APCIC - Vol 04 No 10 - 1979

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center (A.P.C.I.C.) publication, dated October 1979, is titled "VOLUME FOUR NO.10". It presents a collection of news clippings detailing various UFO sightings and related phenomena from late August and September 1979. The cover prominently features a stylized "UFO" graphic and headlines such as "UFO? Spotted Over Brazil" and "More UFO Sightings Revealed". The publication is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and serves as a clipping service for UFO information.

Key Articles and Reports

Wabasha County Farmer Thinks UFO Landed in His Corn Field

This article from the Post-Bulletin (Sept. 18, 1979) details an incident involving Curtis Olson, a farmer in Lake City, Minnesota. Olson discovered a circular area in his corn field where stalks were flattened in a radiating pattern, with some stalks charred and corn ears missing. He believes an unidentified flying object landed there, noting that the damage was "unexplainable" and not caused by lightning or animals. Paths were also found leading from the main circle to a smaller one. Sheriff Robert Loechler acknowledged the damage but suggested lightning as a possibility, though he noted it wouldn't char corn in that manner. Olson also found a footprint that did not appear to be from a shoe or animal. A neighbor of Olson's suggested the beings chose his farm because he was the "kinda guy that would visit with anybody."

UFO Sighted Near New Richland

Reported in the Waseca, Minn. Journal (Sept. 18, 1979), an 18-year-old Albert Lea woman, Julie Nelson, and her companions reported sighting a "white light that changed to red" near New Richland, Minnesota. The object was described as about 8-9 feet above the highway, fuzzy, and between six inches and one and a half feet in diameter. It maintained its distance from their car, even when they attempted to pass it. The light disappeared and reappeared several times, accompanied by a noise like "an 80 mile per hour wind." A 15-year-old sister also thought she saw a "space ship down in the ditch."

UFO Sightings, Crime Reported Over Weekend (Greene County, Indiana)

This report from the Bloomfield, Ind. News (Aug. 30, 1979) and the Bloomfield, Ind. World (Aug. 27, 1979) covers two UFO sightings registered on a Saturday night. Fred Lammert, Jr. reported seeing "three reddish circles" flying in formation. His mother also reported seeing them. Another sighting was reported by David Holstine and his family, who observed three red lights moving in a North-Northeasterly direction. The article also lists other complaints registered by the Sheriff's Department, including illegal shooting, vandalism, and burglaries.

Latest UFO Sightings Have Scientists in a Tizzy

By Michelle Stevens in the Sun-Times, Chicago, Ill. (Sept. 5, 1979), this article highlights a deputy sheriff in Warren, Minn., Val Johnson, who reported being attacked by an "unidentified bright light" that smashed his squad car, broke the windshield, bent antennas, and caused his watch and car clock to be 14 minutes slow. Johnson also sustained "welder burns" on his eyes. The article notes that similar experiences have been reported, and that J. Allen Hynek, an astronomy professor, estimates at least 15 million Americans believe they have seen a "flying saucer." Allan Hendry, chief investigator for the Center for UFO Studies, described the Minnesota incident as "a truly anomalous case" with "most unusual clues" and "the best credibility of any UFO sighting reported this year."

Domed-shaped flying object reported over county (DeKalb, Illinois)

Reported in the DeKalb, Ill. Chronicle (Aug. 30, 1979), Charles A. Weeden and Officer Berna D. VanVlerah of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department reported seeing a "dome-shaped, glowing, color-changing" object east of DeKalb. Weeden first noticed the brilliant light around 10:30 p.m. Officer VanVlerah, after being dispatched, also sighted the object, estimated to be over 1,000 feet in the air. They described it as hovering and moving at speeds "faster than what an airplane could move." The object was tracked towards Fairdale. Rockford Airport reported no radar contact. Similar reports of a similarly-shaped object were received in Kankakee.

Great balls of fire: at long last, a new UFO (Gloucester, Massachusetts)

This article from the Gloucester, Mass. Times (Aug. 28, 1979) discusses sightings of a "reddish ball fluttering in the sunset" and a "ball of fire" moving vertically, reported by residents Phyllis Cunningham and others. These sightings are compared to a similar event from 25 years prior. While a weather balloon was suggested as an explanation, officials had no record of one in the area. The object was estimated to be 20,000 to 30,000 feet high.

