Tactless Sheriff | The Cisco Kid (08-03-54)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Tactless Sheriff | The Cisco Kid (08-03-54)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: June 3, 2025

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rhynes immerses listeners in a meticulously restored classic Western drama featuring the legendary hero, The Cisco Kid. Through enhanced audio quality, Rhynes brings to life the vivid sounds and rich storytelling that defined the golden age of radio Westerns.

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Plot Overview

The episode, titled "Tactless Sheriff," centers around the conflict between the honorable but unpopular Sheriff Bill McCann and the unscrupulous Big Jack Alton, a rancher with sinister motives. Set in Dawson County during the 1870s, the story unfolds with cattle rustling threatening the peace of the frontier town.

Key Plot Points:

1. Introduction of Sheriff McCann:

   • Sheriff McCann is portrayed as a "grim, taciturn man of few words" who strictly adheres to his duties, making him disliked among the townsfolk (00:50).

2. Rustling Scheme by Big Jack Alton:

   • Big Jack Alton devises a plan to rustle his own cattle to frame Sheriff McCann for negligence, aiming to oust him from office (02:30).
   • Alton collaborates with his men, Mose and Brick, to execute this deceitful strategy (04:10).

3. Cisco Kid's Investigation:

   • The Cisco Kid and his trusty companion, Pancho, arrive in town to pay respects to Sheriff McCann, suspecting foul play (06:00).
   • Their interactions with Miss Kitty reveal underlying tensions and the sheriff's strained relationships within the community (06:09).

4. Confrontation and Capture:

   • As Cisco and Pancho investigate, they are ambushed by Alton's men, leading to a high-stakes confrontation where Cisco is captured (12:00).
   • The Sheriff is also apprehended, intensifying the plot as Cisco vows to uncover the truth and clear the sheriff's name (16:30).

5. Climactic Showdown:

   • The episode builds to a dramatic showdown where Cisco confronts Big Jack Alton, exposing his treachery and restoring justice to Dawson County (20:00).

6. Resolution and Romance:

   • With Alton defeated, peace is restored, and a budding romance between Cisco and Miss Kitty adds a heartfelt conclusion to the adventure (24:30).

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Character Highlights

1. Sheriff Bill McCann (00:50 - 08:30):

   • Traits: Honest, hardworking, serious, and disliked by many for his austere demeanor.
   • Role: Central to the conflict, his integrity is questioned by Alton's manipulative scheme.

2. Big Jack Alton (02:30 - 16:30):

   • Traits: Cunning, ambitious, unscrupulous.
   • Role: Antagonist who orchestrates the rustling plot to unseat Sheriff McCann and control the local cattle industry.

3. The Cisco Kid (00:50 - 24:34):

   • Traits: Courageous, clever, charismatic.
   • Role: Protagonist who seeks to uncover the truth behind the rustling and defend Sheriff McCann, embodying the classic Robin Hood archetype.

4. Pancho (00:50 - 24:34):

   • Traits: Loyal, resourceful, wise.
   • Role: The Cisco Kid's faithful sidekick, providing support and wisdom throughout their endeavors.

5. Miss Kitty (06:09 - 25:12):

   • Traits: Strong-willed, compassionate, intelligent.
   • Role: Sheriff's daughter who becomes an ally to the Cisco Kid, adding depth to the narrative with her own stakes in the sheriff's predicament.

6. Mose and Brick (04:10 - 21:00):

   • Traits: Henchmen, loyal to Alton, ruthless.
   • Role: Assist Alton in his schemes, representing the physical threat to Cisco and the Sheriff.

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Key Discussions and Insights

• Moral Complexity in Law Enforcement:

  • Sheriff McCann's character challenges the notion of popularity being synonymous with justice. His unwavering commitment to duty, despite personal unpopularity, raises questions about leadership and integrity in law enforcement.

• Manipulation and Corruption:

  • Big Jack Alton's strategy to rustle his own cattle to frame the sheriff exemplifies corruption and the lengths individuals may go to seize power. This plot device serves as a critique of how power can be abused for personal gain.

