APCIC - Vol 03 No 08 - 1978

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center (A.P.C.I.C.) newsletter, dated August 1978, Volume Three, Number 8, presents a collection of UFO sighting reports and related information. The cover features a collage of newspaper clippings from various international locations, hinting at the global nature of the phenomenon, and a prominent headline 'UFO is ID'd' suggests a debunking or explanation of a sighting.

Staff and Correspondents

The publication lists its editorial staff, including Harry R. Cohen as editor and S. Mac Williams as assistant editor. Ron Smotek handles photo analysis, and Richard Smotek is responsible for "supplement" research. A network of foreign correspondents from Argentina, Australia, Denmark, France, Japan, Italy, Turkey, and UFO Canada contribute to the international scope of the reports.

Featured Articles and Reports

"UFO is ID'd" by Terri Colby (Chicago, Ill. - Economist, July 19, 1978): This article details the experience of Kathy Judge, who reported seeing a bright white, flashing, circular, slate-gray object, approximately the size of two jetliners, hovering behind her apartment building. The object reportedly had sparkling lights and rotating lights around its base. Her boyfriend, Kevin Mackie, an airplane pilot, also saw the lights but did not identify them as an airplane. The article concludes by revealing that the object was identified as an advertising company's plane with flashing lights forming letters and words on a computerized billboard, resolving the mystery for Ms. Judge, who returned to being a disbeliever.

"UFO Sited At Roundhill" (Brownsville, Ky. - News, July 30, 1978): The Charles E. Caudill family reported seeing an object resembling a large star with an orange-red look hovering in the sky. They observed it moving, dipping, and then a line of light shot out of it. They followed the object in their truck. Mrs. Caudill described it as appearing and disappearing, and at one point, it was hovering over the middle of the road. The object made no noise but was surrounded by an aura. The experience frightened the family, who contacted the highway patrol and Kentucky State Police. Investigations confirmed the sighting but the object was gone before authorities arrived.

"Report UFO sightings" by Lowell Anderson (Drain, Ore. - Enterprise, July 27, 1978): This report compiles several sightings in North Douglas County. Norma Frieze and Christine Shaw saw a large, brightly lit object streak across the night sky. Atalanta Petty reported her husband saw a brilliantly lit object hovering near oak trees, described as round, about the size of a car, and making no noise. The article notes that weather bureau officials found no unusual atmospheric conditions or radar anomalies to explain the sightings.

"After what happened she believes in UFOs" by Kathy O'Dell (Metro-East Journal Staff): Clora Winscher, initially a skeptic, recounts an experience where her car was jolted and lifted off the ground by a tremendous light and vibration. She lost control of her car, which she believes was lifted by a UFO. She felt a sense of divine presence during the event. After the car was gently set down, she found no other vehicles around. She reported the incident to the police, who informed her that Union police had received other similar reports that night.

"Family reports UFO sighting" by Darlene Williams (Elysburg, Pa. - Modern People, July 16, 1978): The Edward Gappa family reported seeing a bright, oval-shaped object with white beams of light and blinking orange-colored lights hovering over Snydertown for over an hour. They ruled out it being a star, airplane, or helicopter, having viewed it through binoculars. The object moved slowly and then disappeared toward Danville. The article mentions other reported sightings in the Elysburg area and notes that some residents refuse to share their experiences publicly due to fear of ridicule.

"UFO Over Las Vegas?" (Las Vegas, Nev. - Sun, July 13, 1978): A photograph shows an object hovering over a suburban area, described as a "strange cloud" by the photographer, Cliff Stanley. The article notes that believers suggest such crafts sometimes use clouds for camouflage.

"'Object with lights' seen in sky by two women" by Sharon Jensen (Silverton, Ore. - Appeal Tribune, July 6, 1978): Two Silverton grandmothers, Joanne Walker and Idane Osgood, reported seeing huge "headlight-like" lights in the night sky, accompanied by a humming noise. They described the object as having "little white lights" around its perimeter, giving it an oval or rectangular impression. Control towers and meteorological stations had no records of unusual aerial activity that night.

