APCIC - Vol 06 No 06 - 1981

Magazine Overview

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

This issue of UFO News presents a collection of recent and historical accounts of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and alleged alien encounters, drawing from various newspaper clippings and reports.

Feature Articles and Reports

Woman Can't Dismiss Eerie UFO Citing (Traverse City Mich. Record-Eagle, May 18, 1981)

The lead article details an encounter experienced by a woman named Pat and her 15-year-old daughter near East Grand Traverse Bay, Michigan. While driving on Five Mile Road just before midnight, they spotted two bright lights that initially appeared to be a car, then a plane. The lights reappeared, moving rapidly towards them, causing them to stop. The object, described as huge and absolutely silent, hovered before them. It had batlike wings covered with red, green, and white lights, resembling Christmas tree lights. Despite the initial fear of a crash, the encounter became peaceful. The object's massive underbelly had dozens of bright-colored lights and what looked like large hatchway doors. The experience left them shaken, and the woman expressed difficulty in talking about it, fearing ridicule, but insisted on its reality. The article also mentions other local residents who have reported similar sightings.

UFO Reported In Tewksbury (Flemington N.J. Democrat, May 14, 1981)

This report by Liz Fuerst covers a sighting by the Richards family in Tewksbury Township, New Jersey. On a Tuesday night, their electricity dimmed, and the television went off. They witnessed a UFO with dozens of green, blue, and red lights "buzzing" in the southern sky, hovering over a huge airborne vehicle covered with hundreds of lights. The object was described as enormous, "larger than four or five Boeing 747 planes put together," elongated with an outline of wings, resembling the "Battlestar Galactica." It moved noiselessly at a slow speed, comparable to a plane preparing to land. The family contacted the state police and the Air Force's UFO information center. The report also notes previous UFO sightings in the Tewksbury area.

UFO Sighted By Student (Miami, Fla. South Dade News, April 24, 1981)

Herb Goldberger reports on a sighting by 14-year-old Peter Alan Hale in Homestead, Florida. While using binoculars on Easter Sunday evening, Hale observed a half-circle shaped UFO floating slowly with unusual lights. His mother, Mrs. Hale, confirmed the sighting, describing it as strange and unlike anything they had seen before. She speculated that the planet might be receiving visitors from outer space. A spokesperson from Homestead Air Force Base stated that no planes were in the air at the time of the sighting.

UFO Tribe Controls Devil's (Globe, May 26, 1981)

This article by Bob Borino presents a startling theory by South African archeologist Pietr Walsh, linking the Devil's Triangle, Bermuda Triangle, and South China Sea Triangle to primitive bushmen in Africa's Kalahari Desert. Walsh suggests these areas form an equilateral triangle encompassing a fifth of the world's surface, and the force concentrated there might be related to a UFO visit. The Kalahari's "howling sands" are described as moaning or howling when touched or walked upon. Walsh claims to have computed that these sounds correlate with disappearances along the triangle's boundaries. The theory is further supported by legends of "beings of great height and size" who visited the area and left behind thin glass tubes, possibly remnants of a rocket engine. The bushmen reportedly avoid the area, believing it is haunted.

Bigfoot-like space alien lands his flying saucer on isolated mountain (Weekly World News, June 2, 1981)

Ed Rauch reports on a bizarre encounter in the Andes Mountains where two Chilean men, architect Oscar Zamorro and a judge, witnessed a Bigfoot-like creature climb aboard a flying saucer. The craft was described as a cigar-shaped metal vehicle, about 40 feet by 10 feet. The creature was hairy, human-shaped, with a flat face and no discernible neck. It boarded the craft via a descending metal ladder, and the saucer ascended silently, illuminated by glaring lights before disappearing at incredible speed. The men remained silent about the incident for fear of ridicule, with the judge stating it was "definitely not of this earth."