  Big Jack Alton: "I want a lot of rustling done... so Sheriff McCann won't get the speakers of me." (03:45)

• Heroism and Vigilantism:

  • The Cisco Kid embodies the archetypal Western hero—brave, just, and willing to take risks to uphold righteousness. His actions highlight the theme of vigilantism, where individuals step beyond formal structures to achieve justice.

• Community and Relationships:

  • The interactions between characters like Miss Kitty and Cisco underscore the importance of community ties and personal relationships in overcoming adversity. Their alliance illustrates how collective effort can counteract individual malfeasance.

• Audio Restoration and Storytelling:

  • The podcast's emphasis on digitally restoring classic radio dramas enhances the listener experience, making the stories more immersive and accessible to modern audiences. This preservation effort ensures that timeless Western tales continue to resonate.

  Andrew Rines: "Immerse yourself in the golden age of radio, now reborn with a richness and clarity that surpasses the vintage versions." (00:30)

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Conclusion

In "Tactless Sheriff," the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast delivers a thrilling narrative enriched by dynamic characters and intricate plotlines. Through the Cisco Kid's quest for justice, listeners are treated to a story that blends action, moral dilemmas, and heartfelt moments. Andrew Rhynes' expert restoration work shines, offering a high-quality auditory journey into the Wild West that honors the legacy of classic radio dramas.

For those unfamiliar with the episode, this summary encapsulates the essence of the story, highlighting the central conflict, character dynamics, and overarching themes that make "Tactless Sheriff" a memorable addition to the Old Time Radio Westerns series.

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Notable Quotes

• Big Jack Alton on Rustling Scheme:

  "I want a lot of rustling done... so Sheriff McCann won't get the speakers of me." (03:45)

• Miss Kitty on Sheriff McCann:

  "You're standing right in the middle of the walk, Mr. Alton. And I'm in a hurry to get to you." (06:16)

• The Cisco Kid on Justice:

  "We will take care of them in due time. Right now this is more important." (18:32)

• Sheriff McCann's Defiance:

  "I'll never resign." (20:50)

These quotes encapsulate pivotal moments in the episode, underscoring the characters' motivations and the escalating tension between good and evil.

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Join Andrew Rhynes each month for over 80 episodes of digitally restored Western radio dramas, faithfully bringing classic tales like Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger to life with unparalleled audio quality. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the genre, the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast offers an engaging and immersive listening experience that honors the spirit of the Wild West.

Transcript

[Cisco Kid]

Packages by Expedia. You were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights, hotels and hammocks for less. Expedia Made to travel.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Cisco Kid]

