APCIC - Vol 13 No 09 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Volume 13, No. 9
Date: September 1988
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Country: USA

This issue of UFO NEWS delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, featuring reports on sightings, alleged abductions, and theories surrounding extraterrestrial contact and government involvement. The cover art depicts a stylized alien head superimposed over flying saucers, setting a tone of mystery and otherworldly encounters.

Article: Visitors from space live with us, UFO guru says

This article from The Grand Rapids Press, dated April 24, 1988, features David J. Capraro, head of the Michigan branch of the Aetherius Society. Capraro, a proponent of extraterrestrial contact, told East Kentwood High School students that UFOs are real and have been visiting Earth for a long time. He claims the U.S. government is covering up information about flying saucers, partly because scientists are trying to develop the advanced technology demonstrated by aliens, such as cloaking and faster-than-light travel. Capraro stated that these space beings are here to help humanity. The talk was part of a student-organized series on the paranormal.

Article: Chesapeake has a second close encounter

Reported in The Norfolk Ledger-Star on April 26, 1988, this article details a UFO sighting in Chesapeake, Virginia. A 3-year-old girl and her parents observed a large, red, hovering orb with red and blue lights. Police officer Robert Lunsford and a city utility worker also witnessed the object, which moved and then disappeared. This was the second such sighting in Chesapeake within two weeks, with a previous incident on April 9 involving a colorful glowing object that baffled authorities and air bases.

Article: UFO Sight Center unveils drawing of landing plan

Published in the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram on April 17, 1988, this piece discusses the UFO Sight Center's proposal for a landing site for extraterrestrial beings. The center, based near Elmwood, unveiled a drawing depicting a landing pad with flashing lights. The event, attended by about 150 people, featured discussions on the possibility of extraterrestrial life and communication barriers. Donald Schmitt, co-director of the Center for UFO Studies, believes the U.S. military may have withheld evidence of a 1947 UFO crash in New Mexico. The center, founded by Tom Weber, aims to raise $25 million for construction and $25 million for operation, seeking no government assistance. The article also mentions that the center uses a similar approach to the J. Allen Hynek Center and seeks memberships for funding.

Professors Jack Bostrack and Earl Blodgett from UW-River Falls discussed the scientific challenges of interstellar travel and the possibility of life on other planets. Bostrack noted that while life may exist on many planets, travel between solar systems is a significant hurdle due to the vast distances and the speed of light. Blodgett highlighted that communicating with extraterrestrial life is a more popular pursuit, though signals have yet to be received.

Article: Wythe Folks

This section from an unspecified publication features interviews with individuals in Wythe County who have witnessed UFOs. One woman believes the crafts are military in origin, stating, "I don't believe in aliens." Gordon, an investigator, considers the sightings to be either a secret military operation or a profound mystery. He has been seeking answers from military and research officials. The article mentions the formation of the Southwest Virginia UFO Group and its submission of questions to U.S. Rep. Frederick C. Boucher regarding UFOs.

Article: Don Bischoff - What to say about UFO?

This column by Don Bischoff, published around May 2, 1988, addresses the dilemma of whether to report UFO sightings. It recounts the experience of Marcia and Lawrence O'Brien of Springfield, who saw a large, orange, dome-shaped object with flickering interior flames. They meticulously documented their observations, finding their descriptions matched closely. The O'Briens expressed hesitation in reporting their sighting due to fear of ridicule, highlighting the societal stigma associated with UFO experiences.

Article: Did mystery lights reveal secret flights of F-19?

This article from the Stafford Newsletter, dated May 20, 1988, speculates that sightings of mysterious lights over Stafford, UK, might be related to the secret F-19 Stealth fighter. Eileen Ballard and friends reported seeing triangular objects with flashing lights. The British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) suggests these sightings could be of top-secret USAF Stealth fighters being tested from RAF Alconbury. The article notes that while governments deny the F-19's existence, defense magazines confirm strong rumors. Mike Daly from Jane's Weekly suggests that while details are secret, flights from Alconbury are rumored, with potential testing of these aircraft in the UK.

Article: Bookham couples spot UFO

Another report from the Dorking & Leatherhead Advertiser, dated May 19, 1988, details a sighting by Gerald Wales of a mysterious black, oval-shaped object with four legs, no lights, and no noise, observed over Bookham. The object was seen moving towards Effingham. Leatherhead Police stated they would investigate if multiple calls were received, but tend not to act on single reports. The article also mentions that the sighting occurred around the same time as other reported UFO sightings in the area.

