APCIC - Vol 14 No 11 - 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue Date: November 1989
Volume: 14, No. 11
Publisher: AERIAL PHENOMENON CLIPPING INFORMATION CENTER
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

This issue of UFO NEWS delves into a variety of UFO sightings and related phenomena, featuring reports from different regions and perspectives. The cover art depicts a stylized alien head, setting the tone for the contents within.

Long Lake Area UFO Sightings

The lead article, "Long Lake area spawns tales of UFO sightings," by Betsy Thatcher, highlights the numerous UFO reports emanating from the Long Lake area in Wisconsin. Bill Benson, owner of Benson's Hide-A-Way tavern, serves as a central figure, collecting and sharing stories from customers. Benson himself recounts an experience in 1983 where he witnessed an object the size of four Goodyear blimps, dark with orange lights, hovering silently over the lake. Local dairy farmer John Dins reports a similar sighting in August 1988 of a 100-foot circular object that caused his cows to panic. Duane Schmid, an employee at Regal Ware Inc., and his colleagues observed six orange lights appearing and disappearing in sequence. Bob Kuehn, a prolific UFO watcher, estimates he has seen hundreds of unexplained lights and dozens of definite close encounters. Kuehn, along with friends Judy Green and Diane Schmid, took a reporter to Dundee Mountain, a known UFO-watching spot, where they observed glowing orange lights that moved, alternated in brightness, and one that transformed into a diamond shape before accelerating south. Kuehn believes UFOs are aware of being watched and can perform maneuvers to confound observers.

Gulf Breeze UFO Sighting

Michael Burke reports on "After rash of sightings months ago, Gulf Breeze man sees another UFO." Businessman Ed Walters, whose previous UFO photographs gained national attention, took two new photos of a glowing red light over Pensacola in September 1989. Gary Watson, a field investigator for a private UFO research group, confirmed the sighting, describing the object as a red light that hovered for several minutes. Walters, who has been more open about his experiences recently, stated that the sightings have "stood the test of time." The event occurred as Walters arrived late for a Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) meeting, and at least 20 other attendees also witnessed the red oval-shaped object.

GF Airman Sees UFO

Brett Benson's article, "GF airman sees UFO," details a report from Airman 1st Class Kirk Carlson of the Grand Forks Air Force Base. Carlson reported seeing three amber lights moving erratically in the northern sky early one Friday morning. He described the lights as moving slower than a meteorite and lasting longer, crisscrossing twice before regrouping and flying out of sight. Carlson discounted explanations like satellites or aircraft due to their complex movements. The base public information office confirmed no planes were in the air at the time, and local law enforcement had received no recent UFO reports.

UFOs and Alien Contact: The Pleiadians

Hugh McCann writes about Leilani Brissette-Dearing, Ph.D., in "Space aliens are coming, but don't serve chocolate." Brissette-Dearing claims to be in telepathic communication with aliens called Pleiadians, who originate from a planet 500 million light years away. She states that these aliens are preparing Earth for a significant event in 1992, involving mass landings and technical assistance. Brissette-Dearing, a singing psychologist, believes UFO sightings are evidence of these advanced beings monitoring Earth and promoting peace. She recounts being taken aboard a Pleiadian spaceship in 1987 and describes the aliens as beautiful, about 5'7" with golden-hued skin, large black eyes, and pointed noses. The Pleiadians reportedly advised her to focus on joy over struggle and to move to Hawaii.

UFO Sighted Over Cambria

Linda Hudkins reports on "UFO sighted over Cambria." Dispatchers in Mainline and state police received calls about unidentified flying objects moving quickly and jumping up and down in the sky over Cambria County. Stan Gordon of the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained (PASU) noted that these sightings occurred about half an hour after similar reports in Westmoreland County. The objects were described as brilliant, yellow-white lights moving at high speeds. Gordon, who has researched UFOs for over 30 years, notes that many skeptics have become believers after investigating such cases.