Here's adventure, here's romance. Here's the famous Robin Hood of the Old West. Now the Cisco gives in our exciting story. Attackless sheriff. Although Bill McCann, sheriff of Dawson county in the 1870s, was an honest hard working man, he was not popular. Bill McCann was not hail fellow well met. He didn't joke with the boys in the cafe or passed the time of day on the street corners. Quite the opposite. He was a grim, taciturn man of few words who stuck to the business of his office. It is why there were those who wanted him out of office. As our story opens, it is late afternoon. Just before dusk. Two riders out on the range are herding some 20 head of cattle. Seems kind of funny prick to be rustling the boss's cattle. Sure does, Mose. Especially on his own say so? I don't know. But he's got some reason, you can bet on that. Big Jack Hobbs don't do nothing without a reason. Hey, who's this? It's Big Jack. Whoa. Howdy, boys. Just wanted to be sure you got out them cattle. We did, Jack. We're heading them over to Black Canyon like you said. That's what he heard, didn't you, boss? That's right. Just enough so I can afford it to that blasted Sheriff McCann. What's the idea, Jack? I'll ride along a ways with you. Come on, get up. Get up. Get up. The idea is I want an awful lot of rustling done in this valley between now and Lexington time. I want some of my own cattle included. So McCann won't get the speakers of me. You'd be losing money. Ever know me to lose money, Brick? Don't worry. I got it all arranged. To sell the cattle to that trailer. I'll sell the other cattle to rustle him too. What you want to talk up is that the sheriff can't stop the rustling. Huh? That's it, Mose. Best way to get him out of office is for a ranch of rustling to break out in this town. You're sore cause that daughter of his gave you the gold buyer, huh, Jack? That's enough of that. But look, boys. What if the sheriff Gets all these cattle back. And your plan will backfire, won't it? He won't round them up. The dealer will have his riders on hand to drive the cattle out the south end of Black Canyon. Soon as we heard him. In the south end of Black Canyons. Only six miles in the border. Nope. Not a chance of this plan going wrong. Almost get dark now. Cisco and Pancho build a campfire. No. Say, that is a good idea, Pancho. I would help to bring in some firewood. Wood upon the block. Let's walk up there. May we go to the town of Dorsey? Our good friend Sheriff Bill Phantom told me to be sure and call upon Sheriff McCann whenever we're in this county. So we will visit Sheriff McCann. Sheriff find him also say Sheriff McCann not got much to say since true. See, he told us that too. Pile of firewood, fono. So let us eat. Take an arm full. And we wait. Cattle are coming this way. Just why are those cattle moving at this time of day? You sure are smart, Tank Private. Sure is, Rick. I never heard nobody rustle his own paddle. I told you the reason, Mo. And it's a good reason, too. By the beast, you spoke hombre Russell's own carlet. According to what we just heard, that is what that hombre Pontiac is doing the moment does not make much sense to me. Was this German consciousness? He will tell the sheriff about us in the morning, amigo. When we call to see him. Not tell the sheriff tonight. We have nothing important to tell him, Poncho. Unless you are a man wants to rustle his own cattle, he has that right. I would not call that rustling. But let us remember the names we heard, Poncho. Mo, Blick and Jack. There must be something behind all. Morning, Miss kitty.

[Miss Kitty]

Good morning, Mr. Alton.

[Cisco Kid]

Now, now, you don't have to call me Mr. Alton. What's the matter with just plain Jack?

[Miss Kitty]

You're standing right in the middle of the walk, Mr. Alton. And I'm in a hurry to get to you.

[Cisco Kid]

I heard you was doing the paperwork for your father. I want to see him. Shoes. So I'll walk along with you. There's a big dance next week over in Shelton. I'd admire to have you go with me, Miss Kitty. You don't need to get uppity about it, Mr. Alton.

[Miss Kitty]

You stand around the street corner telling how my father ought to be out of the sheriff's office. You can expect me to be up maybe.

[Cisco Kid]

I wouldn't talk that way if he was nicer than me.

[Miss Kitty]

Mr. Alton wants to see you.

[Cisco Kid]

There. What about the money you had on my cattle that run off last night, Sheriff? What are you gonna do about it? Well, why not later on today, Alton. Later on? What's the matter with right now? First come, first served. Old Pam Miller had a harness stole out of his shed last night. You ain't putting a measly harness ahead of cattle rustling, are ya? I said first come, first served. I'll get out to your place when I can. Fine share of you are. Hey, boys. Here's a hot one for you. The sheriff figures a harness is more important than.

[Miss Kitty]

Couldn't you gave him some little more pleasant.

[Cisco Kid]

Pleasant? What did I say was wrong then?

[Miss Kitty]

Katie, I know you don't like Jack Alton. I don't either. But when he comes here on business like that, you must feel more easy.

[Cisco Kid]

I heard what he said and I told him what I'd do. I ain't called upon to be a handshaker, daughter, and I ain't going to be. And that harness is just as important to old Sam as those cattle are to Alton. And I'll be back in a couple of hours. I shall remember your manners.

[Miss Kitty]

I don't mind nice compliments like that. Take a care of the Cisco kids.

[Cisco Kid]

This is me from Garo Fan. You need a video as much as me.

[Miss Kitty]

I've heard a lot about your foes. What can I do for you?

[Cisco Kid]

We came here to pay our respects to the sheriff.

[Miss Kitty]

I'm sorry to dance again.

[Cisco Kid]

We will come back later. Oh, by the way, who is that big hombre talking to those men out on the street?

