APCIC - Vol 05 No 07 - 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: July 1980, Volume 5, No. 7
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

This issue of UFO News presents a collection of recent UFO sightings and related information, compiled by the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping & Information Center. The publication highlights various encounters reported across different regions, alongside commentary on official investigations and scientific perspectives.

Contents and Articles

Cover Story: UFO NEWS

The cover prominently features the title "UFO NEWS" with an illustration of a classic flying saucer. The issue date is July 1980, Volume 5, No. 7.

Staff and Contributors

The issue lists the editorial staff, including Harry R. Cohen as editor and S. Mac Williams as assistant editor. Ron Smotek handles photo analysis, and Richard Smotek contributes "supplement" research. A network of foreign correspondents from Argentina, Australia, Denmark, France, Italy, Turkey, Germany, and Canada provides international perspectives.

Subscription and Services

Information is provided for the A.P.C.I.C. Clipping Service, with subscription rates for the U.S. & Canada ($5.00/month) and foreign subscriptions ($6.00/month, including air mailing). They also promote "UFO UPDATE," a publication available for $1.50 per copy, with inquiries directed to Tom Grey of the Northeastern UFO Organization in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Additionally, the "UFO COMMUNICATORS NETWORK" is advertised, offering a sample newsletter and catalog for $2.00 from PAGE RESEARCH in Rome, Ohio.

Editorial Note

A letter from the editor, H. R. Cohen, addresses a perceived reduction in pages. He explains that for the first time in over four years of publication, there was insufficient material to fill the usual number of pages. He assures readers that the next issue will be back to normal and mentions that six pages in Italian, with no translations yet, will be forwarded shortly.

Sightings Reports

1. Oxford Heights, USA (Date not specified, likely June 1980):
Children playing outside reported seeing an unidentified flying object (UFO) described as an "upside-down ice cream cone with a luminous yellow light fixed on the broad bottom." The object was shiny, whitish, and swayed parallel to Wesley Drive, resembling a buoy in choppy water. It was also described as having a yellow light on the bottom and being about 200 feet high. The object moved northeast and faded out. Disc jockeys at local radio stations WGAI and WCNC confirmed receiving calls about the sighting. Glenn Collins, a spokesman at the Elizabeth City Municipal Airport, stated that weather balloons, which are sent up periodically, are not visible at night and do not have lights, thus ruling them out as an explanation.

2. Idaho, USA (June 17, 1980):
An Idaho Nuclear Engineering Laboratory employee, a 52-year-old Westinghouse worker, reported a strange encounter. While leaving work around midnight, he saw a sudden flash. He described the object as a "fat cigar" with a tail behind it, like a meteor, but with a solid tail. He ruled out it being a meteor due to its shape, low altitude, and slow speed. The object displayed a hue of colors, dominated by medium red, and appeared to disintegrate at about a 45-degree angle toward Teton Mountain peaks. None of his co-workers witnessed the event. Officials at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration reported no unusual sightings that night. Deputy Chief Gene Start of NOAA suggested that unusual atmospheric phenomena or peculiar things that are ordinary could be explanations, but emphasized the need for factual data. A tower employee at Fanning Field also reported no unusual sightings.

3. Cheboygan, Michigan, USA (Date not specified, likely June 1980):
Several Cheboygan residents reported seeing three red UFOs in the sky. The Cheboygan Sheriff Department received reports from four people. Kathleen Balbaugh reported seeing the objects and her daughter attempted to take pictures. Steve Pawlowski and friends also saw the three red objects moving across the sky near I-75. Mrs. Balbaugh mentioned hearing engine noise from the objects around 10:15 p.m. The Cheboygan National Guard stated they had no helicopters in the air. A 34-year-old ex-schoolteacher from Cincinnati, Melanie Doan, reported that the objects followed her car north on I-75 near Petoskey. She described her encounter as "close" and "incredible." Mrs. Doan, her four children, and their babysitter were shaken. She first spotted two flying objects around 11 p.m. about 70 miles south of Petoskey. The objects, described as "egg-shaped with red and blue-green lights flashing periodically," were absolutely silent. They moved in a zig-zag pattern toward her car. She accelerated from 45 mph to 85 mph, but the objects kept pace. Two similar objects then appeared to the left. After about 15 minutes, a second car approached, and the objects left. Mrs. Doan asserted that it was not the northern lights and that no aircraft could travel as silently.

4. Greenwood, South Carolina, USA (Date not specified, likely June 1980):
Jan Harrison and Phyllis Cook, roommates and waitresses, reported seeing strange lights while riding to work. They stopped their car and observed a bright red round light, another bright white light to its right, and a dome-shaped light with another dome shape above it. They initially thought it might be a helicopter but noted there was no noise. A regular customer, who asked to remain unidentified, suggested it was a UFO and mentioned that other people have reported UFOs on Lake Greenwood near the power plant and dam. He theorizes that craft land in reservoirs or lakes and stay out of view during the day. He also mentioned that the craft often have equipment for metal detection and are interested in gold mines. He described the UFOs as having a "hum like a turbine engine" when close, but otherwise very quiet and fast.