"UFO Was Plane" (Middletown, Conn. - Press, July 15, 1978): An unidentified woman reported seeing an "honest to goodness" UFO, but police confirmed it was an airplane advertising an upcoming sidewalk sale.

"Did they see what they saw?" by Harry Vanderweide (Augusta, Maine - K.E.E.C. Staff, July 12, 1978): Two Gardiner police officers reported observing a strange glowing object that appeared egg-shaped, then round, changing color from white to red and yellow. It hovered, zoomed at high speed, and returned to its original position. The sighting was reported to a UFO monitoring agency.

"If it wasn't a UFO, what did this family see?" by Bob Hill (Courier-Journal, Louisville, Ky., July 21, 1978): This article details the experience of the Charles E. Caudill family, who reported seeing a bright, amber-orange, dancing object that spurted across the sky. A smaller disk emerged from the larger one. They followed the object and described it as waiting for them. The object then disappeared instantly, frightening the family. The report notes the Caudills' reputation for honesty and the lack of conventional explanations.

"UFO reports" (Robinson, Ill. - News, July 22, 1978): Two reports of an unidentified flying object north of the city were made. Seven couples later reported a similar sighting north of Gaskin Lake, describing the object as bright orange and appearing for about a minute.

"Second UFO sighting reported near Aledo" (Rock Island, Ill. - Argus, July 25, 1978): Mary and Robert Berglund reported seeing a "big ball of fire" that appeared to be burning as it fell to the ground. Similar sightings were reported by three Iowans. Weather bureau officials found no anomalies.

"UFO reported over Mt. Merino" (Hudson, N.Y. - Star, July 25, 1978): Two residents reported seeing an unidentified flying object, described as spherical and rectangular, hovering over the Hudson River. It emitted a bright amber light and roared like a jet when it flew away. The object was approximately 2,000 feet in the air. Harold Bates submitted a report to Dr. Allen Hynek.

"Pulsating UFO Terrifies Sailors" (Modern People, Ill., July 16, 1978): A mysterious bright-colored UFO hovered over Ocala, Florida, for over an hour, terrifying sailors and residents. A Navy radar operator reported the object did not perform like any aircraft he had seen. FAA and forestry offices reported no aircraft or helicopters in the area.

Reading List

The issue includes a "Reading List" featuring both hardcovers and paperbacks related to UFOs and related phenomena. Titles include works by Jeffrey Goodman, Bruce L. Cathie, William R. Corliss, Zecharia Sitchin, Janet and Colin Bord, Erich von Daniken, and Alan West and David Jefferis.

Subscriptions and Services

Information is provided for subscribing to the A.P.C.I.C. monthly news releases, with different rates for domestic and foreign subscriptions. The "Supplement Section" is also mentioned. Additionally, readers are invited to join the "UFO Communicators Network" through Page Research Library.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and variety of UFO sightings, the challenges of investigation, and the spectrum of belief among the public. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting reported phenomena and investigations in a straightforward manner, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. The inclusion of both debunked sightings (like the Lansing plane) and unexplained events suggests a balanced approach to the subject matter. The emphasis on scientific investigation by groups like the UFO Study Group highlights a desire for factual evidence. The publication also serves as a hub for information exchange, with its clipping service and network of correspondents.

This issue of the magazine, dated August 12, 1978, features a cover story titled "Strange sighting in Metropark was 'skylight' of their picnic," detailing a UFO encounter reported by Thomas J. McCoy.

Main Article: Strange Sighting in Metropark

The lead article, by John P. Coyne and Jim Strang, recounts Thomas J. McCoy's experience picnicking in the Brecksville Reservation of Cleveland Metroparks with his brother, Timothy, and nephew, Robert E. Markham. McCoy described seeing a hovering, dark object that remained visible for nearly seven minutes before shooting off into the sky. He estimated the object to be about 70 feet across and hovering about 100 feet off the ground. McCoy managed to take 15 photographs, two of which were described as showing a fuzzy image resembling an old-fashioned street light or a gaucho hat.