UFO Damages Car of Deputy (Warren, Minnesota)

This report from the Ennis, Texas Local (Sept. 6, 1979) reiterates the incident involving Deputy Val Johnson in Warren, Minnesota. The article details the damage to his patrol car, including a smashed windshield, bent antennas, and a dent in the hood. The stopping of his watch and car clock by 14 minutes is highlighted as a significant clue. Allan Hendry of the Center for UFO Studies investigated the case, calling it "a truly anomalous case."

5 Report Sightings of UFO (Dresser, Wisconsin)

From the Milwaukee Journal, Wisc. (Sept. 9, 1979), this report details five men claiming to have seen a "large, football-shaped object with a brilliant metallic sheen" hovering 40 feet off the ground near Dresser, Wisconsin. Investigator Bradley E. Ayers of the Center for UFO Studies classified this as a "close encounter of the first kind." The object reportedly moved rapidly, descended into a bean field, and then ascended into the sky. No physical evidence or electromagnetic interference was reported.

Silv'ry and round (Somerville, New Jersey)

Reported in the Somerset Messenger Gazette (Aug. 9, 1979), two women in Somerville, New Jersey, saw something "hovering above Hamilton Street" that they described as a "big round aluminum thing in the sky." They initially thought it was a kite but then saw it was aluminum and round like a bowl with openings underneath. They were unsure if it was a UFO but stated it wasn't a kite.

Wisconsin UFO gets top rating (Dresser, Wisconsin)

This Sun-Times, Chicago, Ill. article (Sept. 9, 1979) elaborates on the Dresser, Wisconsin sighting, classifying it as a "close encounter of the first kind." Bradley E. Ayers of the Center for UFO Studies interviewed the witnesses, including a 25-year-old Army veteran. The object was described as 6 to 8 feet in diameter and 2 to 4 feet in height. It was observed to stop and hover over a field before ascending. A trucker and three others also witnessed the object.

...and one sighted near DeKalb (Sycamore, Illinois)

Reported in the Register Star, Rockford, Ill. (Aug. 31, 1979), a DeKalb County sheriff's deputy, Berna VanVlerah, and a private citizen, Charles Weeden, reported seeing an unidentified flying object around 11 p.m. Wednesday. VanVlerah described it as a "dome-shaped object moving across the sky" at 20 to 25 mph. Weeden confirmed seeing the object hovering over trees and noted it had no flashing lights. The object was followed into Ogle County, but no radar contact was made.

Season begins for UFOs (Huntington, West Virginia)

This Herald-Dispatch article (Aug. 30, 1979) features two teenage girls, Cindy Mills and Jimette Matheny, who reported seeing a bright orange, eight-pointed star-shaped object over Huntington, West Virginia. They described it as a "bright light in the sky" with a "humming noise." The object vanished abruptly. The National Weather Service suggested it might have been a weather balloon, but a second report from Logan County described a "large round object with orange and blue lights, moving in a sort of an oscillating motion."

U.F.O. sighted, makes contact near Stephen (Warroad, Minnesota)

Published in the Warroad, Minn. Pioneer (Sept. 5, 1979), this article details an incident on August 27 involving Marshall County sheriff's deputy Val Johnson. He encountered an unidentified flying object that caused significant damage to his patrol car and affected his watch and car clock. The Center for UFO Studies investigator Allan Hendry noted the high credibility of this sighting.

Boy, 11, spots UFO (Anoka, Minnesota)

This report from Anoka, Minn. Union (Sept. 7, 1979) mentions an 11-year-old boy, Phil Dorkik, who spotted a round object high in the sky near Anoka. He described it as "weird" and "scared," and noted it was moving away without lights.

UFO's in area news (Grafton, North Dakota)

From the Grafton, N.D. Record (Sept. 1, 1979), a resident who wished to remain anonymous described seeing an unusual object flying over Grafton at 1 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29. He described it as looking like a plane going in for a landing but swinging around and heading east. He noted no engine noise and described the object as having two large lights and a white light under the nose. The Grafton airport reported no emergency landings or flights at that time.