Creature from UFO terrorized a U.S. town (Examiner, June 9, 1981)

This article revisits the Flatwood Monster incident in Flatwood, West Virginia, from 1952. Witnesses, including Fred May and Kathleen Horner, described a flaming object descending the hill, followed by a "fire-breathing monster" with a bright green body and a blond-red face. The creature was described as "worse than Frankenstein," with a round face, no nose or mouth, and satanic eyes. A nauseating metallic stench accompanied the creature. An armed posse found traces of the object, including trampled bush and broken tree limbs. UFO expert Gray Barker is mentioned, who wrote about the incident, and Bailey Frame described the craft as a large orange ball with jets of fire. The incident has become a "frightening legend."

UFOs' Reign of Terror (National Enquirer, June 2, 1981)

This report from the Amazon coastal region of Brazil describes villagers living in fear of "vampires from space"—UFOs that flash through the sky, paralyze victims with blinding light, and appear to suck out blood. Victims reported strange marks on their chests and weakness from blood loss. Animals have also reportedly been killed and drained of blood. Dr. Orlando Salomao Zoghbi, M.D., examined victims and found no apparent cause for the marks and blood loss. Rosa Tavares witnessed a similar event involving horses. The UFOs are described as large, luminous objects with different colored lights, and some reports mention humanlike beings inside.

Says UFO Sighted In Hagar (Benton Harbor, Mich. Herald Palladium, April 6, 1981)

A Lake Michigan Beach man reported to state police that he and his son observed a UFO in Hagar Township, Michigan. The object had red lights and was seen hovering over a field, possibly landing and then taking off. Troopers initially believed it might be a helicopter.

UFO Squadron Dazzles Police in Kentucky (National Enquirer, May 5, 1981)

This article details an event where a squadron of multicolored UFOs was tracked for hours by police in Ohio County, Kentucky. Deputy Sheriff Frank Chinn described the objects as glittering like diamonds, with faceted undersides and rotating red, green, and yellow lights. The UFOs flew in precise formation and exhibited aerial acrobatics. Dozens of people across Ohio County reported similar sightings. The report also mentions that local air bases had no reports of aircraft in the area.

Resident reports 'strange lights' (Grafton, W.Va. Mountain Statesman, March 17, 1981)

Police officers investigated a report of strange colored lights seen in the sky in Grafton, West Virginia. The lights had disappeared by the time officers arrived. The Federal Aviation Administration reported no unusual radar activity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO News are the prevalence of UFO sightings across diverse geographical locations, the variety in reported object shapes and behaviors, and the persistent mystery surrounding these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and presenting these reports, ranging from personal accounts of close encounters to more speculative theories linking UFOs to ancient legends and extraterrestrial intelligence. The magazine aims to inform readers about ongoing UFO activity and historical cases, encouraging further investigation and discussion within the UFO community.

Title: UFO EXAMINER
Issue: MAY 1981
Date: May 1981
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the UFO Examiner from May 1981 is filled with numerous reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena from various locations in the USA and the UK. The articles detail witness accounts, descriptions of objects, and some of the associated effects and investigations.

UFO Strikes Fear in Town (La Vernia, Texas)

This lead article describes an incident in La Vernia, Texas, where thirty residents witnessed a UFO hovering over the town. The craft was described as huge and triangular-shaped, with brightly flashing lights and menacing sounds. The sighting coincided with strange electrical disruptions, including malfunctioning telephones and television sets, and a fire alarm being set off. Witnesses Juan P. Saldana and his family described the craft moving slowly towards them, taking 15 minutes to travel two city blocks. Vernon Rimzinski and his friends also reported seeing the craft, which they initially mistook for a plane. The object was described by other residents as being 'as big as a Boeing 707'. The incident was also associated with an 'acrid odor of sulphur' in the downtown area.

Hampton S.C. Guardian (May 20, 1981)

This report details a UFO sighting near Grays, South Carolina, based on a long-distance phone call from a resident whose niece and two other individuals saw the object. The UFO was described as an 'inverted saucer shaped craft with no visible wings or propellers, with red lights glowing'. It was seen hovering at tree-top level and moved slowly before spinning up and away. Another witness reported seeing the object stop, and a motorist also observed it. Deputy Sheriff Earl Youmans stated he had not heard of other recent reports but recalled a similar incident about a year and a half prior.

Herald Standard (May 3, 1981) - UFO Report: What's that over New Geneva?

This article from the Herald Standard covers sightings in the Fairchance and New Geneva areas. Mrs. Linda Baker reported seeing a white light in the sky that came on and shut off, then reappeared with colored lights (blue, red, and green) around it. She described the object as large and seemingly a leader to other lights. Approximately 20 people witnessed the phenomena. Fairchance police officer Jack Flowers noted the lights traveled in a southwest direction and hovered. Mrs. Anna Marie Garlett, part of a group of 14 witnesses, also described the lights. The objects were low, sometimes appearing lower than planes, and area airports could not account for them. The report also includes an account from Mrs. James Popovich of Fairchance Road, who described a 'huge, bright light' near the Takoch farm. Viewed through binoculars, it resembled a moon or a dish, and she recounted an incident where the object seemed to approach their home.

Los Altos, Cal. Town Crier (April 29, 1981)

This report from Los Altos, California, details a sighting of an unidentified flying object (UFO) hovering about 1,000 feet away. Los Altos Police received a call about unusual red lights in the sky. Robert Gribble of the UFO Center described the object as a group of lights that appeared to be attached to something, but it was seen clearly. The object moved around the sky and then disappeared. Gribble mentioned that while this was the only recent sighting in Los Altos, there have been other sightings in nearby areas, including San Jose and Sacramento, with reports of triangular, circular, or oblong shapes of light.

Connersville Ind. New Examiner (April 29, 1981) - Evening Chat

This section highlights that the area around Shelbyville and Columbus, Indiana, is a favorite for UFO reports. A Shelby County couple witnessed an object described as 'blinding in its brilliancy' that suddenly sped off and then reversed direction, hovering over a nearby woods. The object's fading lights intensified and flashed intermittently. The witness, a former military flier, ruled out a helicopter.

Laramie, Wyo. Boomerang (May 1, 1981) - UFO Witnesses Share Strange Encounters

This article focuses on a meeting of Pro UFO at the University of Wyoming, where attendees shared experiences. A group searched the sky at Pat McGuire's ranch and observed a strange object in the east, roughly disc-shaped with flashing lights, described as a silent helicopter. Some saw a round object in the center with flashing lights on top. Another witness described a bright lemon-colored object moving close to the ground, then shooting straight up. A Cheyenne couple reported a large bright object near Laramie Peak, accompanied by shuffling footsteps and a strange light. They later recalled an abduction experience under hypnosis.

Ottawa, Ohio Sentinel (April 29, 1981) - UFO's Are Reported at Ottoville

This report notes that UFO sightings are becoming more common in the spring. Several young men reported seeing glowing lights moving in the sky near the Van Wert-Putnam County line southwest of Ottoville. The lights hovered then appeared to move straight up and down. A couple living near Ottoville reported being awakened by their dog and seeing a bright light hovering over a nearby woods. The UFO stayed in the area for a while and moved similarly to the object described by the young men.

Conneaut. Ohio News-Herald (April 28, 1981) - Mysterious sightings baffle city residents

This article details a mysterious bright orange-yellow colored spherical shaped object spotted hovering over Conneaut, Ohio, by multiple local residents. Jim Jones described it as about 400-500 yards away and not an airplane, with drops of something coming out of it that disintegrated. JoAnn and Ralph Humalainen described a bright orange-yellow circle of light hovering 500-700 feet above their heads, which they initially thought was a hot air balloon. The object had a silvery glow on top and moved very slowly before heading towards the dock company and taking off. Jim Gordon of the Pennsylvania Center for UFO Studies noted that ruling out possibilities like air traffic is part of the investigation. Joan Jeffers mentioned that 'flaps' (heavy concentrations of sightings) occur every six or seven years.

Denison, Texas Herald (May 17, 1981) - Three Verify Local UFO Sighting

This article reports on a sighting in Texomaland where at least seven people spotted an unidentified flying object. Jim Shelton, a mechanic, described a 'long, cigar-like shape' with lit portholes and fire streaming from the rear, with green and yellow pulsating lights. He stated it was real and not a plane or helicopter. Karen Robinson and Linda Tingle also reported seeing the object. Linda described it as a 'big ball of light' flashing green then yellow. Shelton reported the incident to the Denison Police, who he felt did not take it seriously. He later searched the area but found nothing.

Denison, Texas Herald (May 19, 1981) - Three Verify UFO Appearance

This follow-up article continues the story of Jim Shelton's sighting. He reiterates his account of a 'long cigar-shaped' object moving at a steep angle and a fast pace. A neighbor also saw a 'bright as day' light. The article discusses the difficulty of explaining such sightings and mentions that weather balloons are often mistaken for UFOs. It also references a historical report from the Dallas Herald in 1878 about a peculiar-shaped object seen by a farmer.

Sunday Sun, Newcastle (May 17, 1981) - A flying saucer scorched me!

This article recounts the experience of Mark Henshall, a farmworker who encountered a UFO near Barnard Castle, UK, in June 1976. He described a 'very black' object that caused him to feel watched and a prickly sensation like a heat rash. The object's petrol tank was steaming, and his bike seemed to cut out. The incident was also witnessed by the driver of a Jaguar car. Henshall is convinced he saw a flying saucer and has been ridiculed for his account.

Sunday Sun (May 17, 1981) - UFOs bring a month of torment

This piece details a case from Felling, Tyne Wear, UK, where a family reported being tormented by UFOs and spacemen in August and September 1979. The 23-year-old mother was the focus of strange events, including seeing small, white doll-like creatures and a glowing bell-like disc. The description of the creatures matches other close encounter accounts. The article notes a coincidence in the timing of this event and another at Fence Houses three years apart.

Sunday Sun (May 17, 1981) - Aliens

This article describes two women in Fence Houses, UK, who claimed to have met spacemen. They were attracted to a small, oval-shaped UFO and later encountered two beings described as 'the size of large dolls' with long white hair. UFO investigator Jenny Randles believes the women are telling the truth and that the case is genuine, suggesting that more may be involved than is currently known.

Warrington Guardian Lancs (May 1, 1981) - Buzzing triangle puzzles drivers

Police are investigating a UFO encounter where a triangular object, described as a flying machine, swooped out of the night sky. Mrs. Karen Speers and her husband saw the object hovering over homes, describing a constant sound not like a helicopter. The object was triangular, about the size of a two-seater aircraft, and had lights inside. It suddenly shot off at high speed. Other motorists also stopped to watch.

Lytham St Annes Express Lancs (May 28, 1981) - 'I don't believe in UFOs, but...'

Prison officers George Wood and Jim Bottomley reported a UFO encounter in Weeton, UK. They described an oval object, about the size of a dustbin lid, hovering 200-300 feet above cottages. The object was still, then moved away over the fields without smoke or noise. Both men stressed they do not believe in UFOs but could not explain what they saw.

Wigan Observer Lancs (May 11, 1981) - A close encounter for Lian

A 17-year-old girl named Lian Sayers reported a close encounter with mysterious lights in the sky near Billinge, UK. She initially thought they were stars, but they began to move and appeared to be following her taxi. She described the object as having a 'funny shape' and being about 60 feet above the taxi. She is now convinced that UFOs exist.

Lancashire Evening Post (May 19, 1981) - U.F.O. SIGHTED PRESTON!

Police in Preston have received numerous calls about a yellow unidentified flying object visible during daytime. The Met Office investigated and stated the sightings relate to a star not seen for five years, called the 'sun'.

Daily Mirror London (May 25, 1981) - UFOs flying east for the summer

This article suggests that UFO sightings have decreased in the Western world but increased in the East, particularly China. Miss Betty Wood of the British UFO Research Association stated that 'strange craft have been seen landing and strange people coming out of them' in China.

Birmingham Post (May 25, 1981) - Space invaders turn to China

This brief report echoes the Daily Mirror's claim that China has become a popular destination for space visitors, with many reported sightings there recently.

The Forum (May 19, 1981)

This opinion piece by John Crawford discusses the public's reaction to a previous UFO story. He notes that many people believe in UFOs and that there are varying opinions on the subject. He questions what should be done if people believe UFOs are real and mentions that the Air Force has investigated UFO stories for years, often finding logical explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings, the detailed descriptions of aerial objects by multiple witnesses, and the often-associated electrical or sensory phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on witness testimony, with many articles highlighting the sincerity and conviction of those who report these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness, presenting the accounts without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging the possibility of misidentification or natural phenomena. The inclusion of historical cases and the mention of UFO research organizations suggest a continued interest and investigation into the subject matter. The articles often grapple with the question of belief versus skepticism, presenting both sides of the argument.

This issue of THE JOURNAL NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, dated May 21, 1981, titled "Is anybody there?", delves into the complex and often controversial subject of UFOs and alien encounters. The magazine presents a collection of accounts, reports, and analyses from various individuals and organizations, exploring the historical context, personal experiences, and ongoing investigations into unexplained aerial phenomena.

The Terror in the House of Dolls

The issue opens with the detailed account of Carol, a woman from Gateshead, who experienced what she describes as 'The Terror in the House of Dolls'. Over a period of weeks, Carol reported a series of unsettling events starting with a red light and a flattened bell-shaped object hovering above her house. This was followed by a low rumbling sound and a swarm of tiny specks of light that descended into her room, causing her to feel tingles, pressure, and numbness. Later, she described seeing a disc-shaped object and 12 entities, described as pale, feminine-faced beings in white clothing, who communicated briefly. Her doctor attributed these experiences to hallucinations, but the incidents reportedly affected her family and dog as well.

Close Encounters and Historical Context

Rupert Radcliffe-Genge reports on the broader topic of close encounters, referencing the work of author Jenny Randles, who emphasizes the importance of examining both the reports and the witnesses. The article traces the origins of the 'flying saucer craze' back to Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. It also touches upon historical accounts of aerial phenomena, including a 'sphere of fire' seen in 1067. The article mentions the U.S. Air Force's investigations through Project Sign, Project Grudge, and the more famous Project Blue Book, which ran for 18 years but failed to explain many cases. The article notes that even Congressman Gerald Ford was involved in pushing for government commissions into the phenomena.

Encounters and Official Stances

The magazine highlights the stance of Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding, who publicly accepted the existence of UFOs based on cumulative evidence. It contrasts this with the official British position, where the RAF's inquiries reportedly concluded there was 'no evidence of a defence threat' and little else was made public. The article discusses how accomplished amateurs, like Ms. Randles, are often left to establish facts. It categorizes encounters into four kinds, with the fourth kind involving distortion of reality and lasting psychological changes in the witness, as allegedly experienced by Carol.

Ufology and Its Believers

Brian E. Albrecht writes about the "UFO plots are not alien to believers" conference, UFOhio '81, sponsored by APRO and the Cleveland Ufology Project. The conference brought together individuals with diverse beliefs about UFOs, including Betty Hill, known for her abduction experience, and Laura Mundo, who authored "Sex and the UFO." The prevailing scenario presented was that Earth has been periodically visited by UFOs and aliens throughout history, with post-WWII events indicating a subtle program of capture and indoctrination to convert humans into 'cosmic citizens.' The article quotes Jim Lorenzen of APRO, who posed the question not of what UFOs are, but why they are here, cautioning against assuming benevolent motives.

Diverse Beliefs and Theories

The field of ufology is shown to encompass a wide range of beliefs. Laura Gilbert shared her transformation from skeptic to believer after a UFO sighting. Earl Neff of the Cleveland Ufology Project presented examples of ancient art and architecture depicting possible alien visitations. Dr. Peter Van Arsdale outlined attitudes towards UFOs, from prejudiced rejection to active 'contactee' belief. Betty Hill recounted her 1965 abduction experience, including a physical examination and a 'star map' shown to her. The article also mentions Dr. Leo Sprinkle's suggestion that aliens might be infusing humans with 'cosmic consciousness.'

Government Skepticism and Cover-ups

Stanton T. Friedman, an atomic physicist, asserted that belief in UFOs would be as common as belief in gravity if not for government cover-ups and media skepticism, citing a 1978 Gallup poll where 57% believed UFOs were real. Friedman argued that governments know UFOs are real but conceal this information, not due to public panic, but possibly because they haven't learned to operate the UFOs in their possession and fear a global demand for extraterrestrial technology. He also suggested that governments might want to maintain nationalistic allegiance rather than a planetary one.

Alleged Cover-ups and Witness Testimony

William Moore discussed alleged government UFO cover-ups, highlighting the 'Roswell Incident' as a prime example. Lt. Col. Lawrence Coyne shared his 1973 encounter with a UFO while piloting a helicopter, describing a gray metallic object with red flashing lights that overtook his aircraft. Coyne noted that many respected individuals share similar beliefs but fear ridicule, thus withholding important information. The article also includes a brief mention of a California highway inspector's Polaroid pictures of a UFO.

The Cleveland Ufology Project and Doubts

Brian Albrecht's article "Cleveland Ufology Project is adding fuel to doubters" questions the line between scientific possibility and science fiction within ufology. It notes that while the APRO and Cleveland Ufology Project conference provided objective looks at UFOs and debunked some myths, other topics raised were more unorthodox. Betty Hill's UFO photos were described as little more than 'brightly colored dots,' and one photo was identified as a fake. Laura Mundo's literary effort, "Sex and the UFO," which detailed alien orgies and rapes, elicited startled expressions. The article also mentions humorous items like the "Spaced Out Kook Book." It concludes that the unusual offerings at such conferences are perhaps inevitable in an unproven field, where "it can be used to support any explanation."

Chestnut Flat Ridge UFO Incident

Charles Pearl reports on an incident involving the residents of Chestnut Flat Ridge, Kentucky. Kathy and Arlin Gilpin, Roy and Judy Kirkland, and Candy Wethington reported seeing a bright orange light and a strange object. Arlin Gilpin described hearing a noise like an electric drill, seeing a bright orange light, and later, two pairs of glowing orange eyes. He reported shooting at the object, which then disappeared. His mother, Kathy, felt a sensation of being pulled toward the light. Arlin's face and hands reportedly showed signs of puffiness and a greenish discoloration, which later subsided. Mr. Gilpin expressed interest, believing the event was either from the U.S. government or outer space.

Black Country Bugle and San Jose Airport Sightings

The "BLACK COUNTRY BUGLE" features an account from Mr. A. Hyde recalling a sighting of three disc-like objects over Sedgley Beacon in August 1925, describing them as spherical and unlike any known aircraft. The "FLIGHTLINE TIMES" reports on two recent sightings over San Jose Municipal Airport, where two pilots reported being buzzed by a bright red light, and airport controllers also observed the object, which did not appear on radar.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the persistent presence of UFO sightings across different eras and locations, the personal impact of these encounters on witnesses, and the ongoing efforts to understand and explain these phenomena. There is a clear tension between the desire for scientific explanation and the often subjective, anecdotal nature of the evidence. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from skeptical analysis to fervent belief, highlighting the challenges faced by researchers and the public in grappling with the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without definitively concluding on the nature of UFOs, acknowledging that the search for answers must continue. The inclusion of alleged government cover-ups and the subjective nature of belief suggests an underlying skepticism towards official narratives and an openness to unconventional explanations.