Students tuned-up lawnmowers and made repairs to make sure they were yard-ready
MARSHALL, Mich. – Calhoun Intermediate School District (CISD) students participating in the Calhoun Area Career Center’s (CACC) Power Equipment Technology program (PET) recently partnered with the Calhoun County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA), repairing lawnmowers used to mow and maintain vacant properties owned by the CCLBA. A portion of the cost of the materials needed for the repairs was covered by a donation from Calhoun County Treasurer, and Land Bank Board Chair, Brian Wensauer.
“We’re grateful to the students taking part in the CACC’s Power Equipment Technology program for lending their expertise to repair and service Neighborhood Mow & Maintenance lawnmowers ahead of the mowing season,” said Krista Trout-Edwards, CCLBA executive director. “We pride ourselves on leveraging creative partnerships to help improve our properties in Calhoun County, and this partnership with the CISD/CACC continues that record of success.”
The Neighborhood Mow & Maintenance program (NMM) allows local groups to earn money for neighborhood projects, youth group activities, nonprofit events and other efforts by mowing and maintaining vacant properties owned by the CCLBA from April to October. The CACC students assisted these groups by offering repair services including oil changes, checking spark plugs and sharpening the blades on approximately 12 of the lawnmowers used to maintain and beautify hundreds of vacant lots in the area.
“This was a great opportunity for our students to give back to their community by tuning-up and servicing the lawnmowers used to clean up vacant lots owned by the Land Bank,” said Jason Kubasiak, PET program instructor. “We’d like to thank Calhoun County Treasurer Brian Wensauer for his generous donation to cover the cost of materials and Noah Booton for taking charge of this project and seeing it through.”
Noah Booton, a junior in the PET program, took initiative with the project, ensuring these organizations were provided with necessary tune-ups and recruiting students for the project.
The PET program is designed to prepare students for future careers repairing powered equipment, offering basic fabrication skills, and training students to troubleshoot and repair equipment with an emphasis on small engines, diesel engines and medium- to heavy-duty vehicle repairs.

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