Earl J. Neff, an expert on unidentified flying objects and head of the Cleveland UFOlogy Project, identified the object's lower part as similar to an 'Adamski' craft and the top part to a 'Heflin' craft, both classifications used by UFOlogists. Neff, who has investigated UFO reports for 27 years, stated that McCoy's experience was "one of the better sightings" and gave it a "10" on a scale of 1 to 10 for authenticity. Parma police captain John Wonnerth also expressed belief in McCoy's account, stating, "I don't think he's pulling a hoax."

However, Brecksville police and Metroparks rangers reported no UFO sightings in the area. The article also notes that the National UFO Conference was scheduled to meet in Strongsville on the same day.

Photo of a Flying Saucer Called Hoax at Conference

An article by Michael Bennett reports on a UFO conference where attendees dismissed McCoy's photograph as a hoax. Rick Hilberg, chairman of the Northern Ohio UFO Group, suggested the image was of a 3-inch-diameter model from the 'Invaders' television show. A Broadview Heights woman and two Cleveland men claimed they saw a man taking pictures of a flying saucer model dangling on a string. Despite these claims, McCoy maintained his original story. Earl J. Neff expressed disappointment that people would go to such lengths to deceive others. The conference also discussed forming a coalition of UFO investigating groups and touched upon allegations of government cover-ups and UFO abductions.

The Cuneo Tapes: Part One - Gypsum Miner Has Close UFO Encounter

This section details an encounter by Carmen Cuneo, a gypsum miner in Caledonia, Ontario, on June 13, 1967. Cuneo reported seeing a giant cigar-shaped object on the ground, surrounded by tiny 'men,' with two smaller disc-shaped craft hovering nearby. After the discs left, Cuneo found a large gouge in the ground and an oil residue analyzed as an "ordinary type of lubricating oil." Cuneo also reported receiving a threatening phone call after the sighting. The interview, conducted using a portable cassette tape recorder, noted mysterious interference on the tape when the phone call was played back, which an electronics engineer described as "deliberate" and "electromagnetic in nature." Cuneo described the occupants as wearing lighted helmets and moving in a stiff, robot-like manner. He speculated they were collecting weed samples or water samples.

A UFO, You Say? Keep It to Yourself

This personal essay reflects on the author's experiences and beliefs regarding UFO sightings. The author recounts a woman's secretive call about seeing a flying saucer and discusses the public's tendency to ridicule such claims, citing his own past experiences of being "mercilessly ragged" after reporting a sighting. He describes a sighting of an "angry orange" saucer-shaped object and the dismissive reaction he received from a city editor. The author concludes that the public's cynicism makes it difficult to report such phenomena without fear of ridicule.

UFO reported in village

Three women in Port Chester reported seeing a bright white object in the sky that did not look like an airplane. Police suggested it might have been a fog light on the Sound.

Was it lightning ... or a UFO?

This article from the Greenwich, N.Y. Press reports on William B. Watkins of route 372 who found a large patch of his field mysteriously dug up. Watkins believes a UFO may have landed and taken off, though he also considers the possibility of lightning striking the high ground. The disturbance showed channels leading away from the site.

UFO, Or Whatever. LV Sees The Light

This article from the Las Vegas SUN reports on numerous calls received by a local radio station about a bright lingering light in the sky. Explanations offered included Metro Police helicopters searching for a robbery suspect or the position of Venus and Jupiter. A police officer speculated it could have been a UFO hovering over Las Vegas.

UFO sighted over camp; counselors describe sighting

Three individuals at Camp Spencer reported seeing an object in the sky. Jim Helms, the camp director, saw an object moving towards him, while two counselors observed it for a longer period. They described a bright light on the front, with six or eight amber lights on the rear flashing. The object made a hollow, rumbling sound like a jet but more hollow. They estimated it was about 1,000 feet up and traveling at a fast speed. They compared it to a pyramid with rounded points or a cigar shape.

