APCIC - Vol 14 No 09 - 1989

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO NEWS, Volume 14, No. 9, dated September 1989, is published by the AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER based in Cleveland, Ohio. The cover features a striking illustration of an alien face and the headline "A close encounter with Yorkshire's UFO experts."

Key Articles and Features

A Close Encounter with Yorkshire's UFO Experts

This article, by Jane Bower, details the investigations into the Gulf Breeze, Florida UFO case, spearheaded by Philip Mantle, a ufologist from Batley. The case involves over 30 polaroid photographs and video footage of unidentified flying objects taken by building contractor Ed Walters and his wife, Frances, between November 1987 and November 1988. Walter Andrus, international director of MUFON, presented his findings in Britain, describing it as the most impressive case in 42 years of research, encompassing close encounters of the first, second, third, and fourth kinds, including abductions.

Ed Walters reported being caught in a white beam that lifted him three feet off the ground. He was subsequently plagued by visitations, often heralded by humming sounds or voices. On one occasion, he encountered a three-to-four-foot-tall creature clad in a metal sheath and helmet, carrying a silver rod. Ed's foot was pinned by a paralyzing blue beam when he attempted to chase it.

The case is further supported by the testimony of 140 other residents who reported seeing UFOs in Gulf Breeze. Photographic expert Dr. Bruce Maccabee, an optical physicist involved in the Star Wars project, cleared the photographic evidence as authentic. Ed Walters was also subjected to polygraph and lie-detector tests, with a polygrapher who initially disbelieved in UFOs eventually convinced by the evidence.

UFO Sighting by Mum

This report from Norton & Radstock Star on August 10, 1989, details a sighting by Julie Chant, who saw an unidentified flying object hover outside her bedroom window. The object was described as dome-shaped with a flashing red light on top, no wings, and an amber glow. Her husband, Richard, and a neighbor, Heather Hardyman, also witnessed the object for about 20 minutes before it disappeared into the trees. Radstock police are treating the incident with an open mind.

More UFOs Seen

This article from South Wales Evening Post, Swansea, dated August 15, 1989, reports several "close encounters" in Swansea. Residents of Morriston saw a strange dome-shaped object moving through the night sky, lit by an orange glow. In Dunvant, brothers Keith and Lee Milward witnessed a glowing expanse of sky above Swansea, described as an atmospheric, pulsating orange glow.

Has the borough been invaded by aliens?

This article from Haringey Weekly Herald on August 9, 1989, discusses hundreds of sightings of strange shapes in the night sky over Hackney and Islington. The sightings, which lasted for almost three hours, caused a massive UFO scare, with residents flooding police stations with calls. The Ministry of Defence stated the shapes were likely caused by a laser show, but UFO investigator Dr. Richard Lawrence of the Aetherius Society dismissed this explanation due to the distance involved. He stated that the community is taking the reports seriously and keeping an open mind.

UFO watchers study evidence of other life forms

This article from the Bradford Telegraph & Argus West Yorkshire on July 20, 1989, reiterates the Gulf Breeze case, featuring a photograph taken by Walter Andrus. It highlights the extensive evidence, including 39 polaroid photographs and a video film, and mentions Dr. Bruce Maccabee's authentication of the evidence. Philip Mantle is quoted as saying it's a major coup and expects a full house at an upcoming International UFO Seminar in Leeds.

Aliens Con't

This continuation from page 5 details Ed Walters' account of his UFO experiences. He describes being caught in a white beam, lifted, and then experiencing buzzing in his head and photographs of UFOs outside his house. His wife, Frances, also encountered a three-to-four-foot-tall being. The article mentions the 16-ft circle of burned grass and the investigation by MUFON, with Walter Andrus suggesting aliens might be attempting communication through abductions of reputable individuals.

Heads up! Small town celebrates UFO Days

This article by Rick Sylvain from the Detroit Free Press discusses Elmwood, Wisconsin, which is celebrating UFO Days. The town gained international fame when the UFO Site Center Corp. announced plans to build an alien landing station nearby. The festival includes various activities, and residents like Caroline Schoeder share stories of sightings.

A UFO fly-in?

This article from Wi-D8 Eau Claire Leader Telegram on July 26, 1989, features Larry Feiler, president of Elmwood, who is unsure what to expect from the town's UFO Days celebration. He notes the community has experienced much attention due to the proposed alien landing station. The article mentions plans for the UFO Site Center and interest from various media and individuals.

Bright lights, big city mystery

This report from The Standard, London, on July 31, 1989, describes a UFO mystery in London where thousands reported seeing dazzling lights in the sky. Witnesses described the lights moving in circles at enormous speed. Scotland Yard received numerous reports, and while some suggested a laser show, no explanation was found. The Ministry of Defence is investigating reports that may pose a threat to national security.

Lights in the sky puzzle for the Yard

This The Times London article from July 31, 1989, by Pearce Wright, details the investigation by Scotland Yard into reported sightings of strange lights over London and south-east England. Explanations ranged from UFOs to reflections from a laser display. The phenomenon was visible for several hours, with reports coming from various parts of London. The article also mentions 98 similar circles found on hilltops in Wales, which are under scientific study.

Was it a bird, a plane or a UFO?

This article from Wharfe Valley Times on July 20, 1989, asks for information regarding unidentified objects seen in the Wharfe Valley. Bradford ufologist Mr David Barclay was contacted by a Yeadon man who saw a moon-like object flying towards Bradford. Mr. Barclay appeals for anyone else who saw the object to come forward, noting that the Wharfe Valley has become a "hot spot" for UFO activity.

Night sky poser

This Mail on Sunday, London article from July 30, 1989, reports on strange lights in the sky over southern England that baffled many people. Some alerted police, thinking they were UFOs. Scotland Yard received dozens of calls. Police mechanic Peter Ridley described the lights as strange, moving in circles at enormous speed. London Weekend Television's 21st birthday celebrations were initially blamed, but a spokesman stated the celebrations had not yet begun.

Watch the skies!

This article from the Bourne Mouth Advertiser on July 20, 1989, features Dorothy Allam, an octogenarian who claims to have seen a mysterious object twice. She described it as a rugby ball-shaped object that drifted over her home and later appeared as a blaze of flashing lights. She was initially disbelieving but was stunned by her sightings. Roy Lake of the East Anglian UFO and Paranormal Society is seeking more witnesses, noting that UFOs are common in the area but people are often afraid to report them due to fear of ridicule.

Mysterious 'UFO' seen

This article from Camden, St Pancras Chronicle, London on July 20, 1989, reports on UFO researchers investigating a mysterious object seen above Kentish Town. Witnesses described it as a "structured object something like a sea anemone." Ken Phillips of the British UFO Research Association expressed interest in the sightings.

Orange sky at night

This article from Barking + Dagenham Post, Essex on July 19, 1989, reports that three people have spotted strange orange objects in the night sky around Barking and Ilford. The East Anglian UFO and Paranormal Society is investigating.

Information call after UFO claim

This Bradford Star - Yorks article from July 20, 1989, states that researchers in Bradford are investigating a UFO claim from Horsforth, where a man reported seeing a large object above the Bolton Woods area. David Barclay is asking anyone who saw anything to get in touch.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS revolve around the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters. There is a consistent emphasis on presenting witness testimonies, photographic and video evidence, and the opinions of UFO researchers and experts. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of open-minded investigation, presenting cases like the Gulf Breeze incident as significant evidence for the existence of extraterrestrial life and visitation. While acknowledging skepticism, the articles lean towards validating the experiences of witnesses and the thoroughness of UFO research methodologies, including hypnosis and scientific analysis of evidence. The publication also highlights the public's fascination and sometimes fear surrounding these phenomena, as seen in the reports of mass sightings and the organization of UFO-themed events.

Title: MENOMONIE DUNN CO NEWS
Issue Date: May 3, 1989
Cover Headline: UFOs put Elmwood in headlines

This issue of the Menomonie Dunn Co News focuses heavily on UFO-related news, with the main cover story detailing how the village of Elmwood, Wisconsin, became the subject of international attention due to a proposal to build a landing strip for extraterrestrial visitors. The publication also includes reports on UFO sightings from the UK and explores scientific perspectives on unexplained phenomena.

Elmwood in the Headlines: A UFO Landing Strip Proposal

The lead article details how Elmwood, a village of 1,000 people, was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight when the UFO Site Center Inc. proposed establishing a large landing site for space travelers. Elmwood Mayor Larry Feiler addressed the Menomonie Rotary Club, explaining that the story "totally exploded" after reaching national wire services in February 1988. The UFO Site Center Inc., based in Chippewa Falls and headed by Tom Weber, is seeking $50 million for the project, which aims to create a welcoming site for extraterrestrials, manned by scientists from around the world. Feiler emphasized that the organization is separate from the village and could not provide exact figures on money raised, though he estimated around $40,000. He clarified that his purpose was not to convince anyone of UFO existence but to acknowledge that "there are a lot of things we can't explain out there." Feiler recounted instances of unexplained phenomena, including mysterious flexible, indestructible metal foil found at a Roswell, N.M. crash site and an inaccessible airplane hangar that Senator Barry Goldwater unsuccessfully tried to access.

Feiler also addressed the credibility of past Elmwood sightings, stating that the reporters were reliable and that four or five people in a small area had seen "basically the same thing." The village renamed its "Stars and Stripes" celebration to "UFO Days" and prints maps of sighting locations, which attract many visitors. Weber approached Feiler because talk of UFOs was not unusual in Elmwood. Feiler initially questioned Weber's seriousness but learned he was "very serious." The village board approved the plan, with Feiler humorously remarking about raising $50 million through "a couple of weeks and a hell of a lot of bake sales."

The publicity generated significant interest, with offers of millions of dollars from individuals like a New Yorker who wanted to build his own landing strip and private facilities, an offer that was turned down. Muhammad Ali was also mentioned as being interested.

The story of the Elmwood proposal gained national traction when an editor for the Eau Claire Leader noticed Weber's request for information and ran a story that went out on the national wire. This led to numerous calls and letters from across the United States and internationally. The media attention included KARE-TV and WCCO-TV sending crews, and WEAU-TV scheduling an exclusive interview. A crew spent three days filming for a piece used by Dan Rather, and Feiler, Weber, and residents appeared on Geraldo Rivera's talk show. Despite calls and letters from irate individuals, Feiler and the village board believe the center could bring economic benefits through tourism, citing increased business for campgrounds, hotels, and restaurants.

UK UFO Sightings and Explanations

The issue features several reports from the UK concerning UFO sightings:

• Horsham, UK: The West Sussex County Times reported on a strange lights incident on Saturday night, July 29, witnessed by the Chambers family and neighbors. Jim Chambers, head gamekeeper on Ghyll House Farm Estate, described the objects as "Unidentified Flying Objects" and stated, "I've never in my life seen anything like it." The lights were described as a large white light with a series of lights around the edge. Surrey Police initially attributed the sightings to a laser show at a party in Godalming, but some witnesses, like Kevin Phillips-Hill, remained convinced it was a UFO, noting the difference between it and aircraft.
• Catford, UK: The Deptford & Peckham Mercury reported on Don and Lynette Simpson's sighting of bright, white lights sweeping across the sky at incredible speed. Civil servant John Costin also reported seeing similar lights. The cause remained unexplained, with suggestions ranging from fireworks to a TV company's celebration drawing blanks. The Simpsons noted the lights were not like lasers but more like searchlights, with no sound.
• Southampton, UK: The Solent Reporter detailed an incident where retired serviceman Drew Dickson, his wife, and grandson witnessed two mystery objects with inexplicable orbital activity over the Solent for 25 minutes. The objects were described as not being aircraft or weather balloons and could not be traced on radar. Dickson stated, "I often watch high flying airliners pass over head, and these were definitely not planes... There was no engine noise at all it was uncanny."
• Swansea Valley, UK: The South Wales Evening Post reported on a family who saw a round, shining globe that mysteriously changed shape and disappeared. Mr. Adrian Davies described it as a "bright silver" oval, not quite as big as the moon, that moved at an unusual speed and darted from side to side. He also noted lights in the shape of a cross, flashing red and silver. The incident was reported to Swansea Police and air traffic controllers, who offered no explanation.
• Barking and Ilford, UK: The Barking & Dagenham Post reported that following an initial report of three orange objects in the night sky, an additional 15 witnesses came forward. Roy Lake of the East Anglian UFO and Paranormal Society was collecting detailed reports. Theatre Projects Services claimed responsibility, stating the lights were from their equipment used at a party for barristers and a Batman premiere celebration.

Scientific Explanations and Theories

• Crop Circles: Dr. Terence Meaden, a physicist and scientist, claims to have solved the mystery of crop circles. After ten years of study, his theory is that they are caused by "freak balls of highly electrically charged air," which could also be responsible for UFO sightings. He has studied over 600 circles using a light aircraft.
• Bristol Booms: The Cumberland Evening Star reported on the "Bristol booms" that shook houses and rattled glasses. Hackett investigated and suggested they were sonic booms intensified by bouncing off a nearby ridge. He also noted that a change in Air Force Reserve flight patterns coincided with the cessation of the booms.
• Green Ice: The Post-Crescent reported on a chunk of green ice that fell in April 1978 in Ripley, Tenn. ORFAN studies revealed it contained strains of syphilis and gonorrhea, explained by a leaking military jet's commode that had frozen and fallen off, with the green color attributed to copper sulfate disinfectant.
• Brown Mountain Lights: David Hackett studied the "ghost lights" of Brown Mountain in North Carolina, theorizing they were likely ball lightning, though the myth of them being a UFO landing strip persists.

Government Cover-Up Allegations

The Globe (U.S. tabloid) reported on Larry Bryant, a Pentagon employee, who is waging a crusade to expose a "cosmic Watergate" – a 40-year government cover-up of UFO sightings. Bryant alleges that military intelligence, the CIA, and the Secret Service have conspired to hide thousands of documents verifying extraterrestrial visits. He cites examples such as a UFO sighting near Camp David in 1979, the retrieval of UFO wreckage and alien bodies during the Eisenhower years, and attempts by alien beings to communicate with investigators at a UK air force base in December 1980. Bryant filed a lawsuit in 1984 to access government documents but claims he was pressured to "butt out." He has placed ads in military newspapers encouraging other whistleblowers, but these ads were suddenly stopped from running. Bryant is still pursuing legal action, calling the situation "a travesty of justice."

MUFON and Scientific Investigation

Barney Garner, a retired Air Force officer and LSU professor, has been appointed Louisiana state director of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). He emphasizes the "serious" scientific investigation of UFO sightings by MUFON members, who include doctors, chemists, and engineers. Garner believes the government's policy of ridicule and debunking in the post-war era has led to a lack of public respect for UFO enthusiasts. He states that MUFON's primary job is to establish facts about cases, leaving conclusions to others. Garner's own encounter with an unidentified aircraft occurred in 1955 when it passed through an area monitored by his Air Force radar station. He notes that classified UFO information is rapidly increasing as older individuals involved in top-secret investigations begin to speak out.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, government secrecy, and the scientific investigation of unexplained phenomena. The publication appears to present a balanced view, featuring reports of sightings alongside scientific theories and skeptical analyses. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the existence of phenomena that defy easy explanation while also exploring potential mundane causes and the challenges of obtaining credible information, particularly concerning alleged government cover-ups. The inclusion of various newspaper clippings from different regions suggests a broad interest in the topic across the United States and the United Kingdom.

This issue of the Hackney Gazette, dated August 4, 1989, prominently features a cover story detailing numerous UFO sightings over Hackney and Islington, which caused widespread public concern and flooded local police stations with calls. The main headline, "UFO calls flood police stations as residents fear. Invasion of the body snatchers," highlights the public's apprehension.

UFO Sightings Over Hackney

The article describes how hundreds of people reported seeing a fleet of four circular discs of light hovering over Hackney and Islington for nearly three hours on a Saturday night, starting around 9 pm. The influx of calls overwhelmed City Road and Dalston police switchboards, with residents fearing an alien invasion. The Hackney Gazette also received numerous calls from readers who had witnessed the lights.

One witness described the event as "the end of the world" and questioned the motive for invading Hackney. The Ministry of Defence speculated that the lights might have been caused by a laser light show at a party in Surrey hosted by Roger Taylor, drummer for the rock group Queen. However, alien experts from the Aetherius Society dismissed this explanation, stating that the lights could not have traveled the 35 miles to East London. Dr. Richard Lawrence of the Aetherius Society expressed that they were taking the sightings seriously, suggesting they could be flying saucers and emphasizing that "flying saucers exist. It's crazy to think we are the only inhabited planet in the universe."

Scotland Yard and the Ministry of Defence have not offered a definitive explanation. A spokesperson for Scotland Yard stated that "lights in the sky are not a criminal matter" and suggested they were likely from a laser and light show, but added that "until any aliens set foot on the earth it's nothing to do with us."

UFO Scares Fishermen in Wisconsin

A separate article, datelined WI-D24 OSHKOSH NORTHWESTERN, August 10, 1989, reports on an incident involving Karen Sazama, a resident of Milwaukee. Sazama recounted a frightening experience early in the morning while fishing with Gary Michael Frye near Omro, Wisconsin. She described seeing a "glowing light, an orangish-reddish light" that stayed in the sky for 20 to 25 minutes before disappearing.

Sazama stated she was very scared and looked for a place to hide in the boat. She also noted that the fish stopped biting during the sighting, leading her to believe the lights were connected. Frye corroborated the sighting, describing the light as "bigger than a star" and falling slowly. They reported the incident to the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department. George Wilz, owner of George's Bait Shop, where the pair rented a boat, confirmed this was the first unusual sighting reported to him. Despite the scare, Sazama indicated it would not prevent them from returning to fish in the area.

Mysterious Crop Circles

The second page of the magazine features articles on crop circles. One article, from the ESSEX CHRONICLE, CHELMSFORD, August 11, 1989, discusses a mysterious, perfectly symmetrical circle, about 25 feet in diameter, that appeared overnight in a wheatfield in Littley Green. Theories among locals ranged from extraterrestrial visitation to pranks by young farmers, magnetic fields, or badger activity.

Farm bailiff John Webb, whose farm hosted the circle, stated that a whirlwind would have flattened the wheat in one direction, unlike what was observed. He had never seen anything like it in 30 years of farming. Neighbor Mrs. Betty Potter found the lack of any sound or tracks particularly mysterious. Mr. Jim Padfield, vice-chairman of the Essex Farmers Union, humorously attributed it to the "green welly brigade" rather than "little green men," suggesting it could be a prank.

However, Mr. Willie White, a technical adviser to the National Farmers' Union in Liss, Hampshire, where crop circles have been appearing for six years, stated that investigations had yielded "absolutely no explanation." He noted that over 250 circles or swirls had been reported in his area alone that year and that there was no way they could have been made by anyone on the ground. While some Hampshire observations suggested badgers, they were deemed incapable of producing such symmetrical circles. Other theories included magnetic fields or wind. Mrs. Abby Thorpe, County Organiser for Essex Young Farmers, did not rule out hoaxes.

A second article, from the SWINDON EVENING ADVERTISER, August 9, 1989, titled "Find adds to circle of confusion," reports on a mystery circle 100 feet across, believed to be the world's largest, found in a wheatfield west of Marlborough. Colin Andrews and his team from the Andover-based Circles Investigation Group visited the site to record measurements. This find is part of a larger trend, with 222 circles reported in Wiltshire and Hampshire in the preceding four months.

The article also contrasts the views of two researchers on the cause of crop circles. Dr. Terence Meaden of Bradford-on-Avon claims circular depressions are formed by "spinning balls of air charged with electricity." Colin Andrews disagrees, stating that while a "vortex, a high energy field, that is luminous" is involved, he rejects the idea of it being a meteorological phenomenon. Andrews also criticizes the government's explanation of stationary vortexes in cereal fields, calling it "absolute nonsense." He warns that the mystery is far from resolved.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and crop circles, presenting a mix of witness accounts, official skepticism, and alternative theories from researchers and enthusiasts. The editorial stance appears to lean towards acknowledging the unexplained nature of these events, giving voice to those who believe in the reality of UFOs and crop circles while also including skeptical viewpoints and official explanations. The coverage suggests a public fascination with the unknown and a desire for answers to mysterious occurrences, with a particular focus on events within the United Kingdom, but also touching on international incidents like the one in Wisconsin.