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Lexington students bring home national gold with STAR projects focused on period poverty and healthy eating
Washington D.C. was a trip to remember for three Lexington High School students who got the opportunity to share their Students Taking Action with Recognition projects on a national level when they ranked as the top two projects at state Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.
Both projects earned gold medals at the recent national conference.
Pictured from left to right: Jose Beltran, Sophia Burns and Sukaina Ahmed pose in front of a mural at Lexington High School as they celebrate earning two gold medals at the FCCLA national conference.
Seniors Sukaina Ahmed and Sophia Burns learned about “period poverty” — a term used to describe the cost of menstrual products and the way lower class households can struggle to purchase them — and saw a need in their community that they felt compelled to meet.
Sophomore Jose Beltran, then only a freshman, combined his passion for cooking with innovation and a desire to help his generation eat healthier by creating a green salsa with his project partner, Dana Vargas.
Together these four students made an impact on their school and community by deep diving into their projects and implementing their findings.
Ahmed and Burns stated that when they learned about “pink tax” — how there is sales tax on menstrual products — they were shocked.
“I never thought about it before,” Burns said. “And I really wanted to help.”
“That tax adds more money to it,” Ahmed said. “We had to do a project to help our school and community, so we did period products.”
Ahmed and Burns gave a presentation at both the state and national FCCLA conference about period poverty in Lexington and how Tyson closing down could have impacted women.
They spoke about how they made it their mission to make sure none of the young women in their school had to worry about getting supplies for their cycles while in the building.
The two young women teamed up to stock Lexington High School restrooms with menstrual products and Ahmed said, “I liked seeing them disappear and being able to refill them.”
Polls were posted by the girls and they found that the products were appreciated in the school, where prior to this year female students would have to pay 50 cents for a tampon in the school office or at a vending machine.
Ahmed and Burns were excited that the Nebraska Legislature passed LB 1050 after it had been brought to them in 2024. The bill requires public schools to supply free menstrual products for middle and high school students.
Ahmed said she believes that this act is being implemented into Lexington Public Schools for the 2026-27 school year and that it is her understanding that the school itself has to purchase the products they supply, both she and Burns are hopeful that LB 1050 will help with period poverty in Lexington.
Ahmed and Burns earned second at state FCCLA.
Beltran and Vargas took a different approach to their STAR project. They chose to do a project that combined innovation with healthy eating and had a focus on teens. They had to create a healthy food item and test it on their peers.
The team went with a green salsa and designed their jar and label to be appealing to their generation. Beltran explained that they were required to provide nutrition facts about their product and that it “had to be healthy and beneficial for teens with modern packaging.”
Beltran has been interested in cooking for as long as he could remember and he wanted to try something fun.
By doing his project on innovation and healthy eating he was able to attend a culinary class and expand his knowledge of culinary techniques.
Beltran and Vargas won first at state.
Beltran was excited to have the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. for nationals and share their project on a bigger scale. Unfortunately, Vargas could not attend with him due to family obligations.
Ahmed, Burns and Beltran packed their bags in July and headed to Washington D.C., after fundraising throughout the school year and summer for the trip.
They raised money through concessions, sucker sales and bake sales, with Ahmed saying that they were “grateful to the Lexington community and businesses for supporting them.”
While in Washington D.C., the trio presented their projects and went on several tours.
Burns and Ahmed stated that since both of them love the Broadway play “Hamilton” they took founding father wigs with them on the trip and wore them site seeing.
“Wearing them together on the monument night tour was probably my favorite memory,” Ahmed said.
The girls stated that they had learned about the monuments during their junior year of high school while taking a western civilization class and that being able to see them in person was a great experience.
Beltran said that he enjoyed experiencing a really big city for the first time and “I liked seeing a lot of new things and faces.”
He also shared that there was a bagel shop across the street from their hotel that he adored and went to every day in Washington D.C.
At the FCCLA National Leadership Conference, the three teenagers brought home two gold medals.
There were over 10,000 FCCLA members in attendance from across the 50 states and American territories. The conference gave them the chance to network and meet other high schoolers from across the country.
