APCIC - Vol 07 No 09 - 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue Date: September 1982
Volume: 7, No. 9
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: Cleveland, Ohio

This issue of UFO NEWS presents a collection of reports on alleged unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings and related aerial phenomena from various locations, primarily in the United States, with some international contributions. The magazine is published by the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center (A.P.C.I.C.), with Harry R. Cohen serving as editor.

Key Articles and Reports

"UFO most likely a missile launch" (Greenville, Cal Indian Valley July 28 1982) This front-page article from the Greenville, Cal Indian Valley newspaper reports on a bright white dome-shaped object seen expanding to 800 feet on July 19. Multiple witnesses in Plumas County, Fresno, and the Sacramento area reported the phenomena. Robert Gribble, Director of the UFO Sighting Center, confirmed that the phenomena were the result of a missile launching at Vandeberg Air Force Base. Jim Potter, a U.S. Forest Service employee, described the light as maintaining a definite edge and incredible intensity. Bill Schroeder, a deputy, described seeing two flashes like a strobe light followed by an intense white light. Patricia Sloaterman reported an object moving across Grizzley Peak at high speed, appearing to change shape like the phases of the moon. Other observers included FBI agent Dick Donner and U.S. Forest Service employees Gary Darling and Jerry Holcomb. Gribble noted that missile launches can create various atmospheric effects, including vapor trails that can take on different shapes. Members of the Victorian UFO Research Society were investigating the visual phenomena, with Paul Norman suggesting that 80 percent of UFO sightings are mistaken identities.

"UFO Answers" (Lock Haven, PA Express, Aug. 9 1982) This brief report from the Lock Haven Express offers possible explanations for an unidentified flying object sighted in Flemington on Thursday evening. Suggestions included the Life Flight helicopter from Geisinger Medical Center, the Goodyear Blimp, or a visit from extraterrestrials.

"Arcing Power Lines Blamed For Odd Lights" (Klamath Fall's, Ore. Herald and News, Aug 11 1982) This article suggests that a power outage in the Keno area, accompanied by arcing power lines, may have been the cause of numerous reported UFO sightings. Bill Scholtes of Pacific Power & Light Co. stated that trees falling on transmission lines led to a blown fuse and a power outage affecting about 600 customers. Joan Harrison of the Klamath County Sheriff's Office reported receiving 15 to 20 calls about UFOs, with witnesses describing lights that appeared like a "cop car with flashing red and blue lights" or changing to browns and yellows. Senior Trooper Bill Finnell of the Oregon State Police noted "very strange multi-color lights dancing around in cloud formations" but later concluded the cause stemmed from power lines arcing in trees.

"UFO Is Making Regular Nightly Run Over City" (Portsmouth, Ohio Times, Aug 21 1982) Residents of 27th St. in Portsmouth, Ohio, have been gathering to watch an orange or red ball of light appearing nightly for two weeks. Martha Allman notified Bernie Parsons, a state section director for Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), who observed the object. Parsons described it as a pillow-shape deep orange or amber light, with a teardrop shape hanging from the bottom. He noted it moved slower than a small airplane, made no sound, and pulsated slightly. Parsons is investigating whether it could be a weather balloon or another explainable craft.

"Lights, Whirring Sounds Reported by UFO Spotters" (Sonora, Calif. Union Democrat, Aug 11 1982) This article details multiple reports of unidentified flying objects in Tuolumne County, California. At least 10 residents reported seeing or hearing strange phenomena. Jan Duchi described a white light like a star, only bigger, that came down on her property. Marty Vartanian and his friend saw several orange objects, one of which took off, followed by the canyon lighting up to bright white. Donna Nunley saw a big yellow-white circular light hanging motionless over Columbia. Craig Day and JoAnn Lackey saw an intense dome-shaped red glow in the trees. The Holt family reported seeing lights shoot up from the ground and whirl around. Vicky Holt heard a high-pitched whirring sound and sensed a strange smell. Marv Taylor, president of the county chamber of commerce and a student of UFOs, is investigating these reports with MUFON.

"What Was Object In Sky Over LH?" (Lock Haven, PA Express, Aug 11 1982) This article explores the mystery of an object seen in the sky over Lock Haven, PA, on Thursday night. Witnesses described it as not being a bird, plane, or Superman. A Beech Creek woman described it as a huge blinding white light, an oblong block, with white lights, that hovered and then picked up speed before all lights went out. Mary Bruno reported seeing a cluster of lights traveling southward at a fast rate of speed, described as disc-shaped with wheels. Mary Folk saw a strange object coming from the Lockport area with lights all around it. The article debunks the theory that it was a Goodyear blimp. Federal Aviation Administration stated they had no idea what it was. Other possibilities mentioned include space junk from a Soviet space mission, Jupiter, or a meteor.

"Light in sky prompts rash of UFO reports" (Morristown, N.J. Daily Record, Aug 25 1982) This report details a rash of UFO sightings in the New York metropolitan area, with calls received from Queens, Brooklyn, Rockland, and Westchester counties. The object was described as a light shooting through the sky. Scientific experts suggest it was a fireball, meteor, or asteroid, but the excitement of the event is highlighted.

"UFO plays scary game of tag on lonely road" (Weekly World News, Sept. 7 1982) This sensationalized report describes an encounter by Frances Collins and Maggie Yeend in Western Australia. They reported a glowing starship coming straight at them, which then veered upward and followed their van. The object was described as a blinding white light with orange and yellow lights on its underside, making no noise. Police Constable Bob Cordon also witnessed the hovering UFO, describing it as "at least 20 times larger than a star."

"Space clones knock on suburban doors, but ignore UFO seminar" (Kitchener-Waterloo Record, Aug 19 1982) This article discusses a UFO seminar held at the Conestoga Inn. While many attendees were convinced of extraterrestrial presence, the seminar itself was reportedly not attended by any actual extraterrestrials. Tom Grey, a UFO researcher, claimed to have been visited by "men in black" who he described as sinister, extraterrestrial clones. Pat Delafranier shared her experience of seeing three flat, white lights in a triangle formation. John Dowdell, an astrologer, reported seeing a pair of objects. The article also mentions Gord Glass, a UFO enthusiast hoping to see one.

"I Saw It! I Swear I Saw A UFO!" (Brooklyn, N.Y. Canarsie Courier, Aug 26 1982) Charles Rogers recounts seeing an object over Jamaica Bay on Tuesday night. He described it as a firey looking object with a horizontal teardrop shape, glowing white with orange and green/blue tinges on the tail. It appeared to be zooming over homes at an altitude of about four to five hundred feet. He initially thought it might be a Roman candle or a plane on fire but dismissed these ideas due to its speed and trajectory. He noted that neighbors also saw it but reacted with disbelief and laughter.

"Glow in the sky" (Paterson, N.J. Paterson Evening News, Aug 31 1982) This editorial discusses an unidentified flying object that lit up the North Jersey night sky. While scientific experts suggest it was a fireball, meteor, or asteroid, the editorial emphasizes the excitement of the event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS are the widespread reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, the attempts to identify and explain these sightings, and the persistent public interest in UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these reports, presenting various explanations ranging from mundane phenomena (missile launches, power lines, weather balloons) to the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation, and encouraging further investigation. The magazine serves as a clearinghouse for UFO-related news and accounts from around the world.

This issue of the KITCHENER-WATERLOO RECORD, dated August 18, 1982, prominently features Frank Stranges, a self-proclaimed expert on UFOs and president of the National Investigations Committee on UFOs. The cover headline declares "CIA accepts UFOs, minister says," indicating a focus on government acknowledgment of the phenomenon. The accompanying article, by Martin Van Nierop, delves into Stranges' views and his efforts to uncover old government files related to UFOs.

CIA Accepts UFOs, Minister Says

Frank Stranges, a California-based expert on UFOs and an ordained minister, believes that people are conditioned to fear extraterrestrial visitors rather than approach them with an open mind. He argues that the Old and New Testaments contain references to humanity not being alone in the universe, and suggests that biblical events like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah could have been caused by extraterrestrial agents or even nuclear blasts. Stranges dedicates a significant portion of his time to UFO investigation and calls for open congressional hearings into UFO contacts with Earth.

He alleges that powerful bodies like the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the U.S. Air Force have suppressed information about UFOs for decades. Furthermore, he speculates that ex-Nazi scientists in South America may be building their own saucer-shaped flying objects for global trading purposes.

Stranges, who co-leads the UFO Research Group with his wife Denise, is in Kitchener to participate in a three-night seminar on UFOs. He claims to have obtained once-classified CIA documents that he believes prove the agency's belief in UFOs, despite their public denials over the past 30 years. He anticipates that public opinion will eventually force the release of this information, leading to less panic and more sophisticated public understanding.

Worldwide Plot to Hide UFO Probes Charged

A Toronto Star special report from August 23, 1982, details Frank Stranges' claims of a 37-year worldwide conspiracy to cover up UFO sightings. Stranges, speaking at a seminar sponsored by the Cambridge UFO Research Group, stated that UFOs exist and that people have been frightened and mocked for believing in them. Many attendees of the seminar claimed to have either seen spacecraft or witnessed landings. The Cambridge group is investigating a 'close encounter of the second kind' where a UFO allegedly landed without an alien being sighted. A woman reported seeing a hovering UFO near a road, feeling an urge to approach it before it ascended. The group is seeking a hypnotist to help her recall the details. Stranges also claims to be friends with a Venusian he met at the Pentagon, who possesses advanced linguistic abilities and the power to prevent human tragedy.

More UFO Sightings Reported in Clark

An article from THE DAILY JOURNAL (Elizabeth, N.J.) on August 21, 1982, reports multiple UFO sightings in Clark, New Jersey. Donna Carson and her friends reported seeing a formation of UFOs hovering silently. Other residents corroborated these sightings, describing about nine yellowish lights. Ann Ferko reported seeing lights that looked like a blaze of fire, higher than planes. Mrs. Ferko also recounted a past experience in Alabama during World War II where she saw two 'pancake' shaped objects, and town officials advised people not to speak about it.

Joan Duffy and her daughter Linda reported seeing a triangle of bright lights that moved east. Frank Reilly described seeing a squadron of helicopters without sound or blinking lights. He also noted at least 10 objects occupying a large segment of the sky. Frank Berribauer, vice president of Amateur Astronomers Inc., suggested a meteor shower as a possible explanation, but noted that meteors move too fast to appear to be hovering.

Man Tells About UFO

A report from the STURGIS, MICH. JOURNAL on August 26, 1982, features Greg Hettinger and Jim Lincoln, who reported seeing strange lights. They described red, white, and blue lights blinking on and off, hovering over Sturgis and then moving towards Centerville before disappearing into the clouds. They initially thought they were from a plane or helicopter but noted they were lower and brighter, with no sound. Air traffic controllers and police had no radar reports of UFOs.

UFO Over the U.S.

An editorial from THE SUN (Baltimore, MD.) on August 27, 1982, discusses a UFO sighting over the eastern seaboard. The editorial embraces the mystery, stating that not every natural phenomenon needs an explanation. While experts suggested it could be a meteor, Jupiter, or space junk, the North American Aerospace Defense Command confirmed no man-made objects had fallen from orbit. The editorial leans towards the explanation of meteoroids (shooting stars) as a likely cause, but acknowledges that by definition, it was a UFO.

Red Glowing Object' Police View Several UFOs

Reports from THE INDIANAPOLIS NEWS on August 26, 1982, detail police in Marion and Johnson counties tracking a 'red glowing object with fading green lights.' The object was seen hovering and moving back and forth. State Police and Johnson County Sheriff's deputies witnessed the object. Greenwood police were told it might be a star with gasses, while State Police received information from Grissom Air Force Base about a radar contact at 6,000 feet, thought to be a plane. Another explanation offered was a temperature inversion.

Six Close Encounters Wreak Terror in 30-Mile UFO Corridor

A STAR report from New York on August 24, 1982, highlights a series of UFO sightings in a 30-mile corridor of the Hudson Highlands. Over four years, residents have reported triangular objects with misty green-blue lights, V-shapes of lights, homes illuminated by brilliant white light, circular objects maneuvering silently, and massive rectangular objects. A reporter, Dick Shea, a U.S. Air Force veteran, described a triangular object with misty green-blue lights that turned orange. Mary McCarthy, a college freshman, saw a V-shape of lights that hovered silently. A Walker Valley man reported an eerie snowfall-like light. Children in New Windsor sighted a diamond-shaped object, and footprints were found in a swamp. A musician, Jeffrey Greene, recounted being chased by a massive rectangular object.

Object Follows Car on Horror Drive

Jeffrey Greene, a musician, described an incident in February 1978 where a UFO followed his car for 20 minutes. He saw a bright, vertically moving object and tried to outrun it, but it kept pace. The object had bright blue, red, and green lights, and at one point, a beam of light illuminated his car. He was crying and terrified. He later saw the object again. Around the same time, police found skinned dog carcasses in the area.

Huge Footprints Left Behind in the Swamp

On April 10, 1980, five New Windsor youngsters sighted a diamond-shaped object that drenched the area in rainbow-colored light. The next day, footprints were found in a swamp near their home. These footprints were barefoot, approximately 18.5 inches long, and had only four toes.

'Strange Objects' Light Up City Skies

A report from the JOHNSON CITY, TENN. PRESS CHRONICLE on August 27, 1982, details multiple calls to police about unidentified flying objects. People reported seeing bright lights in the sky. A police dispatcher noted that while some might have seen the movie 'E.T.,' the sightings were widespread. A National Weather Service spokesman suggested reflections from the setting sun on clouds as a possible explanation.

Skywatchers Clog Streets

The PORTSMOUTH, OHIO TIMES NEWS ROUNDUP on August 23, 1982, describes hundreds of residents gathering to observe a 'brightly lit object' that had been making nightly visits. The object appeared beneath cloud cover and moved northward. Bernie Parsons, a MUFON investigator, is continuing his investigation.

Unidentified Object Sighted

A report from the LEVITTOWN, PA. COURIER TIMES on August 25, 1982, mentions a sighting of an unidentified flying object described as a 'ball of fire gliding across the sky' by a Fairless Hills resident. Ed Fox described it as a ball of fire with bright orange flames. Chris Kaess described it as having a 'five-foot-long tail of flames.'

UFO Hotline Receives Four Calls in One Week

The IPSWICH, MA. HAMILTON-WENHAM CHRONICLE on August 25, 1982, reports that the Mutual Unidentified Flying Object Network (MUFON) received four new sighting reports in one week. These included two from Danvers and two from Hampton, N.H. One Danvers sighting involved a resident claiming a close encounter with a UFO. The investigation into a Beverly resident's report of being abducted by a UFO is ongoing and becoming more interesting, with the resident describing technical energy-creating devices that impressed a visiting scientist.

UFO Hunt Centres on Saddleworth

A report from the OLDHAM EVENING CHRONICLE (Lancs, London) on August 16, 1982, details UFO sleuth David Bezer's investigation into a shining, bright, cylindrical-shaped object spotted multiple times near a television mast in Saddleworth. Checks have ruled out aircraft or stars. The object hovered for up to 20 minutes on at least two occasions. Bezer is seeking anyone else who may have seen the object.

Mystery Object Splits in Two

The WORCESTER EVENING NEWS (Worcester, London) on August 17, 1982, reports a mysterious cigar-shaped UFO spotted over Worcester that 'grew and grew' before splitting into two and disappearing in different directions. A sixteen-year-old witness described it as eerie, like something out of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.'

Dundee UFO Probe

The DUNDEE EVENING TELEGRAPH on August 17, 1982, discusses an investigation into a UFO sighting above Dundee. BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) is checking reports, and an investigator, Stephen Burnett, is using triangulation methods to establish the object's position and size. This method is advantageous due to multiple witnesses. The investigation aims to help BUFORA or RAF radar operators narrow down possibilities.

Mystery of Lights Near Castle Ruin

The STAFFORDSHIRE NEWSLETTER (Stafford) on August 27, 1982, reports on mysterious lights seen by the Merritt family near Stafford Castle. Birmingham Airport meteorologists could not explain the red, green, and white glow that hovered for two hours. A policeman also witnessed the phenomenon. The family described it as a round, ball-like object that moved slightly. They ruled out planes and helicopters.

And the Next Object Is... A Mystery

The SOUTH WALES ARGUS (Newport) on August 14, 1982, describes a brightly colored moving mystery object in the Gwent skies that bewildered police and residents. The UFO, described as bright red and green with bands of light, hovered over Markham for two hours before shooting off rapidly. Rhoose Airport confirmed no aircraft were in the area. Inspector Graham George confirmed a police officer witnessed the object.

Stroud UFO?

Reports from the GLOUCESTER CITIZEN and STROUD NEWS AND JOURNAL (August 17 and 19, 1982) detail sightings of a strange flying object, described as a white ball with sparks or a ball of light hovering above Rodborough Fort. The object moved at great speed. Police have reported the incidents to air control bodies and the Air Ministry.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue is heavily focused on UFO sightings and the alleged government cover-up of information. A recurring theme is the detailed accounts of witnesses describing various aerial phenomena, often with specific characteristics of shape, color, and behavior. The role of Frank Stranges as a central figure, advocating for transparency and linking UFOs to religious and governmental conspiracies, is prominent. Several articles highlight the efforts of organizations like MUFON and BUFORA in investigating these sightings. The editorial stance, particularly in "UFO Over the U.S.," embraces the mystery of unexplained aerial phenomena, suggesting that not every event requires a definitive explanation, while still acknowledging the possibility of natural causes like meteor showers.

This issue of the Wigan Evening Post, dated August 21, 1982, focuses on UFO phenomena, featuring an in-depth look at the work of Jenny Randles, a prominent UFO investigator and writer. The cover story, "Some close encounters that puzzle Jenny, the UFO expert," highlights her role as an investigation co-ordinator for AS SAP (The Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena).

Jenny Randles' Work and Experiences

Jenny Randles, who left a teaching career to pursue UFO research, deals with alleged "close encounters" with alien beings, UFO landings, and photographs of mysterious objects. She estimates that she can find rational explanations for most cases, but the remaining few unsolved ones concern her. Randles herself has had nine "sightings," eight of which she has been able to dismiss. The ninth, involving three balls of light over Wiltshire, remains unexplained.

The Todmorden Incident

A significant case investigated by Randles involves PC Alan Godfrey of Todmorden, West Yorkshire. While on patrol, Godfrey encountered a domeshaped UFO blocking the road. He was unable to contact headquarters and made a sketch of the object, which was about 20 feet wide. After the encounter, Godfrey experienced a 15-minute gap in his memory. Under hypnosis, he recounted being taken into the craft and meeting aliens. Randles is convinced of the genuineness of his experience, noting that other witnesses in the Todmorden area also reported seeing UFOs around the same time, including four police officers, a school caretaker, and a businessman.

Bob and Betty Luca: Multiple Abductions

The magazine also details the experiences of Bob and Betty Luca, a couple from Cheshire, Connecticut, who claim to have encountered extraterrestrials and been abducted by spaceships at least nine times since childhood. On three occasions, they allege being forced aboard giant starships and subjected to physical examinations. Betty Luca, under hypnosis, provided vivid descriptions of these voyages, and Bob Luca described his first encounter at age five. Despite never meeting the space creatures simultaneously, their descriptions are remarkably similar. The couple's claims have been verified through hypnosis, polygraph, and voice-stress tests by veteran police officer Larry Fawcett, who spent two years investigating their case.

Other UFO Sightings and Reports

The issue includes several other reports of UFO sightings from across the UK:

• Whitby Gazette (August 27, 1982): A reader, Richard Lloyd Parry, writes about visiting the Gazette offices and finding cuttings about UFOs in the Whitby area. He seeks information on specific sightings, including a green, comet-like object on June 30, 1981, and objects seen in October and November 1979, as well as any related to RAF Fylingdales.
• Northampton Chronicle & Echo (August 26, 1982): Reports of a mystery airborne object seen over Northampton. Mrs. Annette Rolfe's children and Mr. David Boniface's children both reported seeing similar objects with multiple lights. Mr. Peter Rainbow also reported seeing a large, structured disc with a turret hovering over Northampton, which turned and shot off.
• Olham Evening Chronicle (August 26, 1982): An eye-witness in Oldham reported a UFO hovering over Manchester that changed shape from a hovering object to a triangle, then rounded out to an oval shape before disappearing. Jodrell Bank confirmed receiving reports.
• Gloucester Echo (August 31, 1982): A letter from Alfred J. Monks describes a fast streak of light seen in the sky over Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, on August 22, followed by a vapour trail.
• Southern Evening Post (September 1, 1982): A Southampton family reported a strange, black, doughnut-shaped object flying soundlessly over their home, which would sometimes flip over, revealing a concave part.
• Berrow's Worcester Journal (August 26, 1982): This section discusses the Perseids meteor shower, with John Warburton suggesting that some UFO sightings might be explained as large meteorites burning up in the atmosphere. He notes that while this is the most likely explanation, certainty is difficult.
• Worcester Evening News (August 18, 1982): Two more UFO sightings are reported in Worcestershire. Mrs. Rosemary Hughes described a bright, fire-ball-like object with an orange halo and white heat overhead, accompanied by her dogs' alarm. Mr. Richard Baldwin corroborated her sighting. Christopher Whippe had previously reported a brightly-coloured cigar-shaped object that split in two. Authorities at RAF Churchdown took a statement.

Object Characteristics and Explanations

Jenny Randles estimates that most UFO sightings can be explained by conventional aircraft or atmospheric conditions, with a high probability of a natural reason. However, she acknowledges that some cases, like the Oregon photograph of a structured disc, are difficult to ignore. The article notes that UFOs can exhibit various shapes (domeshaped, circular, triangle, oval, cigar-shaped, structured disc), colors (bright, orange, white), and behaviors (hovering, changing shape, moving fast). Physical trace evidence mentioned includes a 15-minute memory gap in the Todmorden case.

Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alien abductions, close encounters, and the scientific investigation of these phenomena. Jenny Randles advocates for an open mind, stating that it is wrong to dismiss UFOs as lies or delusions and that anyone claiming to know exactly what they are is not being completely honest. She suggests that there might be psychological or psychic explanations for some phenomena. The article also touches on the idea that the ridicule of more outlandish UFO stories might be a deliberate effort to discredit ufology. The overall stance appears to be one of serious investigation and a desire to find rational explanations while acknowledging the existence of genuinely puzzling cases.