UFO Investigator Defends Views on Extraterrestrials

Paul Dellinger's article, "UFO investigator defends views on extraterrestrials," features David Bodner, a representative of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), speaking at a conference in Wytheville. Bodner asserted that objects seen in the sky may be controlled by extraterrestrials. Danny Gordon, of the Southwest Virginia UFO Group, stated that this conference marked the end of their UFO investigation series in the area. John Cornett, a hospice worker, presented a videotape of a UFO and suggested some sightings might be "secret government stuff," but agreed with the extraterrestrial hypothesis, even claiming possible abduction experiences. Richard Hoagland, author, discussed the fear surrounding UFO abductions and suggested UFOs might be linked to artificial objects on Mars. Alice Moeller, an author and psychic researcher, questioned why Earth would be the only planet with life.

Ufologist Jenny Claims the Alien Middle Ground

This article profiles Jenny Randles, a full-time UFO researcher in Britain, who aims to dispel misconceptions about alien abductions. Randles investigates around 600 suspected abduction cases annually through the British UFO Research Association. She highlights the case of PC Alan Godfrey, who was allegedly abducted by humanoid creatures. Randles emphasizes that genuine experiences are often not publicized due to stigma. She recounts the famous Barney and Betty Hill abduction case from 1961, where the couple was taken aboard a UFO and medically examined. Randles states there are 40 documented cases of "close encounters of the fourth kind" in Britain, often involving medical examinations and telepathic communication. She notes that witnesses can suffer from psychological distress, including traumatic nightmares, and that researchers prioritize establishing the witness's truthfulness before considering other explanations.

UFO Caught on Film

The article "UFO caught on film" discusses one of the most important UFO cases, according to researcher Jenny Randles: a sighting near Thame in 1973. Peter Day, a building surveyor, filmed an orange ball of fire traveling low across the horizon. The 23-second film has been examined by experts and concluded to be a genuine "UFO." The article also addresses the "Did UFO cause jet crash?" question, noting that the film was taken at 9 am, while an F-111 plane crashed at 9:46 am nearby. Although the report concludes against the UFO directly causing the crash, it considers a possible connection, suggesting the UFO might have caused the jet to experience problems.

Ossett is a Prime Site for Alien 'Dumbells'

This report covers a UFO conference in Ossett, UK, where organizers claimed to have "sensational evidence" proving the existence of alien spacecraft, including a spaceship allegedly shot down by an airforce pilot in South Africa. The conference featured speakers like Anthony Dodd, an expert in alien abductions, and Ralph Noyes. The Yorkshire UFO Society spokesman described Ossett as a prime site for sightings of flying saucers, cigars, and "dumbells," though sightings had decreased recently. The conference also included a screening of "A Strange Harvest," a film by American ufologist Linda Moulton-Howe, presenting evidence of animal abduction and mutilation by aliens.

More Reports are Made of UFO Sighting

This article from the Clacton Gazette reports on a UFO sighting over Clacton, supported by three additional reports of strange shapes in the sky on the same night. The East Anglian UFO and Paranormal Research Association confirmed receiving calls from Wivenhoe and Southend. The original sighting involved a brightly-lit disc, 30 meters wide with flashing lights, hovering near Clacton airstrip. Police and air traffic control found no unusual radar activity. Other sightings included a large round disc with flashing lights and a large bright object seen by a young boy and girl.

Mystery Light Seen in the Sky

Roy Heelas reports on a "Mystery light seen in the sky" over Filton and Yate, which was also spotted over Yeovil. John and Jean Spencer described a large, bright green light that appeared to be coming down. Their sighting coincided with those of Colin Pulsford and Brian Stanton. The object was described as amazing and unlike anything seen before.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO NEWS consistently explores the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects and potential extraterrestrial contact. Recurring themes include eyewitness accounts of strange lights and craft, investigations by UFO research organizations, the possibility of alien abductions, and the analysis of photographic and film evidence. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that takes these reports seriously, providing a platform for researchers and witnesses to share their experiences and findings, while also acknowledging the skepticism and the need for rigorous investigation. The articles collectively suggest a growing interest and acceptance of UFO phenomena, moving beyond mere speculation to documented cases and expert analysis.

This issue of the Chicago Daily Calumet & Pointer, dated October 10, 1989, features a prominent cover story discussing UFOs scientifically. The publication includes a variety of articles related to UFO sightings, investigations, and public perception.