Burns and Ahmed earned gold for their chapter service project focused on period poverty and Beltran earned gold for his in the food innovations category.
“Even though this is only my second year of FCCLA, I’ve learned a lot. It has opened me up to a lot more opportunity’s,” Burns said. “It’s an amazing organization.”
“Even though we’re a small town, if you really put your mind into something and work hard, you can still accomplish a lot and go to nationals,” Beltran said.
For anyone interested in learning more about FCCLA or the STAR program a FCCLA kick-off meeting will be held Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. at the high school. All high schoolers and their families are invited to attend.
Around Town (copy)
The Around Town section of the Clipper-Herald is to notify the public of upcoming events and to publicize pertinent information from individuals, groups or service organizations.
LEXINGTON HAPPENINGS
Back to School Night at the Dawson County Raceway Sunday, Aug. 9 from 3:30-7:30 p.m.
Dawson County Ag Society monthly board meeting Monday, Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Dawson County Fairgrounds.
Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles Demo Days Saturday, Aug. 8 at noon and 3 p.m. Live vehicle demonstrations.
Lexington Area Farmer's Market at 237 Hardware on Saturdays from 8-11 a.m. and Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m.
Red Cross Blood Drive Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 201 E. Eighth St. To make an appointment, call Mag Fagot at 308-320-3280.
Lexington City Council meeting Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the city building.
Lexington Area Christian Women's Connection presents "Avoid the Fall!" Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 11:30 a.m. at Kirk's Nebraskaland Restaurant. Speaker is Mary Walton of Hutchinson, Kansas with a special feature from Family Physical Therapy and Sports Therapy. Reservations and cancellations by noon on Monday, Aug. 17. Call Sheri at 308-320-0952 or Jonelle at 308-325-8279.
Outdoor Movie Night sponsored by the Orthman Community YMCA Friday, Aug. 21 at 8:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Pavilion at Kirkpatrick Memorial Park.
Wine & Wings, Beer & Brats fundraiser night for the Blanche Senior Scholarship at Mac's Creek Thursday, Aug. 20 from 5-9 p.m.
Parkview Baptist Church holds a food pantry every third Saturday of the month at the Refuge Building (1105 Park St.) in Lexington.
The Dawson County History Museum is hosting “Coffee with Carol” the first Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Lexington Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. every fourth Monday of the month at the Lexington Grand Generation Center.
Lexington Rotary Club meets the first and third Tuesday of the month at Dawson County Annex Building at noon. For more information or to join call 308-325-7006.
The Dawson County Democrats meet at 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at the Los Jalapeños Restaurant.
American Legion in Lexington meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles.
WIC Clinic Sites, Dawson County: Lexington – Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska Building, 931 W. Seventh St., Tuesday through Thursday the first 4 full weeks for each month.
RYDE Transit — Public Transportation is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule a ride in Dawson County or Lexington call 308-324-3670. Public Transportation is easy to ride and open to everyone.
COZAD HAPPENINGS
76th Annual Camp Comeca Cookout Saturday, Aug. 8 from 5:30-8 p.m. No cost for admission and free will donations are appreciated.
Stop by Wilson Public Library any time during regular hours beginning Monday, Aug. 3, to complete a Catch the Crayons Scavenger Hunt. Pick up a challenge at the front desk and find all 12 crayons for a treat through Aug. 31.
Music Mondays: Monday, Aug. 10 with Rockin Woody from 5-8 p.m. at the Cozad Green Space.
Wilson Public Library hosts a button-making class on Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 3-5 p.m. Come as you are able.
Farmer and Rancher Appreciation Dine In/Drive Thru Burger Night Thursday, Aug. 13 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Cozad Grand Generation Center with free grocery boxes.
Liberty Quartet concert Friday, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Cozad Church of Christ, 2117 Newll St. Free admission.
Maker Market every Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. starting June 16 at The Green Space, east of 222 Hardware.
The Writing Society meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Wilson Public Library. Open to all writers of all levels and genres.
Blood Pressure Clinic at the Cozad Grand Generation Center the third Tuesday of every month at 11 a.m.