More Strange Lights Seen In Local Skies (Porterville, California)

This Porterville, Cal. Recorder article (Sept. 11, 1979) reports on strange green lights seen arcing across the sky on two consecutive nights. Residents described the lights as mysterious and weird, with one witness comparing it to a "kid's roman candle" but too high. The size was estimated to be "twice the size of a basketball."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across diverse geographical locations, the physical effects these phenomena can have on vehicles and individuals, and the ongoing efforts by UFO research organizations like the Center for UFO Studies to investigate and document these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts and investigative findings without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging potential natural explanations such as weather balloons. The inclusion of reports from various newspapers and the involvement of law enforcement officers lend a degree of credibility to the documented incidents. The publication seems to aim at informing the public about the latest UFO news and fostering discussion on the topic.

This issue of the magazine, dated September 1979, features a prominent cover story titled "Object In Sky Sparks Probe," detailing a UFO investigation in St. Johns County, Florida. The publication covers a range of UFO sightings and related incidents reported across the United States and internationally during the summer of 1979.

St. Augustine, Florida Sighting The lead article by Jackie Feagin reports on a large, white, glowing object sighted over southern St. Johns County, Florida, on Saturday, September 1, 1979. Acting Sgt. Herbert A. Greenleaf of the Marshall County Sheriff's Department investigated the report from a 21-year-old man and his wife. They described the object as egg-shaped with a large dome on top and a smaller dome on the bottom, moving in a straight line and dimming and brightening. The object was estimated to be at an altitude of one-half mile. The witnesses reported no noise from the object, but their neighbor's dogs barked wildly. They also experienced electrical problems with an electric clock and fan. The witness decided to report his sighting after seeing a television account of a similar event in Marshall County, Minnesota, where a deputy sheriff reportedly wrecked his car and was burned after sighting a large white glowing object. Another anonymous report from the same area described a round, bright white object that dropped a bright red object which dissolved into the air.

Putnam County, Ohio Sighting An article from Delphos, Ohio, dated September 1, 1979, reports a potential UFO sighting in northern Putnam County. Craig Gieger and his aunt, Anna Suter, claimed to have observed a bright yellow light near Pandora for several hours. They described it as stationary for a short time over an intersection before moving west and upward and disappearing. The report notes the sheriff's department was contacted.

West Germany Sighting A report from Cleveland, Ohio, dated September 22, 1979, details UFO sightings in Ingolstadt, West Germany. Bavarian police reported independent sightings by about 10 policemen of three unidentified flying objects that hovered silently and then rapidly disappeared. Eyewitnesses described the objects as very big, beaming brightly, and flickering yellow and red, flying fast and without engine noise.

Huerfano County, Colorado - Mutilated Heifer An article from Pueblo, Colorado, dated July 29, 1979, details the discovery of a mutilated two-year-old Hereford heifer by rancher Jack Brubaker. Brubaker, with over 50 years of cowboying experience, stated he had never seen anything like it. Specific parts of the animal, including the anus, rectum, sex organs, udder quarters, tongue, right eye, and ear, were removed with a sharp instrument. Brubaker theorized that the animal's body fluids had been drained, noting the absence of blood, blow flies, or maggots, and that neither coyotes nor buzzards had touched the carcass. Tire tracks were found near the animal, but no footprints. Neighbors had reported seeing a light blue pickup in the area the day before. This was the third animal mutilation reported in Huerfano County that year, with investigations also underway for possible mutilations of a cow and a bull.

Bolivia - Space Metal Found A report from La Paz, Bolivia, dated August 22, 1979, states that two light metal discs, believed to have fallen from space, were found by farmers in southeastern Bolivia. An official suggested the objects might have belonged to a third stage of an unidentified rocket.

Oshkosh, Wisconsin - Advertising Gimmick An article from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, dated August 13, 1979, clarifies that recent UFO reports were due to an advertising gimmick. A local cocktail lounge was using a Cessna 150 plane with a grid attached to its bottom to display a message across the sky, flying at about 2,000 feet over the city. This campaign had been ongoing since the Experimental Aircraft Association Fly-In.