UFO report raises questions

This article by Rita E. Carey explores questions surrounding UFOs. It mentions an out-of-state man visiting local relatives who believes he saw something early that day over Southridge Subdivision. His wife and four relatives also saw it but preferred to remain anonymous. The man reported the sighting to several authorities, including the sheriff's office, police, and Wright Patterson Air Force Base, with varying responses. City police files noted a report of a UFO but no investigative remarks.

Officer claims UFO blast scorched him

Manuel Amparano, a police officer in Kerman, California, reported suffering first-degree burns on his face, neck, and arms from the blast of a UFO as it took off from a cotton field. The burns were described as similar to severe sunburn. Amparano, a former Marine, claimed it was a "craft, but definitely not a helicopter." Kerman police chief James Van Cleaf imposed a blackout on details of the incident, referring to it as an "illumination."

Iowa officer spots 'UFO'

Robert Clark, an Iowa highway patrolman vacationing in Billings, Missouri, reported seeing a greenish light slowly descending. The light grew brighter and then seemed to explode. Law enforcement officials suggested that sightings from Springfield, Mo., to Wichita, Kan., were likely meteorites or hoaxes. A Greene County sheriff's employee speculated the report "sounded like a meteorite."

More UFO reports in region

This section compiles several regional UFO reports. The Edward Gappa family in Elysburg reported seeing an oval object with white beams and blinking orange lights hovering for over an hour. In Provo, Utah, several BYU students reported an "eerie-looking" object that was likely a research balloon. A retiree in Pelham, Ga., claimed a flying saucer with the voice of Jimmy Hoffa landed nearby. In Maryville, two residents reported seeing an object with revolving red and blue lights performing unusual maneuvers, which they doubted was a helicopter.

Maplewood Has Flying Saucers/

This article introduces Timothy Green Beckley, who has established a metropolitan area UFO hotline and a publication called UFO Review. Beckley, who has explored UFOs for over a decade, believes flying saucers are real and notes a recent increase in public interest and belief in UFOs, citing a poll indicating over 15 million Americans have had sightings.

Landing Gear Brings Reports

Reports of an unidentified flying object circling in the South End were dismissed by police as a small plane's landing gear. Other calls about UFOs over Jai Alai fronton and Flatbush Avenue were also received.

UFO Sighted Above Altadena

On July 4th, the Altadena sheriff's station received around 20 calls reporting a red saucer-like object with red lights on the bottom. The object reportedly disappeared abruptly. The report speculates it could have been fireworks or "Martians."

Couple spots UFO

Bonnie and Jim Keith of Conroe, Texas, reported hearing a loud rumbling sound and seeing three lights above trees. They described the sound as similar to "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and the object's lights as two white and one red. Jim Keith, a former Marine, stated he had never seen anything like it and could not explain it, though he was hesitant to commit to it being a UFO.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, with a mix of credible accounts, skepticism, and potential explanations. The magazine appears to present various UFO reports from different regions, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. There is an underlying tone of public fascination with UFOs, contrasted with the skepticism and ridicule often faced by witnesses. The issue highlights the challenges in verifying UFO claims and the varying reactions from law enforcement and the public. The editorial stance seems to be one of reporting on these phenomena without definitively endorsing or dismissing them, while also acknowledging the public's growing interest and the scientific community's attempts to explain them.

This issue of the NEIS TRIBUNE, dated July 27, 1973, focuses on a series of UFO sightings, primarily in Biwabik, Minnesota, under the headline "'Encounter' mystifies Biwabik." The magazine also includes reports from other locations in the United States, detailing witness accounts and official responses to these phenomena.