The Cozad Grand Generation Center has Home Delivered Meals to the Community Monday — Friday. If you would like to receive Home Delivered Meals or would like to pick up a Curbside Meal at 410 W. Ninth St. from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m., please call us at 308-784-2747 by 9:30 a.m. that morning, so we can arrange everything for your convenience.
The Cozad Grand Generation Center Bus is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. To schedule a ride in Cozad call 308-784-2747.
GOTHENBURG HAPPENINGS
Livin' Out Loud is set for Aug. 15-16 at Lake Helen.
26th Annual Gothenburg Health Foundation golf tournament Friday, Aug. 21 with a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start at the Wild Horse Golf Club.
MILLER HAPPENINGS
Miller Volunteer Fire Department Burger Bash Saturday, Aug. 15 from 5-7 p.m. at the Miller Community Hall.
ELWOOD HAPPENINGS
Gosper Prescribed Burn Association meeting Thursday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Elwood Fire Hall. RSVP for a meal by calling Josh Evans at 308-991-3026 or Andy Nation at 308-999-0609.
ON THE BIG SCREEN
LEXINGTON
Majestic Theatre, 615 N. Washington St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $6, Students/Senior Citizens $5, Child $4
SHOWTIMES:
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” (PG-13) - Aug. 8-9 and 12; Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
"Minions & Monsters" (PG) - Aug. 14-16, 19; Friday/Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
COZAD
Fox Theater, 100 E. Eighth St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $9, Student/Seniors/Military $8, 5 and under $6.50, Matinee (all ages) $6.50
SHOWTIMES:
"Spider Man Brand New Day" (PG-13) - Aug. 8-13; Saturday/Sunday at 7:10 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m.
"Odyssey" (R) - Aug. 8-13; Saturday/Sunday at 7 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7 p.m.
"Toy Story 5" (PG) - Aug. 8-13; Saturday/Sunday at 7:20 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m.
GOTHENBURG
Sun Theatre, 404 10th St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $5, Child (12 and under) $3, Senior Citizen $4
SHOWTIMES:
"Disney's High School Musical" (G) - Aug. 9; Sunday at 3 p.m.
“Fun Pianos” - Saturday, Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
"Moana" (PG) - Aug. 14-16; Friday/Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" (PG-13) - Aug. 21-23; Friday/Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
The Lexington Public Library hours are: Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. — 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m., Sunday: Closed. Watch for lots of fun programs and activities this summer. Also, we are continuing curbside services; call the library at 308-324-2151 for information.
Novel Stitchers meets on Tuesdays from 3-5 p.m. in the Board Room of the Library.
Storytime meets at the Library on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
The Wilson Public Library normal hours are: Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. — 6 p.m., Friday: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. and Saturday: 9 a.m. — 1 p.m. Public and private meetings have resumed, with 24-hour notice appreciated. Limits to how many attendees based upon room need, what equipment is available and other restrictions can be found by calling us at 308-784-2019 or stopping at the front desk. Normal policies about room rental can be found under Policies at wilsonpubliclibrary.org.
LEXINGTON GRAND GENERATION CENTER
The exercise room is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
MONDAY
10 a.m. - Frog
12:45 p.m. - I've Got It
TUESDAY
10:30 a.m. - I've Got It
11 a.m. - Christian Women
12:45 p.m. - Pool
1 p.m. - Bunco
2:30 p.m. - Hot Cookies
WEDNESDAY
12:45 p.m. - Cards
1 p.m. - Frog
THURSDAY
12:45 p.m. - Farkle
12:45 p.m. - Pool
FRIDAY
Noon - Birthday Dinner
12:45 p.m. - Cards
1 p.m. - Frog
LEXINGTON GRAND GENERATION CENTER MENU
Homemade bread every day. Choice of skim, 2% or chocolate milk. No reservations are needed except for large groups. Serving time: 11:30 a.m. Please call 308-324-2498 by 10 a.m. for delivery or carryout meals.