UFOs Discussed Scientifically

The lead article on the cover announces a lecture by nuclear physicist Stanton Friedman at South Suburban College on October 13th. Friedman, who has over 30 years of study and investigation into UFOs, asserts that the worldwide evidence is overwhelming and that UFOs are intelligently controlled vehicles from other solar systems. He claims that skeptical arguments do not stand up under scrutiny and that governments have been covering up this information. The lecture will feature five scientific studies on crashed saucers, alien abductions, and the origins of UFOs, followed by a Q&A session. Friedman's background includes degrees in physics from the University of Chicago and 14 years of industrial experience in nuclear and space systems. He has lectured extensively and appeared on numerous media programs. Tickets for the event are $2.

Media Experts Downplay UFOs

An article by Carolyn Schmidt reports on the reactions of local media to a Soviet UFO siting report. Charles Klotzer, publisher of the St. Louis Journalism Review, stated that with increased openness in the Soviet press under Mikhail Gorbachev, reports from the official Tass news agency might become more sensational, similar to the National Enquirer. He considered the UFO story 'a good filler for a light story' but not serious news, suggesting it might be taken more seriously in the Soviet Union than in the U.S. Larry Conners, a reporter for Channel 4 in St. Louis, agreed that Tass has been reporting more bizarre accounts due to loosened press restrictions. He cited a false report about earthquake survivors as an example. Conners mentioned that a Russian geophysicist laboratory scientist from the original story was reportedly misquoted. Channel 4 covered the story due to public interest, including interviews with local UFO organizations and the St. Louis Science Center. He recalled a joking comment about 9 to 12-feet-tall aliens with small heads seen in Voronezh.

Soviet Tourists Are Out of This World

This section details the Tass news agency report about a UFO landing in the Russian city of Voronezh. The report claimed that Soviet scientists confirmed the landing and found traces of aliens who promenaded around a park. Tass described a large shining ball or disk hovering over the park, from which one, two, or three creatures similar to humans and a small robot emerged. These aliens were described as three or four meters tall with very small heads. Witnesses reportedly experienced fear for several days. A Tass duty officer confirmed the story, stating it was not an April Fool's joke. The article notes that the Soviet media, influenced by glasnost, is now free to publish incredible stories, similar to Western tabloids. A large shining ball or disk was seen hovering over the park by Voronezh residents.

Russians 'Told the World'

Martin Richter reports on the reaction to the Soviet UFO story from Forest Crawford, an official of the Mutual UFO Network Inc. (MUFON). Crawford was not surprised by the report but found it significant that the story made it into global living rooms as legitimate news. He stated that MUFON has hundreds of similar reports investigated in the U.S. Crawford believes the U.S. government possesses extensive evidence of UFOs and aliens but is hesitant to release it, fearing the public is not ready. He suggested that the government might have even interacted with aliens. He praised the handling of the Voronezh story by St. Louis television news programs, dismissing later reports that the source might have been children.

UFO Sightings in Various Locations

Several smaller reports detail UFO sightings from different locations:

• West Chester Daily Local News (October 3, 1989): A reader commented on a previous article, expressing belief in UFOs and suggesting a need for a UFO hotline for people to share sightings and for authorities to investigate.
• San Diego Union (October 3, 1989): Michael Grant recounts a sighting of a bright, white light with a glowing, conical aura over the water near Del Mar. Witnesses described it as stationary, with a light that suddenly disappeared. Other witnesses in the area also reported similar sightings.
• Jackson Clarion Ledger (October 12, 1989): Reports from Greenville, Mississippi, describe a fast-moving metallic ball seen near Moscow, similar to the Russian description. Witnesses described it as round, metallic, changing colors, and moving at high speeds at an altitude of 3,000 feet.
• High Plains Journal Weekly (September 11, 1989): Mike Shiew reports on 'wheat circles' in southern England, where grain fields are flattened in spiral patterns overnight. While some suggest UFO landings, MUFON director Walter H. Andrus Jr. states there's no direct evidence linking UFOs to these circles, though theories abound. He notes that no UFOs have been seen near these formations in the past seven or eight years.
• Salem Statesman Journal (September 29, 1989): Salem residents reported seeing a mysterious glowing red light over the city. Police and the newspaper received multiple calls. Some suggested it was a highway flare attached to a balloon, while others mentioned helicopters. The article notes that the newspaper's previous report on UFOs led to more anonymous calls from people sharing their own experiences.

UFO Trackers Take a Down-to-Earth Approach

Karla Redelsheimer writes about MUFON, an organization dedicated to investigating UFO sightings. Tom Stults, a local MUFON leader, explains that the group sends trained field investigators to interview witnesses and rule out natural phenomena. Stults believes that about half of reported sightings are not UFOs. He notes that MUFON has grown significantly and that members are invited to join after filling out an application. Stults also believes the government is slowly introducing the idea of UFOs to the public and that releasing all available UFO information would destroy culture. He mentions black government helicopters investigating UFO sightings. Joan Ernst, a MUFON member, has been involved for 31 years. Stults also discusses a document about space travelers in Cambodia in 1971 and mentions that President Bush, as former CIA director, knows about space craft landings.

Other Sightings and Reports

• Lisle Sun Weekly (October 4, 1989): Elizabeth Kutter reports on a MUFON meeting where about 40 believers discussed UFOs, aliens, and government involvement. The leader of the meeting stated that the government wants information about UFOs spread slowly to avoid cultural destruction. Members shared information from books, and the leader showed a piece of metalized mylar said to prevent aliens from walking through walls.
• The Newark Advertiser (September 29, 1989): Bright moving lights spotted over Lowdham, England, are being investigated as a possible UFO sighting. Mr. and Mrs. Brian Barnaby reported seeing a mushroom-shaped object and another like a ship's wheel, which were bright with twinkling lights and hovered before disappearing.
• Tulsa Tribune (October 11, 1989): A '500 witness color display' in Commerce, Oklahoma, involved residents and law-enforcement officials reporting several lights of different colors dancing in the sky. Police and residents had no clue to the origin, with one witness describing it as 'something in nature.' The lights were observed in a 'W' pattern and changed color from red to white to blue.
• Bristol Evening Post (September 23, 1989): Richard Tarr, founder of the Bristol Quest group, claims to have seen a strange light over Leigh Woods, Bristol, on August 3rd. He recorded a bright white light changing to a pulsing red and then back to white, hovering for about an hour. The recording was sent to an international conference.
• Southend Evening Echo (September 25, 1989): UFO researchers received numerous calls after sightings of 'diamond' shaped objects with flashing lights were reported in South East Essex. Ray West of the East Anglian UFO Society noted that the objects were seen circling the night sky.

The UFO Question Still Topic for Study

Kathy Mellott reports on Steve, a young man from Altoona, who claims to have seen a circular-type aircraft with a green light hovering over his car. He described it as disappearing suddenly. John Timmerman, vice president of public relations for the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies, listened to Steve's account and showed him a drawing of a similar craft from his displays. Timmerman, a UFO believer, stated that the Center for UFO Studies has 100,000 recorded sightings and that 13 million Americans claim to have experienced a UFO. He explained the classifications of close encounters (first, second, and third kind) developed by J. Allen Hynek. Timmerman became interested in UFOs after serving as a consultant for the Air Force's Operation Blue Book. He noted that UFO sightings occur in waves, with significant numbers reported every three or four years since 1952.

Physicist Says, Yes, UFO Sightings Are Genuine

Stephen Crabtree writes about Stanton Friedman's assertion that UFOs are genuine. Friedman, a nuclear physicist and author, stated that over 30 years of study have convinced him that Earth is being visited by intelligently controlled extraterrestrial vehicles. He dismissed conventional explanations for many sightings and noted that the laws of physics are not being violated. Friedman believes the U.S. and Canadian governments are covering up UFO information, calling it a 'Cosmic Watergate.' He also suggested that the younger generation is more open to the idea of alien visitors than older nationalists. Friedman questioned why aliens would share secrets with a planet engaged in warfare and spending billions on the military, while children starve.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFOs, the media's often skeptical or dismissive approach to UFO reports, and the persistent belief among some that governments are withholding information about extraterrestrial visitation. The articles highlight the ongoing public fascination with UFOs, the efforts of organizations like MUFON to document and analyze sightings, and the personal experiences of individuals who claim to have witnessed unexplained phenomena. The overall stance appears to be one of presenting different perspectives, from scientific inquiry and witness accounts to media skepticism and theories of government cover-ups, while giving significant weight to the scientific perspective offered by Stanton Friedman.

