Teachers take on summer's coolest jobs

With school beginning next week, summer's end is in sight. What did you do over summer vacation? While the question may be a first-day ice breaker, a teacher's response may surprise you.

Several teachers run their own side business in the summer to keep them busy and gain a little extra cash.

Kindergarten teacher, Taryl Bazelman stayed busy throughout the summer by offering car detailing and creating custom T-shirts. She also makes shirts throughout the school year. Individuals interested in ordering custom T-shirts or getting a vehicle detailed may call or text Bazelman at 308-201-0149.

Bonnie Mitchell, special education teacher, runs her own business called Cut Across Creations. The small business offers custom signs made from wood and barn wood. She also makes custom T-shirts, and Bobcat apparel that can be purchased at Roots by Jaci, in Clearwater.

Mitchell also offers key chains, hats, earrings and farmhouse beads. Cut Across Creations is a public Facebook group that anyone can shop from.

Emily Heithoff, music and band instructor, worked part time at River Mill Coffee Company, in Neligh. She also spent her summer taking her daughter to the pool, working cattle and gardening.

"I'm excited to work at River Mill, keep myself busy and meet new people," said Heithoff.

Katie Schneider, English teacher, spent her summer writing a book. She said she started writing books at age 18 and finished one whole book while in college. Since then, she has written two more. Schneider has been reviewing her most recent book and making edits. She is in process of finding an agent.

Schneider also co-directed the "Beauty and the Beast" musical in O'Neill this summer with another Summerland English teacher, Julie Harley.

Lisa Cook, math teacher, looked forward to spending summer months with her new grandbaby. She said all three of her kids were moving, so she planned to stay busy helping them get situated.

Krista Holliday, science teacher, competed in one of the largest barrel races in the world. Holliday traveled to Shawnee, Oklahoma, in June, to compete amongst 1,800 participants.

"Other than that, we just take care of our cattle and live the good life," Holliday said.

Mike Odell, industrial technology teacher, was excited to spend his summer with his granddaughter. He also attended a college class in Wayne.

First-grade teacher, Sierra Summers is a Beachbody coach and she also mowed yards for people in Ewing.

Kalee Michaelson, fourth-grade teacher, spent time with her kids this summer. She is also a Beachbody coach.

Becky Eickholt, family consumer science teacher, made cakes and cupcakes for people and special events throughout the summer. She also spent time with her grandchildren.

Sixth-grade teacher, Tabetha Frank, took a three-week trip to Florida to visit Disney World with her niece after school dismissed. She also runs a food truck in the summer called Cakes and Cream Cafe. The food truck travels between Neligh, Creighton, Albion and Plainview during summer months. Sometimes, her niece helps her in the summer, but this year, Kaylee Hauf assisted her.

Some of the items on her menu include burgers and pulled-pork sandwiches and pineapple-, watermelon-, orange- or vanilla-flavored dole whips. The truck normally travels on Mondays and Tuesdays.

"My favorite item from the food truck is the citrus swirl, which is orange and vanilla ice cream with Fanta on top. It's like a dreamsicle," Frank said.

For more information on the food truck's location, check the Facebook Page, Cakes and Cream Cafe.