'Encounter' Mystifies Biwabik

The lead story details a Saturday night encounter in Biwabik, Minnesota, where police officer Dewey Horsman and residents like Sharon Maki witnessed spectacular flashing red, green, and white lights in the sky. The lights reportedly hovered for several hours, appearing to be about 40,000 feet above the area. Horsman noted, "I've never seen anything like it before." Mayor Robert Woods, initially skeptical, also viewed similar flashing lights. The phenomenon kept residents, sheriff's deputies, and highway patrol officers occupied. Roscoe Gevik, a highway patrol dispatcher, relayed a report from a Gilbert woman who called multiple times about the sighting and forwarded the information to an Illinois-based UFO investigative group.

What Was That Information in the Afternoon Sky?

This section reports on a sighting by Inez Blauner of White Plains, Connecticut, who observed an object described as "pentagonal, metallic, silent and hovers at roughly 20,000 feet" above the Merritt Parkway. While Blauner described it as "just a piece of metal," she and her companions were convinced they saw something unusual. Greenwich police, Connecticut state police, and Westchester County Airport had no reports of UFO sightings at that time. Blauner expressed her continued interest in the phenomenon, stating she was ready with a camera if she saw it again.

UFO's Sighted in Area Following Thunderstorm (Washington, MO - July 29, 1978)

This article, by John Leavens, reports on a series of unexplained lights and objects sighted in the Union and Washington, Missouri areas following a thunderstorm on Wednesday night. Reports of at least four separate UFO sightings occurred between 9 p.m. Wednesday and 1 a.m. Thursday. While some sightings were attributed to possible aircraft, others remained unexplained. A 52-year-old Arnold woman, Clora Evelyn Winscher, claimed the rear of her car was lifted from Highway 50 in Union by "brilliant lights" that descended noiselessly, leaving two indentations on her car without causing damage. Mayor Robert Woods of Biwabik also reported seeing flashing lights, described as "orange-red" globular objects with flaming tails, moving noiselessly. Velma Clines of Beaufort described a similar "orange-red ball" that glittered at the edges. Other reports included a "ferris-wheel-type object" with bright, colored lights and a grayish underside. Residents at Hillcrest senior apartments in Washington also reported seeing an "orangeish-red" globular object.

Local UFO Sighting May Have Been Star

This article discusses a sighting by two police officers and several residents south of town, which may have been the star Antares. Jess Mascarenaz and Deputy Civil Defense Director Herbert Mayfield reported seeing a circular object with alternating red, green, and white lights. Ted Phillips, a local UFO expert, suggested it was likely the star Antares, known for its red appearance. The object was described as appearing to alternate colors and was located about nine to 13 miles south-southwest of Sedalia. Whiteman Air Force Base was notified but stated they do not have radar to track UFOs.

Naked UFO Aliens Terrify Three Teens

This brief report details an incident where three 14-year-old boys from West Pittsburg, California, claimed to have been chased by "hideous-looking UFO aliens." The boys described the creatures as "like smoke" and black, with no faces, and about 5-foot-6 to 6-foot-1 in height. Deputy Sheriff Douglas Pendleton confirmed the boys were not under the influence of drugs and volunteered for lie detector tests. Richard Haines, a member of the Center For UFO Studies, expressed conviction that the trio had a genuine close encounter.

Lawman, Others Spot Streaking Fiery Ball (Aurora, MN - July 28, 1978)

An off-duty Iowa state police officer, Robert Clark, reported seeing a "green ball" race across the sky in a westerly direction near the Table Rock scenic turn-off on Mo. Highway 165. The National Weather Service and a physics professor suggested it was likely a meteor. However, other witnesses also reported seeing the object, and its changing colors were noted. NORAD confirmed the object was not a satellite or space debris. Dr. Harvey Rutledge of Southeast Missouri State University, director of Project Identification, stated that while it could be a meteor, it "could have well been something else."