MONDAY
Pork with Fritter Gravy, Baby Bakers, Mixed Veggies, Apricots
TUESDAY
Polish Dog with Bun, Fries, Sauerkraut, Mac and Cheese, Mixed Fruit
WEDNESDAY
Swiss Steak, Hashbrown Casserole, Buttered Cabbage, Sliced Apples
THURSDAY
Sweet and Sour Chicken, Wild Rice, Broccoli, Cold Veggie Salad, Mandarin Oranges
FRIDAY
Beef Roast, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Corn, OJ Cup, Dinner Roll, Dessert
COZAD GRAND GENERATION CENTER
When Cozad schools are closed due to inclement weather, the center will also be closed. Check KRVN or the TV for weather related closings.
MONDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
12:45 p.m. - Board Meeting
1 p.m. - Pitch
TUESDAY
Noon - Rotary
1:15 p.m. - Foot Clinic
WEDNESDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
12:30 p.m. - Pinochle
THURSDAY
1 p.m. - Tai Chi
5 p.m. - Dine In/Drive Thru Burger Night
COZAD GRAND GENERATION CENTER MENU
Salad Bar is available daily with meals served from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
MONDAY
Chili Dogs, Tater Tots, Pea Salad, Strawberry Fluff, Apple Tartlets
TUESDAY
Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Peaches, Ice Cream
WEDNESDAY
Tuna Casserole, Corn, Creamy Fruit Salad, Ice Cream
THURSDAY
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, Carrots, Red Applesauce, Cupcakes
FRIDAY
Potato Soup, Ham Salad Sandwich, Fruit Mix, Cucumber Salad, Rice Krispie Bars
FARNAM SENIOR CENTER
The center will be closed on Fridays until further notice. When Eustis-Farnam Schools are closed due to the weather, the Senior Center will also be closed. Call ahead by 9:30 a.m. to get a meal 308-569-2359.
MONDAY
Sloppy Joes, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Fruit Salad
TUESDAY
Smothered Steak, Baked Potato, Carrots, Apricots, Dinner Roll
WEDNESDAY
John Wayne Casserole, Diced Potatoes, Green Beans, Peaches, Dinner Roll
THURSDAY
Oven Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Veggies, Peaches, Dinner Roll
GOSPER COUNTY SENIOR CENTER
All meals are served with vegetables, fruit and a sweet item. All meals are subject to change without notice. Please call by 10 a.m. for your reservation 308-785-2500. Suggested meal price is $8 for 60 and above and $9 for under 60.
MONDAY
Chicken Alfredo
TUESDAY
Hamburger and Veggie Casserole
WEDNESDAY
Salmon Patties
THURSDAY
Sloppy Nachos
FRIDAY
Egg Salad Sandwich
ORGANIZATIONS
It Works Group: AA meetings are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 1 p.m. at 303 E. Sixth St., in Lexington.
First Christian Church NA: meets Sundays at 7 p.m., Tuesdays at 8 p.m. 1206 N. Erie St., in Lexington.
Westside Group: AA/NA: open meeting on Monday and Friday nights from 7-8 p.m. Meetings are held at Grace Lutheran Church, 105 E. 17th St., Lexington, use the south door.
Women's Group: meets every Tuesday from 7-8 p.m. on the second floor lounge at the Dawson County Courthouse (700 N. Washington St.)
Celebrate Recovery: Meetings at 7 p.m. on Fridays at Parkview Baptist Church’s Refuge Building (1105 Park St., Lexington) Contact: 308-324-4410.
Four Roads Group AA: meetings are held on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m., Fridays from 7-8 p.m. and Sundays from 7 p.m. at 1801 W. 18th St., in Lexington.
Grupo Lexington AA (Spanish Speaking): open meetings on Saturdays from 8-9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon at 114 W. 6th St. in Lexington.
Group Nueva Vida Lexington (Spanish Speaking): open meetings on Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. at 114 W. Eighth St., in Lexington.
Full of Grace: Meetings from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Nazarene Church at 919 H St., in Cozad.
Southview Group: Meetings from 8-9 p.m. on Wednesdays at 1804 Papio Lane in Cozad.
SMART Recovery meets at St. Peter’s in the Valley Episcopal Church, 905 East 13th St., Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-8:30 p.m., Saturdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Sumner AA Group: meets Sundays and Tuesdays from 8-9 p.m. at 205 E. Fifth Avenue, in Sumner. For more information call 308-325-5827.