[Miss Kitty]

His name's Altus.

[Cisco Kid]

The Galo rancher?

[Miss Kitty]

Yes.

[Cisco Kid]

Where does he live?

[Miss Kitty]

Why are you asking about him, sister?

[Cisco Kid]

Let us call it my curiosity, senorita. Aside from that, that hombre is not friendly to the sheriff.

[Miss Kitty]

I know he isn't. It worries me too, Cisco, but Jack Alton has a lot of influence in this town. With the election's not far away.

[Cisco Kid]

Do not bore Cisco saying. You either, Cisco. Like to listen to you. No. I'm going to have to talk to you. Please believe me, senorita, when I say Pancho and I are on the sheriff's side. The big om. By the way. Hey, Poncho. I would like to know where that Alton omri is going. Why don't you like to know, too? We will see you later, senorita. Goodbye. Whoa, Mo's Brick. You in the cabin? Yep. Saw you riding up the trail, Jack. Come on in. Just getting ourselves some grub, Jack. Have them. Nope. We ain't hungry. Rode up here to see how your boys made out last night. We wrestled a hunter ahead, all told. Down below in the canyon, waiting for that trader. Had he got there yet? Hadn't when he left to come up here to eat. Got held up somehow or other. What's the matter with that horse? He's been plumbing easy for the past five minutes. Only on account of you riding up, sir. Maybe he's just the same. I'll go out and take a look around. I wouldn't if I were you, Alton. I turned it to general. Get your hands up, all of you. You got a hundred head of Russell cattle down in the canyon. Thought you was riding out to Sam Miller's. Didn't have to. Met Sam riding in. He told me he found his harness. Just mislaid it. When I saw you riding up the hill trail, Alton, I figured I'd come up by a quartering trail just to see what was going on. Smart, huh? Smart enough. So I've watched your operations for the past two months, Alton. All right, Moose, put down that cup. Sure, I'll put it down, Sheriff, after I give you what's in it. You gun with a flicker. Mighty nice work, Mo. This thing. I had this cup filled with hot coffee. Better keep an eye out for tepees. Sheriff works alone. Brett, Elmer his time. I'll take a look down the trail. What are we going to do with him, boss? Any tomorrow? No. Not yet, anyway. We'll take him back to my ranch. Maybe I can make a deal with him. Come to think of it, I'm sure I can make a deal with him. Hey, there's a couple of riders coming up the trail. Who are they? I don't know. Never saw them before. I'll take a look. What that Cisco Kid? She was lazy. It's a Cisco Kid. And his partner needs a mighty bite hombre to tangle with. He's on the side of the low hallway. We try to gun him down quick. Wait a minute. He might not be after us. Get the sheriff out of the way. You umries talk to him and I'll get out behind the cabin and listen. One of he is after us, boss. Then we'll gun him down mighty quick. The or h ride a long way up into the hill, see? But we could be catching up with him any moment now. Is Gavin just ahead of us to h watch his commotion? He'd be the ones who were with him on the mesa last night. Whatever. Buenos Aires, senores. Buenos Aires, senores. What are you hombres want up here? There are strangers in these country, senor, we're riding around to get acquainted with the territory. Get acquainted with the territory? Well, you better turn around and ride back down. Don't you think we'll come up here. Get going. Are we on your property, senor? Don't make no difference whether you are or not. I said get going. I do not like orders, hombre. Well, then by I would not go for that kind of a riot. Might not be healthy for you. This goes through very fast, hombre. No. Don't dare to put away that gun and get down off his horse. Disco and I'd fight with cattle rustlers. What's that? Thank you. I think what he did is he'd go. Cattle rustlers, huh?

[Miss Kitty]

Parkin.