UFOs Reported in Missouri, Kansas (Jefferson City, MO - July 26, 1978)

This report clarifies a previous story, identifying Robert P. Parks of the Capitol security police as the individual who reported a UFO sighting in southern Missouri, not Iowa Highway Patrol Trooper Robert D. Clark. Parks described seeing a "round object of great size emitting a bright green light" moving northwest. He was visiting his father in Hollister, Mo., at the time. The report suggests a mix-up in identification and communication on the CB radio.

UFO Reports Move to Fort Wood Area (St. Louis Globe-Democrat - July 29, 1978)

This article details sightings of UFOs near Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Soldiers at the Army base reported seeing a bright, star-shaped object that appeared to come towards them and then fade away. Spec. 5 Gary Love described it as "like a star and it seems to become bigger as it comes toward us and it vibrates." He reported the light to military police, who suggested it was a helicopter, but checks with the Missouri Highway Patrol indicated no helicopters were in the sky. Mrs. Clora Winscher of Arnold also reported her car being lifted by a bright ball of light. Witnesses at the Flying Saucer Cafe in Union also reported seeing an orange ball. The article notes that while some people keep an open mind, others are more skeptical.

Residents Report Seeing UFO (Waynesville, MO - August 1, 1978)

This report from the Waynesville, MO, Guide details sightings on Ft. Leonard Wood. Juanita Love and Sergeant Gary Love first saw a "glowing round object" on Tuesday, July 25, described as the biggest, brightest star they had ever seen, but it was moving. On Wednesday night, two other residents reported a bright flashing red light. On Thursday night, Mrs. Love and Pam Green saw a circular object with two triangular shapes on the bottom, which grew larger and brighter. Dogs reportedly howled when the object was visible and went silent when it disappeared. Using a telescope, they observed black lines running horizontally and vertically through the object. The article notes that eight adults saw the object the first time, and five the second time. A noticeable change in temperature was reported in the area where the object descended, causing ice-like dew on parked cars, while nearby cars were dry.

Mystery Solved on Who Saw Missouri UFO (Des Moines, Iowa - August 3, 1978)

This article clarifies the identity of the individual who reported a UFO sighting in southern Missouri. It confirms that Robert P. Parks, a Capitol security police officer from Iowa, was the one who reported seeing a UFO near Table Rock Dam, not Iowa Highway Patrol Trooper Robert D. Clark. Parks explained that he was visiting his father in Hollister, Mo., at the time and made the report via CB radio. He described the object as "round, of great size emitting a bright green light." Parks stated he identified himself as an "Iowa state peace officer" and that a mix-up occurred with the CB handle.

UFO Sighting Reported in Biwabik-Gilbert Area (Aurora, MN - July 28, 1978)

This article from the Aurora, MN, Times reiterates reports of UFO sightings in the Biwabik-Gilbert area. It mentions phone reports of "four or five objects seen with binoculars" with "red lines." Midway, the radio dispatch office for the St. Louis County Sheriff's Department, overheard these reports. Mary Plesha of Gilbert reported seeing a sphere-shaped object "glowing in the sky" that moved sideways, jumped, and moved up and down, displaying lights of various colors. She initially called the highway patrol, who dismissed it as stars, but later learned it couldn't be stars because it had lights. The article also includes accounts from Biwabik Mayor Bob Woods, police officers, and other residents who witnessed similar phenomena, including "bright lights" that changed colors and moved in various directions. The purpose of MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) is explained, with Ronald Anderson serving as the Wisconsin State Director. The article also mentions Eugene Lundholm, another field investigator for MUFON, who advises people to "grab a camera and take a picture" and recalls reports of a "big flap" in northern Minnesota around 1974-75.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout these articles are the widespread nature of UFO sightings, the variety of descriptions provided by witnesses, and the commonality of official responses ranging from skepticism to attempts at rational explanation (meteors, aircraft). There's a consistent pattern of ordinary citizens reporting extraordinary aerial phenomena, often accompanied by confusion and a sense of mystery. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these events factually, presenting witness accounts, and including official statements or potential explanations, while acknowledging that many cases remain unexplained. The articles highlight the public's fascination and ongoing interest in UFOs, with organizations like MUFON actively involved in collecting and analyzing data. The underlying sentiment is that while some sightings can be explained, a significant portion continues to defy easy categorization, fueling ongoing speculation and investigation.