Bertrand Thurs Night Group: Meetings from 8-9 p.m. on Thursdays at Hope Lutheran Church, 74094 Road 436 in Smithfield. Call 308-785-3567 or 308-472-3376.
Odie Group AA/NA: meetings at 8 p.m. on Sundays in Elwood at 501 Calvert Avenue.
Pony Express Group AA: meetings are held from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Mondays at the Gothenburg Evangelical Free Church (515 18th St.) in Gothenburg.
Thirsty Thursday by the Cemetery: Meetings held on Thursdays from 7-8 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church (2002 27th St.) in Gothenburg.
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meetings are held the second Thursday each month at 2 p.m. at Lexington Regional Health Center (1201 N. Erie St., Lexington). For more information contact Dixie Menke at 308-325-5350.
Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska Immunization Clinic, first and third Mondays every month: Open 10 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. by appointment at 931 W. Seventh St., Lexington. Previous vaccination records required. Contact 308-325-3436 or 308-325-3169.
Dawson/Gosper County CASA: seeking Volunteers. CASA Volunteers are everyday people from all walks of life, who advocate through the court system in the interests of children. Contact 308-324-7364.
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What to know about your child’s first day of school as Dawson County prepares for a new school year
It’s August, and summer is beginning to wind down.
Local organizations are hosting back-to-school events, you've checked the school supply list enough times to rival Saint Nicholas, and the backpack, crayons, pencils and stack of notebooks are finally ready.
Now comes the next question: What should families know about the first day of school?
With teachers back in their buildings preparing lesson plans and participating in professional developments, school offices are sharing important information through social media, websites and open houses to help students and parents start the year with confidence.
Lexington’s soccer team handed out backpacks and school supplies to local students at a back-to-school event at the opportunity center on Wednesday, July 5. Elementary students were given needed supplies like crayons, markers and pencils while older grade levels were given backpacks.
Here's what families need to know from Dawson County's three largest school districts.
Lexington
Aug. 12 and 13 are the first days of school in Lexington, but start dates vary by grade level. Parents are encouraged to visit the district website or contact their child's school for the exact date and time their student returns. Preschool begins Aug. 19.
Lexington Public Schools Superintendent John Whetzal said families should review the district's school calendar and updated student handbooks, which are available on the district website.
"Since handbooks have been updated, we encourage all parents to give them a careful read," Whetzal said. "Supply lists have been sent out by building principals, but you can also find them on our website and official Facebook page, as well as at Lexington Walmart."
Drop-off, pick-up and first-week schedules vary by building and have been shared with parents. Families who have not yet received a welcome-back letter should not worry, Whetzal said, as details will also be available during the district's open house.
Open House will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, at each student's assigned school for kindergarten through 12th grade. Families will have the opportunity to meet teachers, tour classrooms and become familiar with the school before classes begin.
"We look forward to seeing all our students and families there," Whetzal said.
For more information, visit lexschools.org or call 308-324-4681. School supply lists are also available on the district website.
Cozad
Cozad students return to school Aug. 12. Elementary doors open at 7:30 a.m., while preschool doors open at 7:40 a.m.
Breakfast and Walking Club will be available from 7:30 to 8 a.m. for elementary students. The morning bell rings at 8 a.m., and teachers will escort students from the gym or cafeteria to their classrooms. The tardy bell rings at 8:05 a.m.
Preschool students may attend breakfast or choice activity beginning at 7:40 a.m. Parents must sign preschool students in and out each day through the Cozad Early Education Center entrance on the east side of the building.
Parents may park in marked stalls along C Street or in the church parking lot. Kindergarten through fifth-grade students should enter through the school's front entrance. The front drop-off lane on 14th Street operates as one-way traffic from east to west.
Families are also asked to keep the bus lane clear before and after school so buses can safely load and unload students.
"Our top priority is to keep students safe. Please abide by all rules of the road," Cozad Elementary Principal Justin Dowdy said. "As we prepare for another exciting school year, we encourage all Cozad Elementary families to take a few minutes to review our 2026-2027 Parent Guidebook."