[Cisco Kid]

I mean that to him. Well, Cisco, you got the nerve to get down off that horse. Any man that pulls a gun on me has to fight. Unless he's yellow. I will hold again. Now what are you going to do? Don't move, Cisco. I got you covered from the corner of this cabin here. Get your hands up. You, on that horse. Get down. If I. You get down. Good work, Jack. Guess we got the Cisco Kid now. Cattle rusters, huh, Humb? You signed a death warrant for both of you when you said that. And Big Jack Alton meant exactly what he said. In just a moment, we'll return to a Cisco Kid. Now back to the Cisco kids in our exciting story, the Stackless Sheriff. When Cisco became suspicious that Big Jack Alton was deliberately rustling his own paddle in order to build a case of negligence against Sheriff Bill McCann, whom he hated, he and Pancho tracked Alton into the hills. While Cisco was engaged, Jack stepped up from behind and held our friends at gunpoint. Now, Exec Guns bows. With pleasure, boss. Oh, you are the kind of wrestler, Otton. Won't do you any good to know that, Cisco. You're going to get what anybody gets, too. Puts into other people's business around here. That may be. It's gonna be. Keep them hands up, Mose. Get the sheriff out and onto his horse. Oh, you also captured the sheriff, did you? We sure did. Rick, you better go with Mose. I need help with these two hombres, boss. I won't need any help. Not with these two guns in my hand. All right now, Cisco, you and the fat one walk ahead of me. You are fat ones yourself. You. There's a little pocket in the hill right around the bend of that trail. My shots will be muffled there. Anybody around here? Get moving. What are you going to do with the sheriff? That's my Business. But since you are going to kill punch on me anyway. Why not answer my question? I'm going to get that blasted sheriff out of office. That's what I'm going to do. By wrestling your own cattle, eh? That's right. Cisco and everybody else's kids. By the time election comes around, every ranch on these parts will be yelling for a new sheriff. That is quite an idea. Aren't you responsive for an idea? Right now, people. Constant language. All right, here's a pocket stop. We are. There are a lot of rocks around here, hombre. Looks like a good place for madre Mirala sneako mix down by your face. Where here the umbrages go. That is just what I'm going to do. He's got Sandra's like the rattler. Then break me. I'll kill you. I'll break your arm. Hey, hey. Look how Cisco. I remember it. No, no. I'm right. Do not shoot, Cisco. Pancho jump in between. Pancho jump. Why are you murdering, coyote? Shoot Pancho down. William. And where you are? Just go. I better follow you, Jack. Let's go. I got the fat one now. Get Cisco. You will not get these guns. He's not behind them rocks. Mo's go after him. Not me, boss. Maybe he ain't got a gun. But I ain't taking no chance of a rocks putting my head open. All right then let's get out of here. We can send a Cisco later. Let's go watch those dealers. You all right? No wonder you think so, amigo. It was not a locomotive. A bullet. The bullet only nicked you. Of course it is. Now that I have banished your head, I will pour some water on it so it will stay cool. Downside to me. Let me find you more alive. No. Yes. How about you rest a while, amigo? I'll take you in to the doctor.

[Miss Kitty]

What about the.

[Cisco Kid]

We will take care of them in due time. Right now this is more important. I will feel better now. She is so he punches at a hard hit old bullet with bunch of Panto's head. Stay here. I will support you. We are going to the doctor's, amigo. And we are going at once. Come on, Sheriff. Now, if you're strong enough to talk, I got something to ask you. I want you to resign your offer. I'll never resign. Often you coyote. Easy on a name, Sheriff. Me and Mose wouldn't mind finishing you off. Sheriff. You. I tell you I won't resign. Maybe Brick and I could make him change his mind. Jack. No. I got A better way to that, boys. Stock outside now. You two ride to town and bring back miss. What's that? You heard me, Sheriff. Careful, Sheriff. I don't like being called named. You harm one hair of that girl's head, and I'll kill the three of you. We'll see about that. Bring her back here, boys. Now get going. Doctor said you'd be all right after a good night's rest. I'm fine. You feel all right now she so far you feel fine. But who was it she said to. Sir, Look. He's so fumble to my heart and sleep. Make your first break head onto the horse. That's what I'm trying to do. Moses. We want Pancho here. I'll help you. Walk over there quietly. Make sure that gag's tied tight. Rick, we don't want to yell for help. It's plenty time. All right, let's talk. She has a gag in her mouth. You stay here. Sponsor not stay here. Hey, Brick. Somebody's coming this way. You all right, Fondiro? Someone in? Hey, Snake. Let's go, kid. Again. Get him, Brick. Not this time. You will. Not now for you only clown. I'll cut you down. I'll. You will do nothing of the kind. Find your health dependuel, Bart and help detangle. Now we can fight an even turn. And I promise you the fight will be short. Get their guns, belts and ammunition, Pancho. We may need them. All right, senorita.