This issue of the Hoose Jaw Times-Herald, dated July 11, 1978, along with other accompanying newspaper clippings from June and July 1978, presents a collection of reports and opinions on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).

Official Denies UFO Existence Dr. Ian Halliday, a senior National Research Council astronomer in Ottawa, Canada, is quoted as officially denying the existence of UFOs. He states that there is not a single solid object proven to come from a spacecraft in the last 25 years of investigation. Halliday categorizes people who claim close encounters into four groups: those who profit from continued interest in UFOs, those who photograph airborne objects to trick people, those who genuinely misidentify strange phenomena, and those who see mysterious things because they want to. He suggests that for many, belief in extraterrestrial life serves as a substitute for organized religion. The article also mentions that the United States shelved a $10-million study of UFO sightings ten years prior due to a lack of gain.

UFO Sighting in North Wales A report from the North Wales Chronicle (June 22, 1978) details a UFO sighting in the Anglesey and Bangor areas. A woman from Beaumaris described a 'huge, round, sun-like' object moving across the Menai Straits. She described it as a 'big, round brilliant light' with 'slits' and 'brilliant goldy copper lights shining'. The object moved fast and disappeared suddenly.

An Unbeliever Is Convinced: He Saw Fiery Cigar Over City An article from the Oshawa Times (July 4, 1978) features Jim Coren of Mississauga, who claims his attitude towards flying saucers changed after witnessing a fiery red, cigar-shaped object in the sky early on Monday morning. He described it as moving at an angle, curving sharply, and disappearing behind trees. Coren, who previously worked at an airport, is certain it was not a meteor, shooting star, or airplane. He reported the sighting to the local OPP and media, who referred him to Tom Grey, a private UFO investigator. Coren and Grey visited Storie Park, where Grey identified four worn circles in the grass as potential landing gear marks from a flying craft. Grey believes the circles are not from bicycles and has seen similar marks at other UFO sighting locations. A spokesman for the Durham Regional Police stated there were no reports of a UFO sighting in the area that morning.

Kent Encounters Soar Sky High The Kent Evening Post (June 22, 1978) reports that Kent, England, has a high number of UFO encounters, ranking third in the UK for sightings, behind Warminster and Reading. The British UFO Society is forming a Kent branch due to the increased interest. Chairman Mr. Ken Rogers noted a steady increase in sightings, attributing it to more objects being available for sighting rather than increased public interest. Mrs. Bridget Owens of Rochester reported seeing a bright orange ball in the sky. The article also mentions International Skywatch Day on Saturday, the 31st anniversary of the term "flying saucer."

Was it a UFO? A report from the Stroud News and Journal (June 22, 1978) details a sighting by a woman and her husband of a 'something strange' over the Bisley area. They described a 'bright light' that appeared to be a 'hot-air balloon?' or 'something like vapour or smoke coming out behind it.' The object descended and then circled before moving off towards Stroud. They watched it for about half an hour. A police spokesman confirmed a balloon had been in the area but received no reports of anything suspicious.

Swindon's UFO The Wiltshire Gazette (June 29, 1978) reports that Adrienne Smith of Swindon claimed to have seen a cigar-shaped, off-white object at around 11 o'clock. She described it as not being an aeroplane, with dark areas like windows at either end, and travelling very fast and low. Other reports mention objects that are silvery in color or glowing red, visible for about half an hour and then disappearing. The Meteorological Office at Cardiff had no explanation, suggesting military helicopters or hot air balloons as possibilities.

Kids Have Close Encounter The Swindon Evening Advertiser (June 10, 1978) reports children in Chippenham claiming a close encounter with a UFO. They described a silver light, 'big as a double decker bus,' that changed red, and nearby trees turned silver as it disappeared. Police in Chippenham and Devizes received no reports of unidentified flying objects.

