Food For Valley Center

Originally Aired: June 20, 1938 The Lone Ranger #842, "Food For Valley Center," finds the masked rider and Tonto investigating corruption at an Army post distributing flood relief supplies. When melting snow and floodwaters devastate several communities near the Northfield Army post, the government sends food and supplies for those in need. However, Lieutenant Spade Calhoun, temporarily in charge during Captain Curtis's absence, has partnered with a civilian named Squint Merkel to profit from desperate flood victims. Merkel intercepts people on the trail to the fort, convincing them to pay cash for food he claims is set aside for him, though the victims still receive their rations at the fort anyway. The situation escalates when Dell Sturgis arrives from Valley Center seeking food for his entire town. After confronting Calhoun about the scheme and threatening to expose both him and Merkel to the captain, Sturgis becomes a target. Calhoun orders Merkel to silence Sturgis permanently, but the Lone Ranger and Tonto intercept Dell on the trail before violence can occur. Now the masked man must stop the corrupt lieutenant's operation and ensure the flood victims receive the help they desperately need.