The guidebook includes daily schedules, arrival and dismissal procedures, attendance policies, behavior expectations, communication resources and links to the district handbook. It is available online at https://aptg.co/SFRln7.
"A little preparation now helps ensure a smooth and successful start for everyone," Cozad Elementary said in a Facebook post. "We encourage every family to bookmark the guidebook and refer to it throughout the school year."
Elementary and preschool open houses will be held Tuesday, Aug. 11. Kindergarten begins at 5 p.m., while first through fifth grades and Cozad Early Education Center students begin at 5:30 p.m. Families can meet teachers and explore the school before classes begin.
For more information, visit cozadschools.net.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg students return to school Aug. 19.
Classes begin at 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:55 a.m. Dudley Elementary's tardy bell rings at 8:05 a.m., while secondary students are considered tardy after 8:10 a.m.
Kindergarten students will be dismissed early at 2:30 p.m. through Aug. 28. Teachers will escort students to the colored squares on the north side of Dudley Elementary for pickup.
Beginning Aug. 31, kindergarten dismissal will move to 3:25 p.m., five minutes before the rest of the district's students are dismissed at 3:30 p.m.
"We're ready for a great year," Superintendent Allison Jonas said. "Reminder to those riding electric scooters to walk them on campus, just like they would their bike. Obey all traffic laws including stop signs and yielding to pedestrians."
Parents who still need school supply lists can find them on Gothenburg Public Schools' Facebook page. Printed school calendars will be sent home with students and are also available at Flatwater Bank and Dayspring Bank. A digital calendar is available through GoBound at gobound.com/ne/schools/gothenburg.
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Trial begins for Aristh Rodriguez-Linares in connection to Jan. 21, 2025 shooting
The opening statements and first witness testimonies were heard Tuesday, Aug. 4, in the case against Aristh Rodriguez-Linares of Lexington in connection to the shooting death of Maykel Farinas Carballo.
Sandra Allen, state assistant attorney general, began opening statements in the state's case, including text messages between Rodriguez-Linares and the victim, the autopsy report and DNA analysis.
Rodriguez-Linares is charged with first-degree murder, a Class 1A felony; use of a firearm to commit a felony, a Class 1C felony; and unlawful/intentional discharge of a firearm, a Class 1D felony, in connections to Carballo’s shooting death on Jan. 21, 2025, in Lexington.
Allen said 11 bullets were fired from a handgun into a vehicle occupied by Carballo. Carballo was struck by gunfire six times, and found deceased.
In his opening statement, defense attorney David Tarrell said there were many phone calls and texts from Carballo sent to Rodriguez-Linares before the shooting took place.
A text from Carballo to Rodriguez-Linares said, "I'll go and teach you," Tarrell stated.
Tarrell claimed that Carballo went to Rodriguez-Linares home "looking for trouble."
He said that Rodriguez-Linares felt threatened for himself and his family.
Tarrell said that Carballo "came over when he was not welcome," and later attempted to run Rodriguez-Linares over before Rodriguez-Linares opened fire.
Following opening statements, the state called their first witness, Alayna Smith, the dispatcher who took the initial 911 call following the shooting.
Smith said she realized there was a language barrier with the woman speaking Spanish and used Rapid SOS to open a line of communication through a text translator.
Smith testified that a woman told her, "she needed help and to please come."
Officers with Lexington Police Department were dispatched to the scene at 75 Cypress Lane for a verbal disturbance with a language barrier.
The following three witnesses the state called upon were Lexington police officers Brylee Lauby, Jesse Evans and Edwin Perdomo.
Lauby was the first on the scene and Evans arrived shortly after.
After Lauby had separated Rodriguez-Linares and his wife Claudia Rodriguez inside the home, she directed Evans to the scene of the vehicle.
Evans testified that the vehicle was occupied by a male who was slumped over into the passenger side, the male was later identified as Carballo.
After casing the scene, Evans entered the home and asked Rodriguez-Linares "where the ‘pistola’ was?"
Evans located the handgun between the couch cushions in the living room of the defendants' home.
Perdomo, a sergeant, arrived on the scene after being notified of the language barrier.
