey.

Debbie Millen, a mutual acquaintance of Govan’s mother, Amanda Rochenbuehler, introduced the family to Fourth Ward Neighborhood Action Team member Ed Hookham, who facilitated the loan of a gas lawn mower to Govan.

“I also post on community pages on Facebook and a lot of people were interested in getting their lawns mowed,” Rochenbuehler said. “One of the ladies that commented lives in a neighborhood that was hit by the tornado, so she also told her neighbors. We’ve been going there almost every day.”

Rochenbuehler helps Govan by transporting the mower and taking photos of the lawns before and after mowing, as required by the challenge. The support from the community has been heartwarming.

“People are really excited about what he’s doing,” Rochen- buehler said. “One guy gave him a six-pack of soda and a half-bag of candy. He even filled his mower with gas. Another lady gave him a big thermos to keep his drinks cold.”

Govan said the experience has been rewarding, particularly the opportunity to meet new people. “They’re nice,” he said.

Govan has also received a free t-shirt, sunglasses and ear protection as part of the challenge.

“I think it’s nice for people in the community who might not have the time to mow their lawns,” Govan said.