5. Sharpsville, USA (June 1980):
Several Sharpsville residents reported seeing an unidentified flying object whizzing over the borough around 10 p.m. The police department received 15 calls. Fire Chief Paul Mehalko described the object as a red light in the sky and speculated it could be a balloon or some "aircraft."

6. McGuire Farm, USA (June 29, 1980):
At Pat McGuire's invitation, Dr. Richard F. Fleck, photographer Richard Foertsch, and the reporter visited the McGuire Farm to "watch the show." At 3:00 a.m., a strange light appeared on the horizon, flashing blue, red, yellow, and bright white. The object moved straight up and down, then rocked back and forth, performing a "cosmic dance." McGuire claims they witnessed a UFO performance. The reporter concludes that while they cannot be certain, they left with less skepticism.

7. Shelby, North Carolina, USA (June 24, 1980):
Twelve-year-old Ricky Blanton and his family reported seeing a cigar-shaped object moving in a northwesterly direction at tree-top level. The object had an intense white glow, like someone shining a flashlight, and made no noise. Ricky's father, David Blanton, stated it definitely wasn't an airplane. Ricky recalled seeing "one tail fin sticking up in the back" and a line dividing the top and bottom halves of the object. The family drew pictures of the object. They plan to report the sighting to George Fawcett, state director of MUFON. Fawcett noted that cigar-shaped objects are rare and that public acceptance of UFOs has changed significantly.

8. Manila, Philippines (June 14, 1980):
A Chinese temple opened its gates to refute claims that it was sending out mysterious microwaves and "unidentified flying objects" over Manila. Residents had complained to the Defense Ministry about "harmful microwaves" coming from the pagoda-like building, allegedly from an electronic "remote sensing" gadget. Residents also claimed UFOs were released from the temple. Police stated they had not noticed anything unusual but would investigate.

UFO Investigations and Perspectives

U.S. Air Force Investigations:
Major Douglas Kennett, an Air Force spokesman, stated that the U.S. Air Force no longer investigates UFOs unless they obviously threaten national security. He explained that 95 percent of sightings are explainable as meteors, satellites, light reflections, planes, or hoaxes. He mentioned that Project Bluebook, a massive Air Force investigation, ended 11 years ago, though an unidentified Air Force spokesman suggested the demise of Bluebook is "debatable." If future investigations were to occur, NASA would "take the lead."

Soviet Report on UFOs:
A startling Soviet report, obtained by Stanton T. Friedman, suggests that intelligent beings from outer space are spying on Earth. The report, by radio astronomer L.M. Gindilis for the Soviet Academy of Sciences, indicates that spacecraft entering our system are controlled by intelligent beings. This is presented as the first clear indication that Russia's best scientists are convinced UFOs are key to the search for extraterrestrial life. The report examined 250 verified sightings in the Soviet Union over 20 years, reducing each to a basic formula. Russian scientists are exploring radio contact with extraterrestrial civilizations and have noted "peculiar features" in radio waves, suggesting communication methods unknown in modern physics. Gindilis believes that a significant percentage (20 to 25 percent) of sightings cannot be explained. Friedman noted that many NASA scientists share the Russian conviction that Earth is being visited by extraterrestrial spacecraft. He suggested that official American projects to investigate UFOs are not publicized due to the Freedom of Information Act, leading to a "loosely-organized effort."

Lawyer's Fight for UFO Documents:
Peter Gersten, a lawyer who sued the CIA in 1977 to release secret UFO documents, claims that only about 30 percent of classified UFO files have been disclosed. He believes a "reasonable search" would have uncovered at least 300 other documents. Gersten learned of these files from references in released material and has been leaked government secrets by military personnel. He is seeking more information about unprecedented UFO sightings around American and Canadian military bases in 1975 and claims a Cuban MiG was shot down by a UFO over Cuba in 1967. Gersten became involved through UFO expert William Spaulding. He is seeking files from the CIA, Air Force, Army, Navy, and the National Security Agency, claiming only about 10 percent of the Air Force's secret UFO files have been made available.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO News are the prevalence and variety of UFO sightings, the skepticism and challenges faced by witnesses, and the official stance of government agencies and military bodies towards UFO investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open reporting and documentation of these phenomena, providing a platform for witness accounts and expert opinions, while also acknowledging the difficulties in obtaining official confirmation or explanation. The inclusion of the Soviet report and the lawyer's fight for documents suggests an underlying theme of potential government secrecy or a broader, more complex reality surrounding UFOs than is publicly acknowledged.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated April 22, 1980, features a prominent cover story about a UFO sighting in Springer, New Mexico, which was ultimately dismissed as a sighting of Venus by an investigator. The magazine also includes reports from various locations, including Monrovia, California; Anchorage, Alaska; Floyd, Virginia; Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Kelseyville, California; and Mesa, Arizona. It delves into a particularly unusual case from Wyoming involving two women and a terrifying encounter with shape-shifting objects and a black dog with fiery eyes. Additionally, the issue explores the potential link between UFO sightings and natural disasters, citing research and interviews with experts.