After updating Perdomo on the situation, Perdomo told jurors he went to the vehicle where he witnessed the same scene as Evans.
The vehicle, a silver Monte Carlo, had both windows up and the doors were locked, he testified.
Perdomo said he used a baton to break the passenger window to gain entry, where he checked for a pulse on the victim. There was no pulse found.
The officers detained Rodriguez-Linares and placed him inside Evans' patrol vehicle, they testified.
All three officers described Rodriguez-Linares' demeaner as calm and cooperative with their commands.
The state called upon their fifth witness, Michael Baker, Lexington police criminal investigator.
He was called to the scene by Lexington Police Captain Phil Lauby.
Upon arriving to the scene, Baker noted that the Monte Carlo was still running and in drive.
Baker testified that they later identified Carballo by his ID they found in his wallet inside the vehicle.
He also testified that they located 11 bullet casings outside the 75 Cypress trailer home and recovered one casing on the hood of the vehicle.
Baker and other officers started collecting evidence into the early hours of Jan. 22, 2025.
The vehicle was towed to the LPD garage where they continued to collect evidence and began using trajectory rods on the bullet holes throughout the vehicle.
The trial recessed Tuesday as Lexington Criminal Investigator Baker was on the witness stand.
The trial continued Wednesday and Thursday morning with more witnesses taking the stand for the state.
Lexington Police Investigator Michael Baker resumed his testimony Wednesday morning, telling the jury he collected fingerprint evidence from the vehicle, finding Carballo’s fingerprints and several others, but not Rodriguez-Linares.
However, while investigating the vehicle Baker did notice what looked like a piece of paper or plastic sticking out of the driver side gas cap, he said, "It caught my attention," which prompted him to open the cap.
He found a plastic grocery bag inside before opening the bag to find a white, powdery like substance in smaller bags along with a cigarette box containing 14 individual baggies with the small white, powdery substance.
Baker conducted a field drug test on the substance that came back positive for cocaine.
The bags were then sent to the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab for testing. The results came back with 14.52 grams of methamphetamine and 16.563 grams of a mixture of methamphetamine and cocaine.
Baker testified that there were no firearms or other weapons found inside the Monte Carlo.
During the defense's cross of Baker, Attorney David Tarrell brought into evidence the Jan. 22, 2025, video interview police conducted with a minor.
The minor told a Lexington Middle School teacher that she had information about the shooting on Jan. 21.
In the interview video, Baker was questioning the minor with her mother present. The mother only spoke Spanish and no interpreter was brought in to translate.
Tarrell questioned Baker on the manner in which he conducted the interview, pointing out that Baker wrote the voluntary statement provided by the minor instead of having the minor write her own statement.
Baker said, "I've found it proves to be easier to write what is being said. Sometimes people don't know what to write down."
The court broke for a lunch recess before the state did a re-direct of Baker.
State Attorney General Sandra Allen questioned Baker on why they did not request DNA on the bags of drugs collected from the vehicle's gas cap.
"It was not a priority at the time," Baker said.
Allen then called on Lexington Police Investigator Lucas Pinkelman, who testified that upon arriving to the scene it was already locked down, so he went to the Lexington Police Department to process Rodriguez-Linares.
At LPD, Pinkelman conducted a test for gunshot residue and collected DNA for bodily fluids on the finger tips of Rodriguez-Linares.
After processing Rodriguez-Linares, Pinkelman took photos of the suspect before taking him to the jail and collecting his clothes and an iPhone.
Pinkelman testified that the iPhone, owned by Rodrigues-Linares, was sent to the Kearney Police Department after obtaining a search warrant to collect text messages, call logs and other information.
The call log revealed that there were 10 calls from Carballo to Rodriguez-Linares on the night of the shooting, of which one call was answered.
Emily Anderson, Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab forensic scientist, was the next to take the stand, telling jurors that the lab received three finger swabs taken from Rodriguez-Linares, the handgun and magazine.
Anderson testified that she found two sets of DNA on the gun, but made "no comparisons due to the complexity of the DNA found.”