[Miss Kitty]

Those men were going to take me out to Alton's ranch. They said they'd kill me unless they persuaded my father to resign the ship.

[Cisco Kid]

I'm glad to know for sure where your father is, senorita. I will start for al rancho at once. Fancho go too. They have to leave these two coyotes under your guard, Senorita. Have you a gun in the house?

[Miss Kitty]

Yes, and I know how to use it too.

[Cisco Kid]

Well. Keep them under gunpoint. F you and I will be back soon, we hope with your father. About time for Mose and Brick to be getting back here. You regret this, Orson. What'll I have to regret? You're a man of your words, Sheriff. You say you'll resign. I know you will. I told you, I'll never resign. Maybe you'd rather see Katie shot and kill before your eyes. You wouldn't do that. That's what I'm gonna do. Unless. What's your reason for wanting me to resign? I got plans to do a lot of cattle rustling here. I aim to get rich at it. Keep it yourself. Too serious if the boys now have just one more minute. And they touch it. But you can't shoot Kenny down. You can't. Well, what about it? Will you resign? Oven. I never figured I'd give in to you. But this time I guess you show me good time, boys. Hey, what's up? Hey, we did make good time, Juanito. I'm gonna make even better time in finishing up this fight. That no fight, it goes. Oh, it just go boom. I don't know who you are, stranger. He the c. Yes. Yeah, yeah. I might have known it. The drops off you. Oh, now, call me Kate. He's all right. He's all right. Now you're afraid. Just go fix the other two umbrels here. And they say you need to guard them now. Well, I don't know what your stasis goes. I always hated to have anybody doing my work. I hate to be obligated, but this once I'm mighty grateful to you.

[Miss Kitty]

I can't thank you enough for getting back all those ruffian cattle and helping.

[Cisco Kid]

Dad when he elect.

[Miss Kitty]

But I.

[Cisco Kid]

Please say nothing more about it, senorita.

[Miss Kitty]

No, I can't. But at the same time, I've got a complaint.

[Cisco Kid]

What is the complaint?

[Miss Kitty]

You're leaving.

[Cisco Kid]

We will come back later on perhaps we have.

[Miss Kitty]

Young man, you better. You have to be sure you do.

[Cisco Kid]

Come back to.

[Miss Kitty]

Be sure. Oh, now, you don't need to be grinning like this right over here.

[Cisco Kid]

Sarif McKine is good Jerry Cheese. He's a fine sheriff, Pancho. He's a sangree. A fine sangria too. He is very fine, amigo. He's a good thing he not got a little brother. What do you mean it's a good thing she has no little brother? Because Big Maria got a little brother. Well, what has that to do with Senorita Cherry? Oh, just remind Pancho. Big Maria. How so, Pancho? One time Fancho called it he Big Maria. Gordes de Big Maria. See was a big. Full moon, Pico. Full moon. Flower smell sweet in the moonlight. Find you feel romantic. See what you say romantic. So pine will quick. Quickly, Pancho kiss Big Maria. Well, Poncho, you can find a Big Maria's little brother. White, short. What did you do then, Fancho? Take the Big Maria, Big Maria. How much should Pancho give your little brother so he not say nothing. And what did Big Maria say to that Poncho? He said, well, all the other hombres give him 10 cents. Oh, Pancho. Oh, is he so. And so ends another exciting adventure with O. Henry's famous Robin Hood of the west, the Cisco Kid. Be sure to listen again for another thrilling adventure of the Cisco Kids. This Go Kid was played by Jack Mather Poncho by Harry Language Sam Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands Steve and Technogod who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrigh it under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Cisco Kid]

Sam.