Sutherland, Nebraska - Low-Flying UFO A report from Lincoln, Nebraska, dated August 8, 1979, suggests that a UFO sighted near the Gerald Gentleman power plant may have been two military aircraft engaged in a refueling procedure. Ten employees reported the object, which appeared low in the sky and did not act like a normal airplane. An FAA official in North Platte indicated that Denver radar showed a C5 and KC135 in the area at the approximate time of the sighting.

Stamford, Connecticut Sighting An article by Matthew L. Wald from The New York Times, dated August 21, 1979, chronicles a UFO sighting in Stamford, Connecticut, on July 27, 1979. Gary Hull reported seeing a cherry-red ball that pulsed and hovered, discharging four white flashes. Simultaneously, other witnesses in nearby areas reported seeing a red flashing light and a bright light that pulsed. Sgt. Harold Westerfield of the Stamford Police Department noted that such calls were rare. Officer Joseph C. Chovit interviewed witnesses, documenting their descriptions. The investigation involved checking local airports, which reported normal air traffic but no radar anomalies. A police theory of a government test was dismissed by an Air Force official.

Warren, Minnesota - Deputy Attacked by UFO An article from Grand Forks, North Dakota, dated August 31, 1979, details a close encounter experienced by Deputy Val Johnson of the Marshall County Sheriff's Department on August 27, 1979. While on patrol, Johnson spotted a bright beam of light that became aggressive and "attacked" his car. He heard breaking glass, and his car interior filled with white light. Johnson lost consciousness for approximately 39 minutes. Upon regaining it, he called for help and was treated for burns to his eyes and a bump on his head. His patrol car sustained damage, including a broken headlight, smashed windshield, and bent antennas. His wristwatch and car clock stopped for 14 minutes. Allen Hendry, chief investigator for the Center for UFO Studies, investigated the case, calling it "the most dramatic and exciting UFO experience ever reported." The incident generated significant media attention.

Sycamore, Illinois Sighting An article from Arlington Heights, Illinois, dated September 2, 1979, describes a sighting by Charles Weeden and Berna Van Vlerah, a DeKalb County Sheriff's deputy. Weeden reported seeing a bright light that changed colors and moved erratically. Deputy Van Vlerah, initially skeptical, was dispatched to the scene and observed an orange, dome-shaped object with a fuzzy outline. They described it as not being an aircraft and moving at a slow speed. The object was followed toward the Ogle County line. The report notes that Kankakee Police received similar calls about a glowing object, and that in Minnesota, a deputy sheriff reported a bright light that broke his windshield and headlight, causing welder burns and stopping his watch and car clock.

Dresser, Wisconsin Sightings Two articles, one from South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, dated September 13, 1979, and another from Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, dated September 13, 1979, cover sightings near Dresser. Two South Milwaukee men reported a pointed mushroom-shaped UFO hovering over trees. Separately, multiple local people reported a daytime sighting on September 5, 1979. Larry Hogan observed an elliptical object described as having a silver metallic sheen, moving swiftly over a bean field. Other witnesses, including a truck driver and a loader operator, also observed the object, estimating it to be eight to 10 feet across and three to four feet high, resembling two saucers put together. The object was described as silver aluminum in color. Dale Kelley, Sr., an Osceola town maintenance man, saw the object become airborne from a gravel pit, appearing football-shaped and moving at extreme speeds without exhaust. The Center for UFO Studies classified the Dresser incident as a "Close encounter of the first kind" due to the witnesses' proximity to the object.

Sterling, Colorado Sighting A brief report from Sterling, Colorado, dated September 8, 1979, mentions Logan County Sheriff's Officers investigating a reported sighting of a strange-shaped orange object thought to be a UFO, which had flames shooting from it and hovered for two or three minutes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings with a tone that suggests a genuine phenomenon worthy of investigation, often highlighting the testimony of law enforcement officers and multiple witnesses. There is an underlying theme of skepticism from the general public and authorities, contrasted with the persistent reports and the efforts of dedicated UFO investigators like those from the Center for UFO Studies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards UFO phenomena, presenting the incidents as credible events that warrant attention and further study, while also acknowledging the possibility of misidentification or hoaxes.

This document is a collection of newspaper clippings from September 1979, primarily focusing on UFO sightings reported across various locations in the United States and one instance in West Germany. The articles highlight witness accounts, local police involvement, and the general public's fascination and confusion regarding unidentified flying objects.

Poplar Bluff, MO - American Republic (September 10, 1979)

The front page features a story titled "Star Light, Star Bright, Are You the UFO Tonight?" by Phil McPeck. It details an early morning sighting by two Poplar Bluff police officers, Dennis Hawkins and Lenny Dinkins, who observed a UFO described as "green with red lights around it." The object was seen moving northeast and then southeast. Nancy Vied, a night dispatcher, reported receiving calls about "red, yellow, green and blue flashing lights around a single light that glows all the time." Todd Spencer from radio station KMIS in Portageville described it as "the size of a star with green green flashing lights. With a reddish flash to it. You can tell it's moving kind of with the earth. Maybe an exploding star." The officers noted it was "elongated" and "pulsating," and definitely not an airplane.

Canoga Park, CA - Chronicle (August 30, 1979)

This article, "UFO Scene" by Walt Greenawald, a UFO Researcher, discusses eight separate UFO events occurring within a one-and-a-half-week period, mostly in the Canoga Park and Reseda areas. Greenawald notes the increased number of sightings compared to his usual annual reports. He emphasizes the importance of interviewing witnesses, examining stories for inconsistencies, and evaluating credibility. Angelo Mortillaro of Reseda reported a "saucer shaped craft" with "white blinking spotlights" that moved north over Hamlin Street and then towards Van Nuys. Greenawald expresses a desire for comments from readers who have seen unusual things and discusses the perceived "secrecy aspect of UFOs" from the Presidency down to local sheriffs.

Stephen, MN - Messenger (September 13, 1979)

"Deputy Val Johnson Appears On 'Good Morning America'" reports on Deputy Val Johnson of Oslo, who appeared on the ABC program. Johnson's patrol car was reportedly "attacked" by a brilliant light three weeks prior, burning his eyes, damaging the car, and causing his watch and car clock to stop for 14 minutes. Al Hendry, chief investigator for the Center for UFO Studies, investigated the report. During the TV appearance, Johnson and Hendry explained the experience, with Hendry highlighting the physical evidence. Johnson stated he would investigate such reports thoroughly and would tend to believe witnesses.

Kankakee, IL - Journal (August 30, 1979)

"Several persons report odd object in night sky" details sightings in northern Illinois. News director Ed Munday of WKAN received calls about a bright object. In Sycamore, a DeKalb County Sheriff's Police deputy, Berna Van Vlerah, observed a "dome-shaped object with an orange glow" and followed it for nearly two hours. Lillian Hertz of Bradley also reported a similar bright object. Callers noted that security lights went out. Charles Weedin, a farmer, reported watching the object for 35 minutes. The article mentions that a local newspaper suggested it might have been a weather balloon, and there were no radar sightings.

Jesup, GA - Press Sentinel (August 30, 1979)

"UFO? Citizen makes sighting" features James Lesher of Wayne County, who reported an unidentified flying object hovering in the night sky. Deputy Jesse Brantley confirmed Lesher was seeing something unusual. Lesher described it as "cone-shaped, multi-colored" and maneuvering. He contacted the National UFO Reporting Center in Seattle. Robert Gribble from the Center noted the description was similar to past reports and that the object's stationary movement was "mystifying." Lesher also mentioned seeing a similar object three days prior. The Center can be reached at 1-206-722-3000.

Hastings, NEBR. - Tribune (September 20, 1979)

"Hastings has own UFO" by Mary Lewis covers a sighting by Nancy Shuler, who described a "large kelly green fireball with smoke coming out the top." The object was seen in the northwest sky. Police initially discounted the report until a second call confirmed the description. Miles Hanelvig of Grand Island Flight Service and Robert Griddle of the U.S. UFO Center were consulted. Griddle ruled out a meteor due to the green color, suggesting it might indicate burning copper. Two other residents reported hearing a loud bang and seeing a flare, or a "brilliant white flare with billowing smoke."