However, there were a mixture of four individual sets of DNA found on the magazine to which Rodriguez-Linares could be included in the mixture of DNA.
Anderson concluded in her results that Carballo's DNA was excluded in the mixture of DNA on the magazine.
Testing was provided on the DNA swab sent in by LPD on the swabs of Rodriguez-Linares' fingers.
Anderson found that Rodriguez-Linares was the major contributor of the DNA found under the left index fingernail and right index finger, and Rodriguez-Linares was included into the DNA found in the sample of the thumb swab.
Anderson provided further DNA testing in a second round submission of the 16 bags of drugs found in the vehicle. Anderson told jurors she received the bags on June 12, concluding that three separate DNA matches were found on the two larger bags in which Rodriguez-Linares was included on both.
Anderson reported that two partial DNA matches were found on the 14 small bags but no comparisons were made.
In Tarrell's cross of Anderson, he noted that Anderson voiced concerns to Allen on testing for DNA on all the drug bags after over a year of them sitting in evidence with LPD.
"It's not the typical order of operations," Anderson said. "We try to follow the 'best practice.'"
However, Anderson concluded that there was no indication of contamination.
The case resumed Thursday morning with Rodriguez-Linares' step-father Arleix Viciendo taking the stand.
Viciendo testified that he was working at Tyson the night of the shooting, and received a message in Spanish from Rodriguez-Linares on WhatsApp but he did not see it until later due to being at work.
Tarrell, in cross examination, questioned Viciendo, asking, "Did you know Mykal?"
"No, I only knew him as a cook at Tyson," Viciendo answered.
The second witness called was Maria Linares, mother of Rodriguez-Linares.
Allen questioned if Linares remembered in her deposition that Carballo told her that he records all conversations he has.
Linares said that she took that as a threat.
In the cross of Linares, Tarrell questioned Linares about why she didn't want Carballo in her home.
"Because I didn't want him there," she said. "I thought something was happening. I felt threatened."
Tarrell said that at some point Carballo had asked Linares and Rodriguez-Linares if he could move in with them. The family declined.
"He was only welcome at my home twice," Linares said.
The state then called Nebraska State Patrol Sgt. Dion Neumiller to the stand, who reconstructed the shooting scene in May 2026.
Allen asked Neumiller if he had any concerns with the vehicle being moved and sitting outside for that long that could change bullet patterns. Neumiller said, "yes."
Neumiller directly compared his trajectory findings to FARO scans collected by the Kearney Police Department on the night of the shooting.
He found 17 bullet defects outside and inside the vehicle.
Neumiller concluded that it was unreasonable to do an accurate sequence of the bullet patterns "because of time, heat/thawing cycles and the car being moved."
He testified that his findings placed the Monte Carlo to the east of the original location Baker had marked.
Allen questioned Neumiller on the approximate location the shooter would have been from the original spot of the vehicle.
"The shots originated from the front right and to the right of the car," Neumiller said. "That is the likely position based on my analysis."
In the cross of Neumiller, Tarrell questioned the directions the bullets traveled through the laminated glass and if that had any impact on where the bullet fragments were found inside the Monte Carlo.
Neumiller said, "Yes, it does impact how they travel."
Neumiller also testified that the location of the shell casings had limited value on determining where the shooter was located.
After a lunch recess, the state called Amy Weber, a firearm and tool mark analyst with the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab, to the stand. Weber tested the Glock 19 found at the crime scene, comparing 11 fired casings and 13 bullet fragments that were sent to the lab by LPD.
Weber testified that the bullets were "very damaged to different degrees" and "they all had a lot of damage."
Her report on the bullet fragments provided a very limited conclusion, she told jurors.
Allen asked Weber if she was able to identify if the bullet fragments were fired from the Glock 19.
"No, I was not," Weber said.
Weber testified that the 11 fired cartridges recovered from the scene were fired from a Glock 19 handgun submitted as evidence in the case.
The last witness to testify Thursday was James White, Jr., property manager of Willow Ridge Court, the trailer park where the shooting happened.
White was called to the stand to testify that a surveillance camera caught audio recording of the gunshots.
The witness was excused from the stand, and court recessed until Friday morning.
