When Joey traveled to Mexico to celebrate his grandmother’s 103rd birthday, he expected a weekend of family and celebration. Instead, he found himself under shelter-in-place orders after the reported killing of a major cartel leader sparked violence, burning roadblocks, and blocked highways across parts of the country.

In this exclusive interview, Joey describes attempting a midnight drive to the airport, encountering flaming semitrailers blocking the highway, hearing gunshots, and watching an entire town fall silent overnight.

While resort visitors may be experiencing limited disruptions, Joey is staying with local family members in a smaller community — offering a firsthand perspective few outside the region are hearing.

This is his story, in his own words.

North Platte Mayor Brandon A. Kelliher joins Allison Peck to recap a short City Council meeting, including a road-maintenance equipment purchase and a plan to buy and clear a dilapidated property using state grant funds. Kelliher also discusses the importance of voter turnout heading into 2026, key election dates and why residents should take time to learn about candidates and local issues.

Jeff Smelter with Mid-Plains Community College joins Allison Peck to talk about a wide variety of upcoming community education opportunities. From a four-week quilting class and breathwork sessions to retirement planning workshops, hunter education and the annual Summer Launchpad youth event, there’s something for all ages. Plus, details on upcoming CDL truck driving classes. Listen for dates, costs and registration information.

Mid-Plains Community College President Ryan Purdy and Marketing and Public Relations Director Daniel Stinman recap the latest Board of Governors meeting. They discuss the ribbon cutting for the new state-of-the-art electrical technology building on the North Platte campus, upcoming facility upgrades, tuition and housing rate adjustments for 2026-27, and more than $1 million in available scholarships. The next board meeting is set for March 18.

February is Nebraska 4-H Member Month, and there’s no better time for families to explore what 4-H has to offer. In this episode, Caitlyn Jacobson with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension shares details about upcoming communication contests, project areas and a 4-H open house in Lincoln County.

Local 4-H member Liam Pederson also joins the conversation to talk about competing in dog agility with his Portuguese water dog, earning Top Dog honors at the Lincoln County Fair and how 4-H helped him discover a talent for public speaking.

Hear how 4-H builds confidence, teaches lifelong skills and connects youth with mentors across Lincoln, Logan and McPherson counties.

Brody Cleveland, chair of the Home Show Committee, joins Allison Peck to talk about the 2026 Oregon Trail Builders Home Show at the Keith County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall. He shares details on expanded vendor participation, the return of the Freewheel pancake feed, the popular Lego building contest for kids, food trucks and new $1,000 prize package giveaways. The free, family-friendly event runs Feb. 21-22 and promises something for everyone.

North Platte Chamber and Development Corporation CEO and President Gary Person joins Allison Peck to recap the 2026 Farm and Ranch Expo, discuss two key bills at the Nebraska Legislature that could shape the Hershey Rail Park and inland port authority, and share the latest on major housing projects and planning efforts across North Platte and Lincoln County.

On today's episode of Knight's Weekly, Paxton sat down with Jacob Brandl, Head Coach of the North Platte Community College Men's Basketball team, to talk about the team's most recent struggles and what could be the cause. We also discussed what he envisions the team needs to do going forward to get back to the successes the team had earlier in the semester.

Jeff Smeltzer joins Paxton Gordon to talk about upcoming Mid-Plains Community College events, including Valentine’s Day knitting and crochet classes, a Podcast Basics 101 lunch-and-learn, a business startup workshop, and a three-part breathwork series in March. Learn how to get involved and register for upcoming community classes.

Singer-songwriter Rascal Martinez joins Allison Peck to talk about his upcoming Friday night concert at the Prairie Arts Event Center. Martinez shares what fans can expect from the laid-back, intimate show, including original music, classic covers and a chance to request songs. Tickets are available now, with general admission and VIP packages offered ahead of Valentine’s Day weekend.