Articles and Reports

UFO in Springer Said to Be Star (Page 1)

This article details a UFO sighting by Springer Police Officer Manuel Medina, who observed a bright, round object in the sky. Medina and other residents reported the object changed color and direction. Allan Hendry, chief investigator for the Center of UFO Studies, interviewed Medina and suggested the sighting was likely Venus, though he acknowledged the object's movement was 'too fast for a star.' Hendry noted that the national center receives many similar calls and prefers cases with physical evidence or radar observation. The U.S. Weather Service and the Federal Aviation Administration ruled out the possibility of it being a weather balloon. Medina, a relatively new officer, stated he reported it out of curiosity and to do his job.

Two UFOs Reported (Page 1)

This brief report from West Covina, California, details two UFO sightings. One man reported seeing a silent, round object hover and then speed out of sight. The sheriff's department also received a call about a UFO glowing with yellow and red lights near Monrovia. The FAA stated no aircraft matching the descriptions were reported to them.

Residents Say Yes, Officials Call It Plane with Banner (Page 2)

This article from Anchorage, Alaska, discusses a bright, lighted object seen by numerous residents. While officials from the FAA, police, and state troopers suggested it was an airplane towing a lighted banner, several local residents disagreed. Witnesses described the object as round, tilting, and moving in different directions, unlike a conventional airplane. Some reported seeing lights inside and hearing a 'light moaning noise.' One resident reported seeing an object hover about 30 feet off the ground with spinning lights.

U.F.O. Mystifies Indian Valley Couple (Page 3)

Cicero and Bessie Cox, an elderly couple from Floyd, Virginia, reported seeing a white, oval-shaped object in their meadow on Father's Day. They described it as changing colors and moving around before flying upward. The object left a flattened area of grass. The couple described it as round with things sticking out and having orange, green, and blue lights.

Dozens Claim to Have Seen 'UFO' (Page 3)

This report from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, states that dozens of people reported seeing a mysterious airborne object. Calls came from various locations in the Hamilton area. One man described the object as a balloon-like shape at an altitude of 2,000 to 3,000 feet, with clear visibility and legs hanging from it.

CONT. DOZENS CLAIM TO HAVE SEEN UFO (Page 4)

This continuation of the Hamilton report includes descriptions from John Bell and Roy Guitar. Roy Guitar described the object as a 'round saucer shape' with a red rim, and later as 'white hot iron' in the middle. He estimated its size and height. He also mentioned having seen similar patterns of movement in previous UFO sightings. Members of his household also spotted the object, with some describing it as bell-shaped and others as triangular. Radar facilities at Toronto International Airport picked up nothing.

Several Report Sighting of UFO in Sky Over Big Valley (Page 4)

This article from Lakeport, California, details sightings of a burning object passing over Big Valley. Witnesses described it as a large, reddish-orange glob with parts detaching. A pilot reported swerving to avoid a bright light that looked like a landing light. Some suggested it might have been a reflection. Vandenberg and Travis Air Force bases reported no unusual activity, and the FAA stated there were no reports of aircraft in trouble.

2 women tell of terror in what top investigator has called: Strangest UFO encounter ever (Page 5)

This article recounts a bizarre incident involving two women, Mickie Eckert and Kathy Echard, in Wyoming in July 1978. They reported encountering sinister lights, phantom trucks, and a black dog with fiery eyes. The women's car was reportedly lifted and moved. The objects then transformed into triangular-shaped UFOs. Later, a man appeared and offered them a ride. The incident is described by UFO investigator Timothy Green Beckley as the 'strangest UFO encounter ever,' suggesting UFOs can manipulate minds and change shape.

Fiery object baffles police (Page 6)

This brief report from the Daily Mirror (Jan 15, 1980) mentions widespread reports of a fiery object plunging to earth off the coast of North Queensland, Australia. The object was seen from Yarrabah to Mackay, and reports included one from a policeman and an airline pilot who described the object as emitting a greenish-white light.

Space invaders: Mesan reports strange objects in the sky (Page 6)

Robert Navarra of Mesa, Arizona, reported seeing four luminous white lights moving in different directions. He described them as 'definitely not military' and not satellites. Bill Spaulding of Ground Saucer Watch is investigating, suspecting a military exercise. Navarra, an amateur astronomer, was skeptical of the military explanation, noting the objects' brightness and movement. He contacted an observatory and the FAA, but received no confirmation.

Balloon theory for UFO discounted (Page 7)

This letter to the editor criticizes a headline suggesting balloons caused a UFO scare. The writer argues that the sightings occurred after dark and that balloons, unless illuminated, would be invisible. The descriptions of the sightings, including a searchlight and bright red lights, do not fit the theory of a balloon.

Two theories on South Devon UFO sighting (Page 7)

This article from Western Evening Herald (Plymouth, June 26, 1980) discusses a UFO sighting over South Devon. Police received numerous calls about a glowing white disc. Two theories were advanced: unusual cloud formation and lightning flashes, or a helicopter using a powerful searchlight reflected by clouds. Many witnesses rejected these explanations, noting the UFO was silent.

U.F.O.s (Page 7)

This brief item introduces G.R.O.U.P. (Gloucestershire Research Organisation into Unknown Phenomena), a group investigating UFO reports. It mentions that many UFOs cannot be explained and that groups worldwide are comparing findings. The organization hopes to hold regular meetings.

SEIZED-BY 10ft SPACE MONSTERS (Page 8)

This article from the Daily Mirror (Jan 15, 1979) recounts an Italian night watchman's claim of being kidnapped by 'space monsters' and examined inside a triangular-shaped UFO. Police reportedly found giant footprints and search marks.

More people saw UFO Tuesday (Page 8)

This report from Lihue, Hawaii, confirms a sighting of a bright object off the north shore of Kaua'i. Witnesses described it as brighter than any star, with a red flashing light at times. One witness did not consider it a UFO, thinking it was a star falling slowly. Another report mentioned seeing the same object with red lights late Tuesday night.

SOVIET scientists who are members of the USSR Academy of Sciences assert that they have actually seen "flying saucers." (Page 8)

This excerpt discusses Soviet scientists' views on UFOs. While some admit the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors, others attribute sightings to 'pulverised accumulations of dust and water.' Some scientists link increased sightings to environmental pollution, suggesting disc-shaped accumulations can form due to complex turbulent movements of air masses.

Evidence of UFO Landings Found in 64 Countries (Page 9)

This article by Bob Pratt discusses a 10-year study by Ted Phillips of the Center for UFO Studies. The study found evidence of UFO landings, including landing gear imprints, tree damage, radiation, and effects on animals. One case in Uruguay involved a German shepherd that died after an object landed nearby. Soil tests indicated these objects weigh between 8 and 20 tons. The study also notes that UFOs emit sounds and that many witnesses are professionals.

Outer space beings visit us regularly (Page 9)

This article features Wendelle Stevens, a UFO expert who believes alien contact is widespread. Stevens is interested in three female aliens from the planet Erra in the Pleiades star group, who communicate telepathically with a Swiss farmer named Eduard Meier. The Pleiadeans reportedly view humans as self-destructive and warn about pollution. Stevens' interest in UFOs began when he was an Air Force officer.

UFOs & Psychic Experiences Linked to Natural Disasters (Page 10)

This article by Larry Masidlover explores the connection between UFO sightings and natural disasters. Robert Gribble of the National UFO Reporting Center noted hovering craft appeared before the Mt. St. Helens volcano eruption. Dr. Henry Monteith suggests UFOs are drawn to natural disasters out of curiosity. Dr. Michael A. Persinger's computer study linked UFO sightings with psychic phenomena and natural disasters, citing examples like the San Francisco earthquake and volcanic eruptions.

EXAMINER July 29 1980 (Page 10)

This section continues the discussion on UFOs and psychic experiences. Stevens learned about the Pleiadeans from Meier, describing them as gentle and not to be feared. He notes their lifespan and the types of flying saucers they use. R. Lee Sprinkle, a UFO expert, believes extraterrestrials may be preparing humanity for cosmic citizenship. The article also mentions that UFOs visit Earth for their own business and observe humans.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO Magazine revolve around the persistent mystery of unidentified flying objects, the challenges in officially explaining sightings, and the ongoing debate between skeptical official explanations and the conviction of witnesses. There's a strong emphasis on witness testimony, with numerous accounts from ordinary citizens, police officers, and even pilots. The magazine also explores more speculative connections, such as the link between UFOs and natural disasters, and the possibility of extraterrestrial contact and its implications. The editorial stance appears to be one that acknowledges the phenomenon of UFO sightings as real and worthy of investigation, even when official channels dismiss them. There's a clear leaning towards the idea that these are not simply misidentifications or natural phenomena, but rather something more profound and potentially extraterrestrial in origin, as suggested by the 'strangest UFO encounter ever' and the detailed accounts of physical evidence and alien contact.