Article: Strange Encounters - Celebrity in the world of strange encounters

This piece from the Springfield Union News, April 10, 1988, profiles Marianne Cascio Shenefield, an abductee who has become a celebrity in the UFO community. Shenefield, who claims to have been abducted by extraterrestrials at age 11, subsequently lost her eyesight. She believes her blindness is connected to the experience and that she was part of an experiment. Shenefield now lectures on UFOs, sees auras, and possesses psychokinetic abilities. She is writing a book about her experiences and has a movie contract pending. She also receives calls from people who have witnessed UFOs and are afraid to speak out.

Article: More UFO witnesses tell of lights in sky

Published in the Oxford Mail on May 19, 1988, this article reports on additional sightings of UFOs near Brill and Thame, UK. Roland and Val Devaney reported seeing a bright spherical object with flashing lights, similar to sightings by Keith Walker and Faye. The object was described as a circular machine that moved at high speeds. Bryan Wyatt also reported a similar sighting. BUFORA suggests these sightings may be of top-secret Stealth aircraft, possibly based at RAF Alconbury. Despite official denials, the article notes that neither RAF nor USAF bases have explanations for these machines.

Article: Queens UFO Investigator Takes Reagan's Speculations on 'Alien Invasion' Seriously

This article from the New York City Tribune, May 19, 1988, focuses on Colman von Keviczky, a retired Major with the Royal Hungarian Army and director of ICUFON. Von Keviczky takes seriously President Reagan's and General Douglas MacArthur's speculations about an alien invasion uniting the world. He believes this is a veiled warning rather than a hypothetical scenario. Von Keviczky, who has a Master of Military Science and Engineering, worked with the UN on UFO matters and has amassed a large collection of UFO photographs and documents. His memorandum includes dossiers on UFOs' potential threat, military defense against them, undeclared warfare, and the "Star War" concept, suggesting that SDI is aimed at "UFO Forces" rather than the Soviets. The article highlights his research into incidents at atomic installations, power sources, and close encounters, including the Indian Point Atomic Power Plants incident and a 1976 dogfight between Iranian jets and a UFO.

Article: Woman in Delphi takes UFO sightings seriously

This piece from the Lafayette Journal Courier, May 2, 1988, features Carla Shaeffer of Delphi, who collects information on UFOs. Shaeffer had a UFO experience in the 1960s, seeing an orange glowing light with other colored lights over a meadow. She believes UFOs are advanced civilization vehicles on observation missions and does not feel they pose a threat. Shaeffer encourages people who have had UFO experiences to share them, noting that many are afraid of being ridiculed. She also points to biblical references that she believes speak about UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS revolve around the prevalence of UFO sightings, the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation, and the alleged government cover-up of this phenomenon. There is a consistent focus on witness testimonies, ranging from everyday citizens to individuals who have become prominent figures in the UFO research community. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that takes UFO phenomena seriously, providing a platform for various perspectives, including those of ufologists, investigators, and alleged abductees. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into the subject, encouraging the sharing of experiences and challenging official explanations or denials. The issue also touches upon the technological capabilities of UFOs and the potential implications for humanity, including theories about military involvement and secret aircraft.

This issue, primarily from the Barnsley Chronicle dated May 6, 1988, with contributions from other regional newspapers like the Oxford Mail, Pontefract Express, and The Pool Advertiser, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and investigations across the United Kingdom.

UFO Sighting Sparks Off Probe The cover story details an investigation into UFO sightings over Hoyland and Elsecar. An Elsecar man reported seeing a box-shaped object with flashing lights. David Clarke, a student at Sheffield University and member of a UFO spotters group, is investigating, noting similarities to objects seen previously in Hoyland, Elsecar, Wombwell, and Penistone. A 200 ft. long diamond-shaped object with flashing lights was reportedly seen hovering over Wombwell town centre, and a motorist on the Penistone by-pass saw a similar object. Clarke is seeking more witnesses and provides a contact number.

Thame Women Claim They Saw Two Spaceships This article from the Oxford Mail reports that claims by a Brill family about seeing UFOs have been confirmed by two women in Thame. Mrs Marie Smith and her graduate daughter Julia reported seeing what they believed were spaceships on the same nights, initially keeping quiet for fear of ridicule. They described the objects as circular and rimmed with light, moving and disappearing towards Buckinghamshire. Julia also recounted an experience where a UFO trailed her car. The Brill couple, Faye and Keith Walker, and their neighbour Eric Crawford, also reported seeing similar objects.

UFO Hunter! Chris is Hot on the Trail of the Sky's Mysteries This article from the Pontefract Express introduces Chris Gibson, a 34-year-old charge nurse who is setting himself up as the area's first organized UFO investigator. He became interested in UFOs two years prior while researching a science fiction novel. He discovered organizations like BUFORA and the Independent UFO Network (IUN). After attending an IUN meeting, he decided to become an investigator, valuing the IUN's independent approach and anonymity for witnesses. Chris aims to investigate sightings by talking to ordinary people and seeking logical explanations, with 90% of cases having a rational answer.

Visitors from Outer Space? This piece from the Manchester Metro News highlights a unique UFO sighting in the Pennine foothills, where a former police officer reportedly saw a 32ft tall figure entering a strange object, with photographic evidence being investigated by Manchester University and Kodak. Jenny Randles, a professional 'ufologist' and investigator for the British UFO Research Association, notes this as one of several cases in the North West and mentions a significant 'splurge' of UFO sightings in the area over the last 10 years. She also points out a correlation between UFO sightings and high sun spot activity. The article also promotes 'UFO Days' at Jodrell Bank, offering an exhibition and a 'surgery' for witnesses.

UFOs are 'Keeping a Watch on Brill' This report from The Oxford Times details claims by members of a Brill family that their area is being watched by UFOs. Faye and Keith Walker, along with neighbour Eric Crawford, reported seeing a bright spherical object with flashing lights on four consecutive nights. They described it as behaving oddly, seeming to circle and watch their village. The object reportedly grew dim and red before flaring brightly again, and at times wobbled and showed revolving green and red lights.

UFO investigator looks for sightings This article from The Vindicator features Robert Patton, a UFO investigator with 20 years of experience who has never solved a case. He operates with a low profile to avoid harassment and ridicule. Patton has a notebook filled with accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena and has seen about eight UFOs himself. He approaches each case with skepticism, assuming hallucinations initially. He mentions a case in 1973 where patients at St. Elizabeth Hospital reported seeing a UFO, and another in 1975 involving five lit objects hovering over Poland Township. Patton notes a decline in UFO reporting in the '60s and '70s but a resurgence since 1947.

UFO kidnaps 26 elephants This report from the East Bourne Gazette describes a bizarre incident in Lugo, Spain, where 26 elephants at a game reserve were allegedly 'kidnapped' by a spaceship. Eyewitnesses claim a 250-foot UFO with purple lights hovered over the herd, bathing the animals in an orange beam before they were beamed up into the vessel. The event reportedly lasted two minutes.

Seeing is believing in UFOs, aliens This article from the WA-018 Tacoma News Tribune covers the 27th Annual Space Age Conference, focusing on UFO sightings and extraterrestrial life. Ufologist Edward Palmer claims he was taken to the moon by aliens in 1969. The conference commemorates the 41st anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's historic 'flying saucers' sighting. Various ufologists shared their close encounter accounts.

Aliens This continuation from the previous article details Edward M. Palmer's claims of being transported to the moon and tutored in cosmic sciences by aliens. Nicholette Fay recounts a close encounter in Tacoma's Wapato Park in 1986 involving a golden, 300-yard-long craft. Wayne Aho, founder of the New Age Foundation, suggests a conspiracy by government officials to suppress evidence of extraterrestrial life, believing it is to protect defense contractors and fossil fuel industries. Daniel Ross agrees, calling NASA a 'giant defense corporation'.

More unusual lights are spotted in PC skies This report from the River Falls (Wis) Journal describes an unusually bright green and white light seen by an Ellsworth woman. The light flickered like a strobe and moved erratically. A Pierce County Herald reporter was unable to reach the couple for further comment. Another person also reported seeing the same light.

Did UFOs do this? This article from the Coventry Citizen investigates the possibility that a freak storm in Kirkby last November might have been caused by UFOs. Denis Harriman, director of the National UFO Investigation Society, suggests a link between the storm's unusual effects, such as windows imploding rather than smashing, and high UFO activity in the area at the time. He notes that electrical storms of such violence are unusual, and there were numerous UFO sightings reported in the area then.

Tile Hill sighting This brief report from the Coventry Citizen is an inquiry from AS regional investigations coordinator for BUFORA, seeking witnesses to a peculiar moving light observed over Jardine Crescent on Tuesday evening, June 7. The object was described as large, egg-shaped, and glowing from within.

Man spots 'flying saucer' This article from the Oldham Evening Chronicle reports a glowing red flying saucer spotted near Oldham for the second time in a week. Coach-driver Paul Hartley saw the object glide quickly across the sky, and three passengers also noticed it. Mr. Hartley stated it was too large to be a plane or helicopter.

County UFO alert This report from the Leicester Mercury details sightings of a bright yellow UFO hovering through the night sky in Leicestershire. Reports were received by local media and police, but no unidentified objects were detected by East Midlands International Airport or RAF Luffenham. The National UFO Investigation Society notes a rise in UFO activity in Leicestershire since August 1987, categorizing sightings into orange spherical objects, pairs of white lights, and black bullet-shaped UFOs.

State group is hoping for confirmation of UFO sightings here This article from the PA-D43 Johnstown Tribune Democrat features Stan Gordon of the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained, who is seeking confirmation of UFO sightings. He received reports of a pentagon-shaped craft with multiple lights and a large, oblong structure. Sightings have been on the increase since August, with reports from Ohio, West Virginia, and New Jersey. Gordon mentions multiple reports of a very large, oblong structure and activity going on.

Woman spots strange light This report from the Sevenoaks Chronicle describes Mrs Vivienne O'Gallagher seeing a strange light descending slowly in the sky over Wrotham. She described it as a steady descent, not heading anywhere special, and travelling east. It sounded like a light aircraft but moved too slowly. Air traffic control suggested it could have been a helicopter or a hot-air balloon.

UFO witness plea This article from the Stafford Newsletter reports that Stafford MP Bill Cash has asked the Ministry of Defence to investigate UFO sightings over the town. Witnesses reported large triangular shapes with many lights cruising silently overhead. Other reports came from Uttoxeter and Wolverhampton. The British UFO Research Association suspects these were American Stealth F-19 fighters on test flights, though their existence is officially denied.

Was it a UFO in sky? This article from the Worthing Herald details a 'Bermuda triangle' area near Clapham Wood known for mystery. Two businessmen reported seeing a glowing object that changed shape and disappeared. Another witness saw a strange yellow light. Worthing Police had previously investigated a UFO sighting in 1981. The article also mentions a 1972 sighting of a sphere that moved northwards, with a beam of light descending.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance A recurring theme throughout these articles is the widespread nature of UFO sightings across the UK in May 1988, with numerous witnesses reporting diverse aerial phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on investigation, with various individuals and organizations actively collecting reports and seeking explanations. The articles highlight the skepticism and ridicule faced by witnesses, but also the growing interest and acceptance of UFO phenomena as a subject worthy of serious study. The editorial stance across these publications appears to be one of reporting on these events, often with a degree of open-mindedness, encouraging public participation in reporting sightings, and presenting the findings of investigators. There's a consistent effort to differentiate between logical explanations and the truly unexplained, with a focus on the latter as being of particular interest.

This issue of 'Week Ending' from July 18, 1988, features a cover story titled "Balls of fire and ghosties," exploring a range of paranormal phenomena and UFO sightings. The magazine includes personal anecdotes, witness accounts, and interviews with UFO researchers and organizations.

Articles

Balls of fire and ghosties

The lead article by Pearl Murray discusses two seemingly unrelated items from the 'Press and Journal': mysterious orange balls spotted over Aberdeen and the sale of a haunted former manse near Alford. Murray recounts her own experience of witnessing a large, dazzling circle of light pass over her car and land in a field, an event that left her and her friend terrified. She notes that people with paranormal experiences are often reluctant to share them due to potential disbelief, citing the reactions of her friends Sam and Alice to their own unusual encounters. Sam described picking up an old woman in a snowstorm who then vanished from his passenger seat, while Alice experienced a visitation from her deceased husband. The article also mentions that Queen Elizabeth II is said to have seen the ghost of John Brown at Balmoral Castle, and references Sir David Bowes-Lyon's claim of 'seeing' his brother alive after he was reported killed in World War I.

A unique sound in Ho-Ho-Kus

This article reports on a strange incident experienced by Nina and Henry Seelbinder in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. They described a rumbling, noise, and vibration in their house, followed by seeing eight white lights arranged in a straight line, hovering low over a neighboring house and moving slowly. The object was silent and its vibration was unlike anything they had experienced before. The local police had no report of the incident, and the Seelbinders did not seek independent confirmation, feeling they already knew "something was there."

The article also features insights from astronomer Philip J. Imbrogno, co-author of "Night Siege: The Hudson Valley UFO Sightings," who states that many UFO reports come from credible professionals. Dr. George Obssuth, an optometrist, recounts two unusual sightings in Washington Township, one of which was witnessed by others and described as a pulsating pink light that became stationary and disappeared in a flash. He initially requested anonymity for fear of affecting his practice.

Sgt. Dennis Schirmer of the Ringwood Police Department mentions a series of sightings over the Wanaque Reservoir in the mid-sixties that became a local legend, attracting observers. Carl Morales, operations coordinator for Teterboro Airport, notes that while many UFO reports are explainable, some remain unexplained. Sgt. Ken Bogdan of Maguire Air Force Base states that the Air Force no longer investigates UFO sightings, having discontinued "Project Blue Book" after finding that 95% of over 12,500 investigated sightings were explainable.

Taxi drive to outer space mystery

This piece from the Sunderland Echo reports on claims of a huge UFO hovering over a car in South Tyneside. A woman taxi driver and her male passenger reported a "flying saucer," measuring about 80ft long with bright lights, following their taxi along the Coast Road. The object was described as hovering silently about 30ft above the car before disappearing over a golf course. Police described the incident as "the most dramatic" they had come across and noted that the two witnesses did not know each other, suggesting it was a genuine mystery.

AMAZING TALES OF THE MOON

This section from the Eastbourne Herald Chronicle links biblical and present-day UFO activity. It mentions an account of a young Chinese boy being 'beamed up' to a football-sized UFO and a Soviet scientist's report about a World War II bomber photographed in a lunar crater, suggesting it might have been hijacked by extraterrestrials. The author proposes teleportation as a more likely solution, citing an incident in 1943 where a US Navy destroyer was successfully teleported but resulted in crew fatalities. The author speculates that "Super Powers" might use teleportation for lunar base construction, and the bomber could have been an early test for "Alternative Three."

I stood under it for 15 minutes'

This article from the Stafford Newsletter details further UFO reports following a request by Stafford MP Bill Cash. Joan and Michael Acocks of Hillcote Hollow, Stafford, reported seeing two triangular shapes, lit but not solid, hover and disappear and reappear in the same position multiple times. They described the object as silent and moving very slowly. Another witness, Elaine Willacy, saw an array of bright lights, orange, red, and blue, that seemed to turn quickly. David Myatt reported seeing the same type of object seven years prior, hovering silently about 50 feet overhead. Jenny Randals of BUFORA suggests that the mystery objects could be American top-secret F-19 Stealth fighters or remotely controlled reconnaissance aircraft (RPVs), explaining that hovering can be an illusion and silence can be due to highly tuned engines or wind direction.

MUFON is ready for any visitors from outer space

This article from The Daily News reports that MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) is prepared for a return of UFO sightings around Galveston, Texas. John Schuessler, MUFON's deputy director, explains that their members, including engineers and pilots, use scientific methods to investigate claims. They interview witnesses, take descriptions, and check with local airports and military bases to rule out conventional explanations. Schuessler notes that about 90% of sightings are explainable, often as re-entry debris or aircraft, but the remaining 10% of unidentified cases are what fascinate him. He mentions that some people who have had close encounters have suffered injuries, possibly radiation burns, which provide valuable data for modeling the nature of the objects. He also highlights the value of multiple-witness sightings, such as the 1981 Galveston visitation.

UFO project still requires NASA approval

This section continues the story about Bill Sergio's proposed UFO project. Sergio, a multi-millionaire, aims to launch a 200-foot Mylar sculpture into orbit to signal peaceful intentions to aliens, with a similar reflective design at the UFO Site Center in Elmwood, Wisconsin. He believes the project could promote international peace and cooperation. The main hurdle is obtaining approval from NASA, with the estimated cost for a rocket and payload being relatively low. Sergio suggests the sculpture could be removed by the space shuttle if necessary. He was contacted by Tom Weber, president of the UFO Site Center, after seeing a report about the project on the "Geraldo" talk show.

UFO lecture set Thursday at TPAC

This brief article announces a lecture by Edwin Slade, a lecturer on UFOs and extraterrestrial matters, at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Slade asserts that UFOs are a fact of life, not a myth, and that aliens are constantly scanning Earth. He believes the U.S. government's denial of extraterrestrials is a cover-up and claims there are 67 inhabited planets in the Milky Way. Slade refers to aliens as "space brothers" who have come to Earth to crossbreed with humans, emphasizing the need for humans to be thoughtful of natural systems. Tickets for the lecture, which includes a Q&A session and opportunities for examination for alien markings, are $10.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, paranormal experiences, and the supernatural. The magazine presents a generally open-minded stance towards these phenomena, featuring witness accounts and expert opinions without outright dismissal. There is a clear interest in documenting and investigating unexplained events, with organizations like MUFON and researchers like Philip J. Imbrogno and Edwin Slade being highlighted. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and a willingness to explore possibilities beyond conventional explanations, while also acknowledging the need for scientific investigation and the high percentage of explainable sightings.