East Prairie, MO - Eagle (September 13, 1979)

"UFO sightings made in Bootheel last weekend" reports a "rash of sightings" of one or two unidentified flying objects over the weekend. Red, blue, green, and white lights were seen "flying in a regular manner and hovering in one spot" until they "disappeared due to sunlight." Police departments in several nearby counties also received reports. The Cairo substation and the UFO Center were notified. The Cape Girardeau Police Department contacted the FAA, which had no reports of scheduled aircraft.

White Bear Lake, MN - Press (September 21, 1979)

"First UFO sighting reported here" details a report of a "red, blue and green object with triangular windows" heading south over White Bear Lake. A young woman reported seeing the bright object in the eastern sky. Police stated this was the only report of a UFO sighting they ever received.

Somerset, PA - Daily American (September 20, 1979)

"UFO sighting at Listie reported" by Sally Fike describes a sighting by Allen Cline and Von Wharsel. They saw a bright white light that remained stationary for about five minutes, followed by a smaller red light that shot upwards. The object then displayed two smaller blue lights before disappearing. They described the movement as like a "jet bursting in flight." The article mentions the UFO Center in Washington, D.C. as a reporting resource.

Temple, TX - Telegram (September 14, 1979)

"Mystery Shape Left In Grass At Lake Home" reports on Bud Drake of Morgan's Point finding a "V"-shaped impression in his backyard. The impression was made of discolored grass, with a line depression bisecting the shape. Drake described the grass as whitened, not burned, with a "distinct and symmetrical pattern." He speculated it might have been a UFO, noting the supporting ground was hard and would require significant weight. Bell County sheriff's officers stated there were no plans to file a report.

L.A., CAL. - Herald Examiner (September 19, 1979)

"German police report UFO encounter" details independent sightings by about 10 officers in Ingolstadt, West Germany, of three unidentified flying objects that hovered silently before disappearing. Workers at a local Audi-NSU plant also saw them. The objects were described as "very big and beamed brightly," flickering yellow and red. Police reported spotting "pentagonal-shaped UFOs" flying northwest. The explanation of a downed plane from Hector Airport did not satisfy the witnesses.

Colorado Springs, COLO. - Telegraph (September 23, 1979)

"Sighting UFO Brings Teasing" discusses the phenomenon of UFO sighters facing ridicule. Real estate agent George Zeis recounted comments like, "How many drinks had you had before you saw that thing?" but stated it didn't bother him. Zeis reported seeing a "bright orange light" on August 24. The article references the 1947 surge in UFO sightings and mentions Ted Weigand, who reported a saucer-shaped aircraft in 1947. The piece includes a cartoon depicting aliens interacting with humans.

Suffolk, VA - News-Herald (September 19, 1979)

"UFO Sightings Reported In Area" covers reports from two Suffolk residents and a Portsmouth resident. Cheri Underwood and Debbie Presson saw an oval or round object with bluish-green and red lights on two different nights. They described it as moving in circles and shooting lights out. They contacted UFO Central. A representative from Langley Air Force Base stated the Air Force was not involved in UFO business but mentioned increased flying exercises. NASA also stated they do not investigate UFO sightings.

Charleston, MO - Enterprise Courier (September 13, 1979)

"Police report sightings of UFO's over wide area" details a "rash of sightings" in the Bootheel region over the weekend. Reports described red, blue, green, and white lights hovering. Police departments in multiple counties received reports. The Cairo substation and UFO Center were notified. The Cape Girardeau Police Department contacted the FAA, which had no relevant reports.

West Fargo, N.D. - Pioneer (September 5, 1979)

"Cargill worker stunned by 'close encounters'" reports on a security guard and others who were frightened by "close encounters" at a Cargill construction site. They observed several strange lights, including a "dim blue light" and a "bright flashing light" that circled. The guard described lights appearing to hover and emit a "diffused beam." Later, orange lights approached low to the ground. The report mentions that Hector Airport lost a plane off its radar scope, but this explanation was not satisfactory to the witnesses.

Toledo, OR - Leader (September 19, 1979)

"UFOs Here?" discusses a report from Lincoln County of a "bright star-like" object falling from the sky near Fogarty Creek, hitting the ocean, bouncing, and disappearing. The woman who reported it asked the sheriff's department to contact the Coast Guard, Navy, and Army.

Richland, MO - Mirror (September 20, 1979)

"R.H.S. students spot U.F.O.'s!" reports on students and adults sighting "unknown lights" on September 15th. They observed three glowing orange lights that blinked off and reappeared as four. Later, a "white light flying through the sky making much faster than a regular plane" was seen. Several people recalled orange glowing lights following their cars.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme throughout these articles is the persistent reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, often by credible witnesses such as police officers and pilots. The articles highlight the public's fascination with UFOs, the challenges faced by witnesses in being taken seriously (ridicule factor), and the lack of definitive explanations from official sources. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these events as they occur, presenting witness accounts, and acknowledging the mystery, without definitively concluding that the objects are extraterrestrial. There's an implicit encouragement for further investigation and a desire for answers, as seen in the researcher's call for comments and the reporting of contact information for UFO reporting centers.

This issue, primarily from the Littlefield, Texas LEADER NEWS and the Rochester, Minn. POST-BULLETIN, dated September 27, 1979, focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena. The cover headline, 'What was it? A BIRD? A UFO? A PLANE?', sets the tone for the articles within.

Texas Sightings

The lead story details a sighting near Amherst, Texas, on Sunday night, September 23, 1979. At least seven Amherst students and several from Littlefield reported seeing a strange lighted object flying in the sky between 10:20 and 10:40 p.m. One student described it as radiating tones of green and red-colored lights, moving at varying speeds, hovering, and having a big white light on the bottom that would go off while a smaller light stayed on. The object was reportedly silent. The student emphatically stated, 'I know it wasn't an airplane!' and described it as 'very unusual.'

Another report from Littlefield mentioned a green light flashing through a window around the same time. Police radios also received reports of lights going out in Sudan, Amherst, and Littlefield, with authorities requesting checks for accidents. Sheriff E. D. McNeese investigated the Amherst sighting and concluded it was 'a regular little plane.' However, some youths who went to a field below where the object was sighted found a burned place, which the Sheriff attributed to the remains of burned debris from a combine. Despite the official explanation, one youth insisted, 'They may want to give me a lie detector test, but I know it wasn't an airplane!'

Minnesota Sightings

Two men, Tim Thomforde (22) of Zumbro Falls and David Hinrichs (24) of Zumbrota, reported seeing a silvery UFO on Tuesday afternoon, September 25, 1979, while fishing on Lake George in southwest Rochester. They described the object as chrome-colored, highly reflective, and spherical in shape, though flat on top and bottom. Air traffic controllers at Rochester Airport and the National Weather Service reported no unusual activity or balloon launches that would account for the sighting. The Weather Service noted the wind was blowing from the south at about 17 miles an hour. Rochester police and Olmsted County sheriff's officers also received no UFO reports.

Thomforde described the object as round, flat on the bottom 'like a Frisbee,' without wings, having no lights, making no sound, and leaving no visible trail. It moved higher as it traveled northeast and eventually rose out of sight.

Iowa Ground Traces

An article from the Creston, Iowa NEWS ADVERTISER, dated September 20, 1979, reports on a sighting by Curtis Olson near Lake City, Minnesota. Olson found damaged corn stalks in his field in a 50-foot circular pattern, with tracks leading to another area. He described the corn as being peeled and some stalks charred. He also noted paths leading to a second circle about 18 feet away, with no charred areas. Along these paths, it appeared 'people or somebody walked around.' Corn ears were peeled back and silks plucked or blown from some ears.

Olson initially thought it might be lightning, but the peeled ears couldn't be explained by that. He believes an unidentified flying object landed, but ruled out a helicopter or other aircraft. The Wabasha County Sheriff, Robert Loechler, was skeptical, suggesting lightning could cause strange effects. However, Olson also found what he described as a footprint with a heel about 1½ to 2 inches across and toes totaling about six inches across, which he believed was not produced by a shoe or a human foot, nor by any animal on his farm. Sheriff Loechler noted a 'mark in the soil' but believed it was made at least a week prior to the damage.

Foreign Clippings

The issue includes several 'Foreign Clippings' from various UK newspapers:

• Gloucester Citizen (June 26, 1979): Whitminster schoolboy Dominic Hudd (10) and his mother, Mrs. Honor Hudd, reported seeing three shiny silver, cigar-shaped objects in the sky, with a fourth taking off to join them. The objects were described as being below cloud level, silent, and about as high as a double-decker bus. Police investigated and considered it a genuine sighting.
• Milton Keynes Gazette (June 22, 1979): A Netherfield man and friends reported seeing a bright orange light in the sky over Fishermead. The object was described as about four times bigger than a plane's flashing light, moving slowly across the sky.
• Sheffield Morning Telegraph (June 21, 1979): More than a dozen police officers in Barnsley sighted unidentified flying objects, described as bright, white lights moving very fast and in zig-zag patterns across the sky at a great height.
• Watford Evening Echo (June 26, 1979): A man walking his dog near St Albans spotted a green ball of fire flashing across the night sky. Reports of green lights over Leavesden Aerodrome were also mentioned, with speculation that it could be space debris from Skylab.
• Leeds Evening Post (June 27, 1979): Witnesses near the Yorkshire coast reported seeing flashing red, blue, and green lights in the sky, described as oval-shaped and moving slowly.
• Bolton Evening News (July 7, 1979): Evening strollers in Farnworth reported a strange object hovering over the rooftops, described as balloon-shaped, then cigar-shaped with a silver streak. Local UFO investigator Miss Jenny Randles suggested it could have been a weather balloon that had drifted from Liverpool.
• Herts Advertiser (June 22, 1979): A 14-year-old boy and his cousin claimed to have seen a black, oval flying saucer ascending above playing fields near Redbourn. They described it as about half the size of a house and ascending rapidly before seeming to explode and disappear.
• Wigan Evening Post (June 27, 1979): The British UFO Research Association appealed for information from Wigan residents who had experienced close encounters.
• Bristol Evening Post (June 27, 1979): A Bristol engineering student claimed to have spotted a metallic silver, round object revolving in the sky.
• Gloucester Citizen (June 28, 1979): Two cigar-shaped objects were reported moving closely together, high in the sky, near Nupend, Stonehouse.
• Gloucester Citizen (July 3, 1979): A woman in Gloucester described seeing a large bright orange globe followed by a smaller white light hovering in the air.
• Rugby Advertiser (June 29, 1979): A sixteen-year-old girl reported seeing a bright round object flashing in the sky.

French Sightings

• Sud-Ouest (August 29, 1979): An object described as a UFO, shaped like a saucer about ten meters in diameter, was seen in the sky of Villeneuve-City. The witness described it as a big yellow light.
• La Voix du Nord (August 31, 1979): A farmer and his neighbor in Haisnes-lez-La Bassée reported seeing a red-orange speck that increased in size, gave off sparks, and disappeared. Four other farmers in Vermelles reported the same phenomenon.
• Midi-Libre (August 31, 1979): A UFO researcher revealed that an Argentinian man photographed a 'little orange man' about 15 centimeters high.
• La Depeche du Midi (July 15, 1979): Four witnesses near Saint-Lys reported seeing a bright shape descending from the sky, described initially as a 'flying cigar' and later as a saucer, moving at high speed and in complete silence.

Editorial Stance and Themes

The issue reflects a strong interest in UFO phenomena, presenting witness testimonies with varying degrees of official skepticism or explanation. The recurring theme is the unexplained nature of these sightings, with many witnesses firmly believing they saw something beyond conventional aircraft or natural phenomena. The 'Foreign Clippings' section broadens the scope, indicating a global interest in UFOs during this period. The articles often highlight the contrast between official explanations and the conviction of the witnesses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings, the nature of witness testimony, and the ongoing debate between official explanations and the belief in extraterrestrial visitation. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these events and testimonies, often with a degree of open-mindedness, while also including official statements or potential explanations. There is a clear emphasis on the unexplained aspects of many sightings, particularly those involving unusual shapes, movements, and the lack of sound. The inclusion of foreign reports suggests a global phenomenon that transcends national borders. The articles implicitly encourage readers to consider the possibility of unexplained aerial phenomena, even while acknowledging that some sightings may have conventional explanations.