APCIC - Vol 09 No 06 - 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Vol. 9, No. 6
Date: June 1984
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER, Cleveland, Ohio.

This issue of UFO News presents a collection of reports and articles concerning unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena, drawing from various sources and time periods. The magazine highlights eyewitness accounts, historical cases, and investigations into alleged extraterrestrial encounters.

Contents

"Out West" by Mike Flanagan

This article explores the history of UFO sightings in the Western United States, beginning with newspaper reports from the late 1890s describing "flying airships." It recounts a "dazzling airship" journey from California to Chicago in November 1896, with similar reports fueling public interest. Lawyer George D. "Airship" Collins claimed to be the attorney for the inventor of such a machine, and former California attorney general William Henry Harrison Hart hinted at its potential destructive capabilities.

The article details a specific incident from early February 1897, where an Omaha, Nebraska, newspaper reported sightings of a cone-shaped airship with seven flashing lights. In April of the same year, a Table Rock, Nebraska, tabloid described a similar craft with passengers, including a woman held at gunpoint.

Further incidents include a report from Pueblo, Colorado, about a message found in a sardine can from three individuals lost in an airship. The Dallas Morning News reported a cigar-shaped ship crashing into a windmill in Aurora, Texas, with a passenger whose remains were not of this world. This tale has led to controversy and even a robbery of the "spaceman's grave" in 1973.

The article notes waves of UFO sightings, with the first occurring seven years before the Wright brothers and a second wave after World War II. A notable event on September 21, 1950, involved blazing fireball UFOs seen from Laramie, Wyoming, to Pueblo, Colorado. A Fort Collins woman observed a large object with smaller ones flying in formation.

In August 1965, nightly reports from Oklahoma, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, and Texas described speedy, glowing objects. The article also mentions the "strange fate of Snippy the horse" two years later, a case involving unusual circumstances and high radiation levels.

More recent sightings include an incident in May 1967 in southern Colorado, where an employee of Sand Dunes National Monument was followed by a football-shaped specimen, and a college student reported flat tires near a landed "cigar-shaped" object.

The article references a University of Colorado study from the late sixties, which concluded that sightings were often due to misidentifications, atmospheric conditions, or psychological factors, labeling the study a "boondoggle."

"We Are Not Alone: UFO Expert" by Rick Asa (Chicago South Town Economist-South Weekly, April 15, 1984)

This piece focuses on J. Allen Hynek, a professor at Northwestern University and director of the Center for UFO Studies, who served as a technical consultant for the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Hynek, recognized as a leading authority on UFO phenomena, toured Consolidated High School District 230, delivering lectures and presenting slides of reported sightings.

Hynek emphasized that many sightings are identified flying objects (IFOs) traceable to atmospheric conditions. However, he stated, "It is highly improbable we are the only intelligence in space." He noted that most scientists accept the idea that humanity is not alone in the vast universe. Hynek described his journey through UFO phenomena as a scientist who remains curious and unafraid to wonder, comparing himself to an explorer sharing tales of exotic lands.

He mentioned that the Center for UFO Studies has received about 100,000 reports from 140 countries, with a recent journal detailing 441 cases of close encounters involving car interference. Hynek stressed that for those experiencing UFO events, they are "absolutely real." He suggested that UFOs might not necessarily imply extraterrestrial visitors but could involve parallel dimensions or simultaneous realities.

Hynek characterized those who flatly dismiss UFOs as "arrogant" for assuming humanity is the highest form of life. He also discussed the different types of encounters: first kind (simple sighting), second kind (evidence like scorched earth), and third kind (contact with beings).

"The Bottom Line: Evans Needed a Little Space" (Fresno Bee CA, April 15, 1984)

This short piece recounts baseball player Darrell Evans' experience in the summer of 1982, when he and his wife saw a triangular object, about 30 feet wide, with green and red lights, hovering over a neighbor's house. Evans described the object as silent and about 100 yards away. He felt the object tilted as if acknowledging their presence but then moved out of camera range. Evans believes this experience helped his career by giving him something else to think about besides himself.

"US interest in night sky 'UFOs'" (Lancashire Evening Telegraph, Blackburn, May 3, 1984)

This article reports on a growing interest in UFO sightings in the Rossendale Valley, UK, despite official denials. It mentions a sighting by Mr. Muncaster of "white balls" with tapering streams passing over Highfield Road, Norden. American reporters, specifically from a Los Angeles newspaper, have inquired about UFO incidents in the area, seeking information from local police.

While some residents remain skeptical, many have witnessed unexplained objects in the sky. The article notes that most people prefer not to discuss their experiences for fear of ridicule, citing the example of a Sharneyford man who reported a "red cigar-shaped object" but wished to remain anonymous.

"UFO chases deputy sheriff" (Examiner, May 15, 1984)

This report details an encounter by an Athens, Georgia, deputy sheriff, Jimmy Harrison, who was followed by a "strange bright light" while on patrol. The light reportedly sped up and slowed down, mirroring the deputy's movements. Harrison, shaken, spoke with fellow officers who had also seen similar strange objects in the sky.

"Huge UFO Destroys Half a Mile of Siberian Forest" (National Enquirer Weekly, April 24, 1984)

This article describes a massive UFO incident in a remote Siberian forest. Russian scientists, including Prof. Viktor Inyushin of the Soviet Academy of Sciences and Dr. Irina Lybov, investigated the devastation on August 28, 1984. They found that a gigantic UFO, estimated to be 360 feet in diameter, had snapped trees like matchsticks, creating a path of destruction about a half-mile long, with no signs of fire.

Prof. Inyushin stated that the damage could only have been caused by a UFO, a ship from outer space. Both scientists experienced physical symptoms upon approaching the site, including headaches, nausea, and increased blood pressure, which they attributed to a residue from a force shield that protected the craft. Villagers in a nearby settlement reported hearing a grinding thunder and seeing an orange-luminous pillar in the sky on the night of May 31.

"Valley of the UFOs" (News of the World, London, April 22, 1984)

This feature investigates 32 UFO sightings in Lancashire's Rossendale Valley, UK, prompting an investigation by the Defence Ministry. The article highlights several cases:

• The Case of the Silver Aliens: Coalman Tom Schofield reported seeing two figures in silver suits with no discernible features behind him as he closed his garage door. They were carrying something between them, and then vanished.
• The Case of the Eerie Egghead: Teenagers Mark Ashworth and Simon Heyworth encountered a dark-cloaked figure with a large forehead while in the woods.
• The Case of the UFO Hedgehopper: Sandra Philips and Tracey Brown reported a bright light, described as having blue, red, and green lights, hovering about 30 feet above them, causing their horses to bolt.
• The Case of Terror on Eagle's Crag: An unnamed engineer reported seeing a piercing bright white light with blue lights and the helmet-shaped outline of a craft over Eagle's Crag.
• The Case of the Roadhog from Space: Fishmonger Arthur Shelton reported a bright light that stopped in the middle of the road, then shot up into the sky at incredible speed.
• The Case of the Shimmering Skydiver: Bacup tailor Mike Stacks and his brother Raymond investigated reports of "things in the sky" and witnessed a circular craft with triangular pads and orange shimmering lights, emitting a bright blue light from its domed roof.
• Tracey and Sandra: These individuals reported lights coming after them, which evolved in a circle, and a circular craft hovering at 300 feet.
• A CID Man's Car Ride to Terror: Chief Inspector Norman Collinson reported seeing a brilliant white circular object speed across the sky, make a sudden 90-degree turn, and disappear at an impossible speed, concluding it was not man-made.

"32 UFO sightings probed by Defence bosses" (News of the World, London, April 22, 1984)

This article reiterates the investigation by Whitehall boffins into 32 UFO sightings in Lancashire's Rossendale Valley, including detailed accounts of silver-suited aliens and flying saucers. MP Sir Patrick Wall plans to raise the issue in Parliament, emphasizing the need for no cover-up.

"Looking for UFO info" (Coalville Times, March 9, 1984)

This is a request for further witnesses of a UFO sighting near Smisby, UK, being investigated by the Nottingham UFO Investigation Society (NUFOIS). While the object displayed characteristics of a descending meteorite, they seek additional information.

"Mystery sightings" (Winsford Guardian, Cheshire, April 26, 1984)

This report details a sighting in Winsford, UK, where several people reported a strange unidentified flying object hovering over the town at 11:00 pm. Descriptions mention a strong beam of light and a lack of similarity to conventional aircraft. The article notes that there were a total of 45 sightings reported throughout the North West on Sunday evening.

"Unidentified Flying Objects" (Hansard, House of Commons Report, London, March 14, 1948)

This is a parliamentary record where Sir Patrick Wall asked the Secretary of State for Defence about alleged landings and unexplained sightings of flying objects in the UK from 1980-1983. The Ministry of Defence received numerous reports but was satisfied that none were of defense significance and did not maintain detailed records of investigations.

"Housewife believes in UFOs" (The Pendle Citizen, Burnley, April 12, 1984)

Carol Halsall, a 52-year-old housewife from Nelson, UK, claims to have seen three flying saucers. She describes seeing four grey, saucer-shaped craft hovering over Pendle Hill, which moved slowly, stopped, and then traveled fast. After her initial sighting, she and her husband experienced strange noises. The article mentions that UFO sightings have been reported in the area, and suggests contact with the US government, referencing alleged encounters by Presidents Eisenhower and Carter.

"Awakened by noise: Saw flying saucer sail across sky" (Banstead Herald, Surrey, April 26, 1984)

Schoolgirl Amanda Holmes, 13, from Sutton, UK, claims to have seen a flying saucer around 3:20 am. The loud noise woke her, and she saw an alien craft, described as shaped like conventional science fiction saucers but without lights, sailing through the skies towards Croydon. She immediately reported the sighting to the Ministry of Defence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO News include the persistent nature of UFO sightings across different eras and geographical locations, the detailed accounts of eyewitness testimonies, and the ongoing efforts by various organizations and government bodies to investigate these phenomena. There is a clear editorial stance that UFOs are a subject worthy of serious consideration, even if many sightings can be explained. The inclusion of scientific perspectives, such as J. Allen Hynek's, alongside anecdotal reports, suggests an attempt to balance skepticism with an open-minded inquiry into the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine appears to champion the idea that "we are not alone" and encourages readers to share their own experiences, fostering a community of interest in the subject.

This issue of the LEYLAND GUARDIAN LANCASHIRE, dated April 19, 1984, focuses heavily on the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), with multiple articles exploring sightings, theories, and personal experiences. The cover headline, "Did you see this UFO?", along with a graphic artist's impression of a UFO, sets the tone for the issue.

Adlington Sightings Highlight Mystery

The lead article details two recent UFO sightings in Adlington, UK. The first, on March 26, 1984, involved an unidentified flying object hovering for several minutes between 8:40 p.m. and 8:55 p.m. This follows a previous report from Adlington villager Mr. Joseph Mackay about a "golden ball with a light shining all round." Mr. Barry Halliwell, a local resident, described seeing a bright object moving across the sky in a jerky, zig-zag pattern, which then moved off. He also reported a flash of light shortly after the object disappeared. Lynn Sharrock also reported seeing a flashing light that lit up the sky, describing it as a ball that moved across the skyline. The article invites readers to share their experiences.

Object Lesson: Yorkshire UFO Society Conference

An article from the YORKSHIRE POST LEEDS, dated March 26, 1984, covers a conference on Unidentified Flying Objects held in Leeds. The conference, organized by the Yorkshire UFO Society, attracted over 150 people. Graham Birdsall, president of the society, and Tony Dodd, a North Yorkshire investigator, are featured. Birdsall expressed a belief that some sightings, like the Adel, Leeds UFO of September last year, were natural phenomena, while Dodd is convinced that some sightings are intelligently controlled flying machines, citing instances where UFOs have veered away from aircraft. Dodd also mentioned being within 100 yards of a UFO and described them as "solid craft" that are frighteningly advanced if they are military vehicles. The article highlights a photograph of strange lights on Cracoe Fell, near Grassington, taken by two off-duty policemen, as significant evidence. Birdsall suggests the area north of Skipton is a prime location for UFO sightings.

Green Kids from UFOs Baffle Top Scientists

This article, by CLIFF LINEDECKER, published in the EXAMINER on April 24, 1984, explores the mystery of "green children" who have appeared in various locations. The phenomenon is described as baffling leading UFO researchers, with theories suggesting they are victims of a time or space warp, or brought to Earth in UFOs and abandoned. A recent manifestation occurred near Candelo, Italy, where a boy and girl with green skin were discovered in a mountain shelter and later died. Dr. Pietro Petrucci of the Association for Extraterrestrial and Paranormal Research in Turin confirmed the event. The article also references historical accounts of similar green children appearing in Spain in 1887 and in England 900 years ago, who also had green skin, Oriental almond-shaped eyes, and spoke an unknown language.

UFOs are hiding in our forests

Published in the EXAMINER on May 8, 1984, this article by FRANK KENDAL suggests that forests across the country are being used as hiding places for alien UFOs, which are wreaking havoc. Investigators have examined wooded sites where locals reported puzzling discoveries. In Georgia and South Carolina, pine trees are growing more slowly, and in New Jersey, patches of pitch pines have stopped growing. Dr. Lana Lowfroat, a UFO expert, notes "pretty big holes in the forest," particularly on Camels Hump in Vermont and Mount Mitchell in North Carolina, where trees are losing foliage and dying. Scientists are concerned about the blight potentially engulfing the Eastern region. Flying saucer experts have identified these areas as UFO hiding places, though the purpose of their missions and the cause of the damage remain unknown. One theory suggests it's an unknown energy force or radiation. The economic impact is significant, with sugar maple harvesters losing trees. The decline in tree growth is linked to the early 1960s, coinciding with a rash of flying saucer sightings. Camels Hump and Mount Mitchell are considered ideal natural smokescreens due to frequent clouds. UFO investigator Doug Spalding is aware of similar stricken forests in West Germany, suggesting the phenomenon is not limited to the US. Investigators are now using remotely-controlled cameras to capture evidence.

Are flying saucers old hat?

This commentary by Stan Morrison, published in the CA-SAN DIEGO UNION on April 22, 1984, discusses the current status of the UFO phenomenon. Citing UFO writer Jerome Clark, the article notes that mass UFO sightings, or "flaps and waves," have evidently ceased since 1979. Major UFO invasions, like those in Hartshorne, Okla., in 1965, and the October 1973 wave, have become sparse. Morrison points out the discrepancy between Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting of "flying saucers" (which he described as tadpole-shaped) and the public's perception of disc-shaped objects. He notes that flying shields were reported in ancient Greek and Roman records. Dr. J. Allen Hynek suggests that UFOs have become "old hat" and are no longer newsworthy because the phenomenon is repetitive. The article implies that the days of widespread public UFO observation may be over, but that individual sightings could still occur.

Trying to unravel the perplexing mystery: UFOS

This series of articles from the AZ. TUCSON CITIZEN (April 21-22, 1984) focuses on the work of Coral and Jim Lorenzen, founders of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization Inc. (APRO). Coral Lorenzen, who has seen UFOs on five occasions, describes her interest stemming from a sighting in 1934. APRO, founded in 1952, has 1,200 members worldwide and conducts scientific research into UFOs, which they consider a "problem" due to their unexplained nature. The organization investigates sightings, with an estimated 15-20 percent remaining unexplained. They have consulting panels in various scientific fields. Coral believes UFOs are extraterrestrial and have been studying Earth for thousands of years, possibly prompted by the atomic bomb. She suggests their activities have involved mapping, checking military installations, and resource studies. Jim Lorenzen, who initially got involved due to his marriage to Coral, uses his knowledge of electronics and instrumentation to analyze cases. The article mentions a recent APRO investigation near Rucker Canyon, Arizona, involving a bright object that descended into a canyon, followed by deer and an A-10 fighter jet. The Lorenzens believe UFOs are here for their own purposes and avoid contact because humans are not considered peers, and contact would be a "big cultural shock." They also believe the abduction phase of UFO activity has largely ended, with the last legitimate case reported around 1955-1960, suggesting abductions tapered off because "they have finished their job."

The UFOs are back and they're right on schedule

This article from the NY D35 MOUNT VERNON ARGUS, dated March 27, 1984, reports on mysterious V-shaped or boomerang-shaped lights seen in the northern Westchester sky on Sunday night, almost a year after similar sightings. The lights were described as green, white, and red, flying low and emitting a humming noise. Witnesses compared the sight to the movie "Close Encounters." Police departments received numerous calls, with some reporting seeing four airplanes in formation, while others insisted the lights did not resemble airplanes. The article notes that many of last year's sightings remain unexplained, with investigators ruling out aircraft flying in formation.

UFO evidence to support pleas for action

Published in the LANCASHIRE EVENING TELEGRAPH BLACKBURN on May 8, 1984, this article discusses evidence of UFO activity in Rossendale and district being sent to the Government and Ministry of Defence. Mike Sacks, the main investigator for the area, states that they have been collecting evidence for seven years and want the Government involved. He argues that isolated sightings can be dismissed, but when multiple responsible people see an object, a flight path can be worked out. The article mentions a sighting at Blackpool, followed by reports in Leyland and Stacksteads, suggesting a pattern. A farmer and Mike Sacks also reported sightings. A 15-year-old girl, Collette Addy, reported seeing a red/orange glow that produced different colored lights and disappeared.

Arizonan 'beamed aboard' UFO is bitter about the experience

This article from the AZ. TUCSON CITIZEN, dated April 21, 1984, features Travis Walton, who claims he was abducted by a UFO for five days in 1977. Walton, who lives in Snowflake, Arizona, is writing a book about his experience, stating "it's not about UFOs." He describes the beings as hairless, about five feet tall, with large eyes and small noses and mouths. Walton's experience has affected his life, causing him to consider moving and noting that people in Snowflake "don't know the truth." He believes the townspeople do not understand what happened to him. The abduction experience, however, also brought him and his wife together. While he has gained a broader perspective and insight into people, Walton does not consider the UFO experience to have been a "great opportunity."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are UFO sightings, the mystery surrounding them, and the ongoing investigations into the phenomenon. There is a consistent exploration of witness accounts, expert opinions, and theories ranging from natural explanations to extraterrestrial origins. The articles highlight the persistence of UFO research despite a perceived decline in public interest, with organizations like APRO continuing their work. The editorial stance generally leans towards presenting UFOs as a genuine, albeit mysterious, phenomenon worthy of serious investigation, while also acknowledging the skepticism and the need for evidence. The "green children" and Travis Walton's abduction cases represent the more unusual and controversial aspects of the UFO lore explored in this issue.

Title: NATIONAL ENQUIRER
Issue Date: May 15, 1984
Cover Headline: UFOs Linked to New Wave of Cattle Mutilations

This issue of the National Enquirer focuses on recent UFO activity and its potential connection to unexplained cattle mutilations, with reports from both the United States and England.

South Dakota Cattle Mutilations and UFO Sightings

The magazine details an "incredible new wave of UFO sightings and bizarre cattle mutilations" in the South Dakota hills near Norris. Eerie, bright lights, described as UFOs, were reportedly seen five times between February 8 and March 6, 1984, by stunned policemen and ranchers.

Rancher Clayton Merchen and his wife Sheila were among the first to report sightings, observing lights that hovered and then turned quickly to the south for 20 minutes on February 8. The next day, a neighbor's wife reported that a cow on their ranch had been mysteriously mutilated overnight. Rancher Jerry Grass described the mutilations as surgical, with the eyes, ears, and udder cut off, and noted the absence of tire tracks, footprints, or any evidence of human activity.

Merchen reported seeing the lights again on February 27. The following morning, Grass discovered two more slaughtered and mutilated cows on his ranch. After discussing the lights with Merchen, Grass began his own vigil. He and his wife reported seeing "big reddish lights with an orange fringe" for two consecutive nights, describing them as more powerful than any light they had seen before. Grass stated that the lights approached them when they shined a spotlight, but they felt no fear, describing the lights as "nosy."

Grass reported these sightings to the Civil Defense office, which alerted local police. On March 6, Sheriff's Chief Deputy Tom Jensen and Patrolman Gary Myers investigated. They observed lights hovering about 100 to 150 feet off the ground. Jensen described the craft as having red and white lights and approaching them slowly before flying off to the southeast with a muffled, jet-like noise. Jensen expressed uncertainty about the nature of the object, stating, "I don't know whether it was something alien, but I'm not ruling anything out." Local police chief Paul Rooks confirmed another animal mutilation and called the method of cutting the cattle a "mystery."

UFO Invasion Sparks Top-Level Government Investigation in England

The magazine also reports on a "MASSIVE UFO invasion" in England, which has "sparked a top-level government investigation." Experts are examining evidence from 32 recent UFO encounters in the Rossendale Valley, near Lancashire.

Sir Patrick Wall, a Member of Parliament and head of a select committee studying the phenomenon, declared, "There must be no cover-up. There have been too many sightings and reports for this to remain unexplained."

Valley residents reported various encounters, including fast-moving spacecraft, being chased by UFOs, and actual encounters with "space-suited aliens."

Tom Schofield recounted seeing two figures in "silver suits like the chrome of a car bumper, brilliantly polished without a crease." He noted they "didn't have faces" and their heads seemed covered with helmets. When he looked away briefly, they vanished.

Teenagers Mark Ashworth and Simon Heyworth reported seeing a bright light in the sky while hiking. They then encountered a "dark-cloaked figure" that blocked their path through the woods.

Chief Inspector Norman Collinson described witnessing a "white circular object speeding across the sky" that made an abrupt 90-degree turn and disappeared "in less than two seconds." He stated, "No earthly craft could disappear at such a speed."

Other Reports and Official Responses

The issue also includes reports from other regions:

• Leatherhead Advertiser (April 26, 1984): Schoolgirl Amanda Holmes claimed to have seen a "flying saucer" with lights sailing through the skies near Sutton, awakened by a loud noise. Her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Holmes, found her daughter's excitement compelling.
• The Standard London (May 3 & 4, 1984): Police officers in Stanmore, near Harrow, officially backed claims of a UFO sighting. P-c Richard Milthorpe and P-c Paul Isles filed reports investigated by the Ministry of Defence. Chief Supt. Ronald Poole confirmed the officers' confidence in what they saw. Miss Terri West reported a "mysterious object" and described a "huge great white ball with a long flame" shooting from the object. Neighbors Bruno and Ruth Noveli and Gerrie Ashworth also observed the "spinning multi-coloured object."
• Chorley Guardian (May 3, 1984): Mr. Alfred Glover reported seeing a UFO in 1978 near Duxbury, describing a "beautiful moonlit night" and a silent, gliding object. He believes it was "totally alien."
• Lancashire Evening Telegraph (May 1, 1984): Junior Defence Minister John Lee issued a "No" to a question about unusual radar traces of airborne objects in the Rossendale Valley. Junior Transport Minister David Mitchell also responded with a "No" to a question about unauthorized landings. A witness had previously reported a "bright red cigar-shaped object" hovering over Sharneyford.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings and the unsettling phenomenon of cattle mutilations, suggesting a potential link between the two. The magazine highlights official investigations, including those by police, the Ministry of Defence, and parliamentary committees, indicating a serious, albeit often inconclusive, response to these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these incidents with a degree of sensationalism, as is typical for the National Enquirer, while also conveying the bewilderment and concern of witnesses and the efforts of authorities to understand these unexplained phenomena. There is an underlying implication that these events are significant and possibly extraterrestrial in origin, given the lack of conventional explanations.