Children in Fight Terrified Children Ran Home Crying Yesterday A Sunday Mirror report (June 11, 1978) details children in Chippenham claiming to have spotted a UFO, described as a silver light 'as big as a double decker bus.' It turned red, and nearby trees turned silver. Their father, Special Constable Basil Burden, stated his children do not lie and were hysterical. Air traffic controllers at RAF Lyneham confirmed no balloons or helicopters were in the area. Barry Gooding, who runs a UFO information service, noted that a daylight sighting of this kind and size is rare.

Somebody Up There Seems to Like Us... The Grimsby Evening Telegraph (June 12, 1978) reports on UFO sightings in Immingham. Following a report by a boy and two youths, two teenage sisters claimed to have seen a strange light. A Grimsby man, R. Smith, corroborated the earlier sighting, describing two oval-shaped objects. Other reports include a bright object travelling in a zig-zag path and a silent, silver cone-shaped object. The article also mentions a report of two UFOs making a 'whirlwind' noise.

More Close Encounters The Bath & West Chronicle (May 26, 1978) reports two close encounters in the Bath area. Mr. Gary Little and two friends saw a luminous white ball, the size of the moon, drifting over River Street. Mr. Michael Heal reported seeing two red balls in the sky. Other sightings mentioned include objects over Pucklechurch and Melksham.

Martians, Witches, Coyotes Share Blame For Cattle Mutilations An article from the LISSAUGA TILES (July 19, 1978) discusses cattle mutilations. Sheriff Travis McPherson and veterinarian Aaron Hutto discount UFO involvement. Theories include witchcraft, satanic cults, coyotes, and even government experiments. The mutilations involve the removal of sexual organs and tongues, with no blood left at the scene. Sheriff McPherson notes the difficulty in catching perpetrators due to isolated areas and lack of officers. The article also mentions reports of mysterious helicopters and increased radiation levels where UFOs have been reported.

UFOs Pass Up New Mt. Rainier Landing Zone The Vancouver Sun (June 27, 1978) reports on a UFO sighting near Mount Rainier, Washington. Four spacecraft reportedly passed over a clearing dedicated for UFO landings. Witnesses described bright lights flying in a diamond formation. Wayne Aho, president of the foundation, claims the lights moved too slowly to be aircraft or flares.

THE BLOB The Niagara Falls Review (June 18, 1978) reports on a thick, gooey substance found on beaches in Wainfleet, its origin and make-up unknown. A sample has been collected for analysis.

The closest encounter of them all... An article from the SOCORRO SAUCER (July 27, 1978) discusses the Socorro, New Mexico UFO incident of April 24, 1964. An American scientific writer, Ray Stanford, is convinced of the incident, detailing attempts by the U.S. Air Force to cover it up. Police officer Lonnie Zamora witnessed the landing and takeoff of an egg-shaped object with metal legs. Ten other people saw the UFO in the air, and two heard its noise. Zamora claimed to see two humanoid beings. Distinct impressions and fused soil were found at the landing site. Metal fragments were also discovered.

Another Angle to Draw Tourists A Spectator article (July 31, 1978) mentions a sighting of the Loch Ness Monster, suggesting it is a discriminating monster that appears as the Scottish tourist season approaches. The description includes a black body shaped like an upturned rowing boat with a long neck and a head like a soccer ball.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this collection of articles are UFO sightings, close encounters, and the mystery surrounding them. There is a clear division between official skepticism, as represented by Dr. Ian Halliday, and the numerous witness accounts that suggest something unusual is occurring in the skies. The articles also explore potential explanations for these phenomena, ranging from misidentification and hoaxes to extraterrestrial visitation and government cover-ups. The collection also includes reports on related phenomena such as cattle mutilations and unexplained substances, broadening the scope of the unexplained. The editorial stance, as evidenced by the selection of articles, is to present a diverse range of perspectives, from debunking to detailed witness testimony, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions.