APCIC - Vol 06 No 03 - 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 6, No. 3
Date: March 1981
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: Cleveland, Ohio

This issue of UFO NEWS delves into a variety of UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters, presenting reports from different regions and perspectives. The magazine highlights the ongoing interest and investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena.

Feature Articles

Family Harassed by Eerie Space Aliens in Their Home

This article details the terrifying experience of a young couple, Frank and Janet Jasper, and their 3-year-old daughter in Dayton, Ohio, who claim to have been subjected to nightly invasions by aliens for two months. The beings allegedly used telepathic powers to keep the couple awake and control their minds. Frank Jasper, under hypnosis, recalled being taken aboard a disc-shaped UFO, approximately 50 feet in diameter, where a small, rectangular device was placed on his neck. Janet Jasper recalled the aliens mentioning that "a star was going to hit the Earth." Despite the frightening nature of the encounters, the couple felt they had become better people as a result.

Two Pilots Have Close Encounter with UFO

This report covers an incident involving two pilots, Gary Rounds and Charles Shackleford, who were practicing landing exercises near San Jose Municipal Airport when they encountered a mysterious object. They described it as a bright, red pulsating light, about 10 feet in diameter, that approached their aircraft at high speed. Two air traffic controllers, Randy Blount and Rich Gutterud, also witnessed the object, which did not appear on radar. The object followed the plane, hovered, and then departed at an "incredible speed." The pilots and controllers concluded it was not an airplane, helicopter, balloon, or hang glider.

Flying Blue Object Baffles Police

This article from the Green River, Wyoming Star reports on a sighting of an unidentified flying object by local police. Sgt. Joe Amici described seeing a blue light traveling at high speed with sparks. Similar sightings were reported by other officers and civilians in surrounding areas, including Wamsutter, Rock Springs, and Granger. The object's behavior and appearance led to speculation about its nature, with some considering it a meteorite or possibly military aircraft.

UFO Spotted Last Night (Xenia, Ohio)

This report from the Xenia Ohio Gazette details a sighting of an unidentified flying object by residents and law enforcement in Xenia and Bellbrook. Witnesses described a silver object with red, green, and blue lights. While the National Weather Service suggested it might be atmospheric conditions or a plane, witnesses were convinced it was something else. The Bellbrook Police Department initially reported many calls about the sighting, though a spokesperson later stated there were no official reports of UFO sightings.

Residents See Mysterious Object (Jesup, Georgia)

This article from the Jesup, GA Press Sentinel describes an encounter with a mysterious object by Gene Lyons and Jerry and Bonnie Bowen. They observed a "big ball of fire," a "great big orange thing," or a "brilliant red" triangular-shaped object descending silently. The object was illuminated and appeared very bright. The witnesses were unable to rationalize the sighting and considered the possibility of it being something the Defense Department was working on.

We Are Not Alone, Says Richmond District Woman After Close Encounter

This report from the San Francisco Examiner details Cindy Gaffney's experience of witnessing a "classic flying saucer shape" land in her neighbor's backyard. She described it as a four-foot high, eight-to-ten foot long, white, glowing object with no windows or wheels. It reportedly left a round, whitish mark on the patio. Mrs. Gaffney stated she was 100 percent sure of what she saw and was scared.

Expert to Study UFO Reports (Ohio County)

The Messenger-Inquirer reports that the National Center for UFO Studies has assigned a field investigator to look into multiple reports of unidentified flying objects over Ohio County. The investigator's report is expected to be available in a few weeks. The center considers these reports significant due to the credibility of the law enforcement personnel who provided them.

UFO Sighting Report is Given (Alliance, Ohio)

Members of the Tri-County UFO Study Group met to discuss plans for the new year and received a report on an investigation into a UFO sighting on January 18 in Alliance. The group believes a good sighting occurred and has turned the reports over to the UFO Information Network and Dr. J. Allen Hynek's Center for UFO Study. Another report detailed a sighting of a long oval object with lights moving silently.

Yes, There Were Visitors From Space That Night

This letter to the editor of the St. Maries Idaho Gazette Record responds to a previous letter about a "Soviet Cosmos rocket." The writer and her family witnessed two "witnessed their passing," describing two "fireballs" that looked like meteors but maintained their relative positions, suggesting a formation. They concluded, "We had visitors from space that night."

UFO Reported Seen (Ephrata, Washington & Moses Lake, Washington)

Two separate reports detail motorists seeing unidentified flying objects. In Ephrata, a motorist saw a possible UFO while driving to Spokane, noting lights that remained in one spot for minutes. In Moses Lake, a motorist reported seeing an object that appeared to be a jet landing, but it hovered and moved toward him when he investigated.

Meteors or UFOs? (Morris, Minnesota)

This brief report mentions residents being shocked by a pair of flashes in the sky, accompanied by rumbling noises. While likely caused by meteors, some suggested UFOs were making their presence known.

Writer Reports Blue-Light UFO (Casper, Wyoming)

Dorothy Carstens reports seeing a blue light traveling very fast in Casper, Wyoming, on February 3, which she believes was a UFO.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS are the prevalence of UFO sightings across different regions, the variety of reported object shapes and behaviors, and the involvement of both civilian and law enforcement witnesses. The magazine appears to maintain a neutral stance, presenting the reports as they are received and noting ongoing investigations. There is a clear interest in documenting and disseminating information about unexplained aerial phenomena, suggesting a belief in the significance of these events and the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry and reporting on the subject matter.

This collection of newspaper clippings from early 1981, primarily from Texas and Pennsylvania, details numerous UFO sightings and encounters reported by residents. The articles highlight a period of heightened public interest and reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Key Sightings and Reports

Texas Reports:

• Carrizo Springs/Crystal City/Dimmit County (January 30, 1981): Multiple witnesses reported seeing a cigar-shaped, glowing yellow object with red and green lights in the northwest sky. Accounts varied on whether it made a sound or moved slowly. One report mentioned cattle being scared by a sound.
• Lantana, Florida (February 17, 1981): Rancher George Blackwell reported mysterious radioactive holes in his pasture, which investigators suggested were caused by a UFO's landing gear. Similar holes were reported in England.
• La Vernia (February 28, 1981): Approximately 30 residents reported seeing a triangular-shaped UFO hovering, which coincided with television disruptions and a false fire alarm. Witnesses described white lights at the front and a red light at the rear. Juan P. Saldana provided a sketch of the object. Paul Mattke, chief of the volunteer fire department, received numerous calls about UFO sightings and reported a smell of burning tar or insulation near a store where smoke was seen.
• San Antonio Area (February 28, 1981): A retired Air Force mechanic reported seeing two 'saucers' following a plane, which then passed the plane. Three hunters near La Vernia reported a strange object that looked like two eyes, then two lights, about the size of an 8-room house, making a humming sound. They attempted to communicate with it using an SOS flash.
• San Jose, California (February 12 & 20, 1981): Two Cupertino pilots and air traffic controllers reported a close encounter with a bright red, pulsating object near the San Jose Municipal Airport. The object, about 10 feet in diameter, was seen by controllers but not detected on radar. Another report on February 9 described a red light that followed a private plane before shooting out of sight. Residents from San Jose to Fremont also reported similar sightings.

Pennsylvania Reports:

• Mount Union/Broad Top Area (February 5, 1981): The Valley Log newspaper reported increasing sightings of UFOs, described as lights moving erratically, metallic discs with windows, or objects with reddish-bluish glows. Possible explanations included mercury vapor lights, Air Force training, or Army tests. The Center for UFO Studies in Evanston, Illinois, is a clearinghouse for such data.
• Center Point (February 26, 1981): A nurse's aide reported seeing two slowly blinking white lights that formed a pointed object, like a supersonic jet, moving fast and disappearing. She also noticed a man in a parked car looking at the sky. The Cedar Rapids airport tower received a call about the phenomenon but reported no unusual activity on radar, suggesting that landing lights on a plane might have been distorted.
• Everett, PA (February 20, 1981): The Bedford County Press reported several sightings of strange bright lights in the air and on the ground, causing bewilderment. While acknowledging fighter jet training in the area, the reports suggested these lights were distinct from military activity.

Texas (Irving) Report:

• Irving (February 12, 1981): Multiple witnesses reported seeing a fast-moving object with flashing lights, described as cigar-shaped. Lou Willis of Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) stated that the object was not military aircraft. Some witnesses reported TV interference. The sighting remained unexplained.

United Kingdom Reports:

• Parkstone, Dorset (April 3, 1978 - reported February 21, 1981): Mrs. Ethel Field reported seeing an oval-shaped spacecraft with lights, manned by silver-clad figures, hover over her garden. The object made a humming noise and moved at high speed. Her TV also went haywire. The report was published in The Weekly News.
• Dechmont Hill, West Lothian (November 9, 1979 - reported February 18, 1981): Forester Bob Taylor reported a silver craft shaped like a spinning top on the ground. Two balls shot out from it, causing a sickening smell and rendering him unconscious. The clearing showed deep triangular marks.

Other Reports:

• La Vernia, Florida (February 24, 1981): The crew of a fishing boat reported being terrorized by a gleaming white spaceship that made passes at their ship before plunging into the ocean in a cloud of steam. Capt. Raul Martinez reported the UFO made no noise, only the rush of wind.

UFO Research and Organizations

The Center for UFO Studies in Evanston, Illinois, is highlighted as a national clearinghouse for UFO data, receiving reports via a 24-hour hotline and using trained researchers to evaluate sightings. MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) is also actively investigating sightings, with Lou Willis emphasizing their interest in the unexplained 10 percent of cases.

Explanations and Theories

While many sightings were attributed to potential misidentifications (planes, weather balloons, lights), the persistent reports of unusual characteristics, such as humming noises, electromagnetic effects, and physical traces, kept the mystery alive. Some theories suggested the lights could be the result of electrical charges from quartz deposits.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes across these reports include the visual descriptions of the objects (shape, lights, color), the associated sounds (humming, whistling), and the impact on witnesses (fear, bewilderment, paralysis). The articles generally present the witness accounts factually, acknowledging the difficulty in explaining these phenomena and the ongoing efforts of UFO research organizations. The overall stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these unexplained events, recognizing the validity of witness experiences even when definitive explanations are lacking.

This collection of newspaper clippings from early 1981 focuses heavily on UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) sightings and related phenomena reported across the United Kingdom and the United States. The publications include the Doncaster Evening Post, Eitham Times, Daily Telegraph, Northern Echo, Victoria Texas Advocate, Longview Texas Community News, Austin Texas American Statesman, Weekly World News, Chester Chronicle, Isle of Thanet Gazette, Scunthorpe Star, Weekly Argus, Lancashire Evening Telegraph, and the Buxton Advertiser.

Key UFO Sightings and Encounters

Misson Sighting: The Doncaster Evening Post features a prominent story about a schoolboy, Steven Emsley, who photographed a UFO over Misson. Emsley, initially skeptical, changed his mind after seeing the object, describing it as the size of a light aircraft and moving slowly before hovering and then speeding off. Officials at RAF Finningley stated they would investigate the photograph.

Welling Sighting: The Eitham Times and Erith Observer report on an investigation launched into an enormous triangular-shaped object seen above Welling. Two men in a lorry described it as a black triangle emitting a V-shaped beam and colored lights. Researchers from the British UFO Research Association, led by Mrs. Maureen Hall, are investigating. This sighting was also linked to a similar delta-shaped object reported in Cheshire.

La Vernia, Texas: The Austin Texas American Statesman details reports from La Vernia, where residents saw two huge bright lights and a weird haze. Witnesses described a triangle-shaped object moving with a noise like wind. Firemen investigated a smoky haze behind a store. Spokesmen at Kelly Air Force Base confirmed a C-5A cargo plane was in the area, but some residents remain unconvinced by this explanation.

White Oak, Texas: The Longview Texas Community News reports on Lavell Morales and her daughter Dawn's encounter with a large orange and gray object hovering off U.S. 271. They described an "energy field" emanating from the object that caused their car to swerve. They also reported hearing a "terrible roaring sound" and seeing 23 helicopters encircling the object.

Fishing Boat Encounter: The Weekly World News describes a fishing boat crew terrorized by a UFO that made repeated passes before plunging into the ocean in a cloud of steam near Santa Cruz, Argentina.

Cupertino Pilots' Encounter: The Santa Clara Cal Sun and other publications report on Charles Shackleford and Gary Rounds, two young pilots who encountered a mysterious red light while practicing landings at San Jose Airport. Air controllers confirmed no known aircraft were in the vicinity, and the object vanished rapidly. A scientist from NASA has expressed interest in their account.

Betty Cash and Vickie Landrum Encounter: The 24 Hours newspaper (likely a local publication) details an encounter by Betty Cash and Vickie Landrum with a "large luminous object" near New Caney, Texas. They described intense heat and a "diamond-shaped" object. Cash later suffered physical ailments she attributes to the encounter. Landrum also reported eye problems.

Frodsham Sighting: The Chester Chronicle reports on a "mysterious craft" sighted over Frodsham by Mrs. May McClean, her husband Ken, and neighbour Mrs. Thelma Whibberley. They described a brilliantly bright object with a blue halo and a beam, which they believe was "not of this earth." Mrs. McClean also recounted a terrifying encounter in 1968 involving a spaceship.

Broadstairs Sighting: The Isle of Thanet Gazette reports that the RAF is investigating a sighting of an unidentified flying object by four residents in Broadstairs. Mrs. Sheelagh Norris described it as a flat object with five white lights flashing, convinced it was a flying saucer.

Twm Barlwm Mountain Sighting: The Scunthorpe Star reports that over twenty workers saw a massive, white, oblong object resting on Twm Barlwm mountain, glowing brilliantly.

Accrington Children's Encounter: The Lancashire Evening Telegraph reports on a "flying saucer" that stopped 50 feet above a group of children playing in Accrington.

Kirton Brothers' Sighting: The Weekly Argus questions whether brothers John and Mark Eccles saw a UFO after reporting a bright orange light suspended in the air near Kirton.

Blackburn Sighting: The Lancashire Evening Telegraph reports on Harold Briggs' sighting of a glowing green "UFO" that appeared to be zooming towards Earth and possibly landed in the Blackburn area.

Missing Satellite: The Examiner reports on the vanishing of the Satcom 3 communications satellite, with scientists fearing it was snatched by UFOs. Robert Barry of the Twentieth Century UFO Bureau suggests aliens may be examining our technology.

Buxton Mystery: The Buxton Advertiser reports that a UFO group is baffled by "mysterious objects and lights" seen over West Derbyshire, with no rational explanation found after extensive investigation.

Wigan Observer Letter: A letter to the Wigan Observer describes seeing stationary blue and red lights that gradually diminished to resemble a bright star, questioning if it was an aircraft.

Nottingham Sighting: The Nottingham Evening Post features a letter from E. P. Glynn, who saw a huge, radiant white circular object that seemed to emit rays, which later appeared to be Venus. He questions if defective eyesight could distort the view of stars, leading to UFO sightings.

Key Figures and Organizations

Several individuals and organizations are central to these reports. Timothy Good, a professional violinist, is presented as a dedicated UFO researcher who claims to have accumulated significant evidence for their existence. Michael Buhler, an artist, exhibits UFO paintings based on eyewitness accounts. Mrs. Maureen Hall of the British UFO Research Association is actively investigating sightings. Steven Emsley, a schoolboy, gained attention for photographing a UFO. Lavell Morales and her daughter Dawn shared a harrowing close encounter. Robert Barry of the Twentieth Century UFO Bureau is quoted regarding the vanishing satellite. Organizations like the British UFO Research Association, RAF Finningley, Kelly Air Force Base, NASA, and the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) are mentioned in relation to investigations or potential explanations.

Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes across these articles include the mystery surrounding UFO sightings, the potential for alien visitation, and the skepticism or perceived cover-ups by official bodies. Some articles present eyewitness accounts with a degree of credulity, while others, like the letter from E. P. Glynn or the comments from Tony Storey and Kelly Air Force Base spokesmen, suggest rational explanations such as misidentified aircraft, atmospheric phenomena, or even defective eyesight. The overall tone varies from sensationalism to cautious reporting, reflecting the ongoing public fascination and debate surrounding UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The collection of articles demonstrates a strong public interest in UFO phenomena during early 1981. Several publications actively report on sightings, often highlighting the eyewitness accounts and the mysterious nature of the objects. There is a clear tension between those who believe in the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs and those who seek conventional explanations. The British UFO Research Association and individuals like Timothy Good are presented as proponents of the UFO reality, while official sources like the RAF and military spokesmen tend to offer more mundane explanations, sometimes hinting at a lack of conclusive evidence or potential misidentification. The theme of government secrecy or a "cover-up" is also subtly present, particularly in Timothy Good's views and the speculation surrounding the vanished satellite. The editorial stance, while varied across different publications, generally leans towards reporting the claims and the ongoing investigations, leaving the ultimate interpretation to the reader, though some articles clearly favor the more extraordinary explanations.

Title: Farmer: Aliens Use My Ranch as Their Landing Place
Publication: National Enquirer
Date: March 24, 1981
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the National Enquirer features a prominent article about Pat McGuire, a Wyoming farmer who claims his ranch has become a landing place for aliens from another dimension. The aliens, according to McGuire, have even assisted him in finding water for his arid land, transforming his 5,100-acre property into a lush agricultural area.

Farmer's Alien Encounters

The main story details Pat McGuire's extraordinary claims, supported by his own testimony and that of his family. McGuire, who purchased desert land in 1970 with the intention of drilling a deep well for cash crops, states that aliens advised him to drill. In 1971, he hit water, and seven years later, he tapped an underground river, enabling him to irrigate 1,400 acres of malt barley. His wife, Wanda, and their eight children also claim to have seen UFOs.

Under hypnosis, McGuire provided a detailed description of the aliens: they are approximately six feet tall, slender yet muscular, with large eyes, thin lips, no hair, and heads larger than their bodies. They are described as wearing all black, with real white skin, and they move by shuffling rather than lifting their feet.

Dr. Sprinkle, a psychologist and professor at the University of Wyoming, who conducted the hypnosis sessions, vouches for McGuire's sincerity, stating, "I believe Pat is credible. There is no specific factor that would indicate that he is lying."

UFO Reports from Around the Globe

Beyond the central story, the magazine includes several other UFO-related reports:

• Nottingham UFO Riddle: Reports from Gedling Village, UK, describe a "bright, white, diamond-shaped object" investigated by the Nottingham UFO Investigation Society. Residents observed the object for 20 minutes before it dimmed and moved away.
• Sonoma UFO Reports: The Sonoma Police Station log from November 13, 1980, noted multiple citizen calls reporting "amber lights in the sky" that danced and then disappeared in sparks.
• Barnsley Chronicle (October 31, 1980): This article, titled "Space invaders over Barnsley," discusses numerous UFO sightings in the Barnsley, UK, area over the years, including an alleged landing at Barnsley Golf Club. It mentions the Aetherius Society, which believes some sightings are of intelligently guided craft here to help humanity and suggests an official cover-up.
• Specific Barnsley Sightings:
• October 1977, Wortley: A bright light seen heading towards Barnsley.
• January 1, 1979, Wath: A luminous silver cigar-shaped starship hovering over Barnsley Road.
• April 1980, Darton: A bright red light stationary in the sky before describing a large circle.
• August 26, 1980, Kendray: A large dusty red saucer-shaped object hovering 50 feet above houses.
• La Grande Ore Union County Review Record (January 21, 1981): Central School Principal Hank Golden reported seeing a "gigantic bright light" near Deal Canyon on January 9, 1981. He described it as moving erratically and flashing. The next morning, a clearing spot was found where the object had been. Another La Grande resident reported seeing a large light in the sky that didn't resemble a star or airplane. Kathi Carr, a cafeteria worker, also reported a possible UFO sighting from 1975.
• Salem Ore. Statesmen Journal (January 8, 1981): Several people reported a glowing orange object crashing near Wiltsey Road and 36th Street SE. Turner firemen searched for over an hour but found nothing, with fog limiting visibility.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly leans into the sensational and unexplained, focusing on UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these accounts as credible, particularly highlighting Dr. Sprinkle's endorsement of Pat McGuire's story. The inclusion of multiple reports from different locations and dates reinforces the theme of widespread UFO activity. The Barnsley article explicitly mentions the possibility of a government cover-up, a common trope in UFO literature. The overall tone suggests an openness to the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation and a willingness to report on such phenomena without immediate skepticism, relying on witness testimony and expert (hypnotist) validation.