This document contains two articles from different publications, dated October 19, 1989, and September 29, 1989. The first, from the Liverpool Daily Post, is a review by Norman Cook of Edith Fiore's book 'Encounters with Extra-terrestrials.' The second, from the Nuneaton Evening Tribune, reports on a UFO sighting investigation in North Warwickshire.

Article 1: 'Encounters with Extra-terrestrials' Review (Liverpool Daily Post, Oct 19, 1989)

Norman Cook reviews 'Encounters with Extra-terrestrials' by Edith Fiore, a clinical psychologist specializing in hypnoregressive therapy. The book is based on accounts from 13 individuals who claim to have been abducted by aliens and taken aboard spaceships.

Cook notes that even Russians are now reporting visits from aliens. In the United States, sightings of flying saucers and encounters with extra-terrestrials are common. Dr. Fiore's theory is that certain earthlings are lured, persuaded, or propelled into spacecraft for 'meet-the-people missions.'

Fiore uses hypnoregressive hypnosis to help subjects recall these experiences, which are often erased from their memories by the aliens. Cook expresses skepticism, citing a Gallup poll where nearly half of U.S. citizens believe in UFOs, but he acknowledges that new ideas often face resistance.

The 13 cases detailed in Fiore's book are presented as case material of what people experienced under hypnosis, not as proof of actual events. Readers are invited to draw their own conclusions.

Remarkably similar accounts were given by the subjects, who were abducted at night by strange creatures. These creatures, though sometimes unpleasant-looking, were described as having kindly natures. The abductees were assisted to float up into hovering spacecraft.

A common feature of the 'hospitality' involved being placed on an operating table and subjected to examinations. While disagreeable, the earthlings reportedly offset their resentment with the understanding that the extra-terrestrials meant well and were seeking to cure ailments.

Cook concludes by mentioning that Fiore's book includes a list of sympathetic organizations, publications, and hypnotherapists working with abductees. He emphasizes that the book is not a 'jokey send-up' and should be read seriously.

Article 2: 'Probe into town UFO sighting' (Nuneaton Evening Tribune, Sep 29, 1989)

UFO investigators from the British Unidentified Flying Object Research Association are looking into a mysterious sighting in North Warwickshire. Alan Cook of Weddington reported seeing a large object hovering over Caldecote, emitting a blinding bright light. He described the sighting as 'simply incredible.'

A spokesman for the association stated they would interview Mr. Cook to gather more details. While many sightings can be explained, this one is of particular interest due to the clear description provided. The spokesman noted that many unexplained sightings suggest they can be attributed to aircraft or transport.

Mr. Cook stated the object was too bright for aircraft navigation lights and could not have been helicopter floodlights.

Article 3: 'Several UFO citings have residents 'pretty jumpy' in Oklahoma, Kansas' (Kansas City Star, Oct 22, 1989)

This article, by Matthew Schofield, details numerous UFO sightings reported in Oklahoma and Kansas between October 8 and October 16, 1989. Over 100 people reported seeing white, red, yellow, and green or blue lights in the sky or hovering over trees and houses.

The England family from Welch, Oklahoma, reported seeing two 9-foot, green, glowing, thin beings emerge from a round object that blocked their path on a gravel road. Shirley England described the beings and stated the family was 'pretty jumpy.'

While the Englands claim to have seen creatures, most reports focus on the lights. Police Chief Bob Baine of Commerce, Oklahoma, noted that many people saw the lights dancing in the sky. The lights often flew high but frequently dipped to tree level, rotating as they moved. Witnesses described the objects as ball-shaped or partly deflated football-shaped ships, and no engine noise was heard.

Sightings occurred from Cherokee County, Kansas, to Ottawa and Craig counties in Oklahoma. The objects were sometimes stationary or moving slowly, but could also travel at the speed of a small plane. Jack Young, an Ottawa County commissioner, described one object as moving 'in the snap of your finger... across the horizon,' faster than any known military aircraft.

The overwhelming feeling in the region is bemusement, with speculation ranging from cosmic tricks to secret weapons testing.

Larry Murdock of Columbus, Kansas, initially skeptical, was shocked after viewing the lights through binoculars, believing they were from another planet. Jim Green, a police officer, suggested that while alien craft might be a stretch, the consistency of witness accounts pointed to something unusual, possibly experimental aircraft.

Possible explanations offered include fast helicopters, gliders, remote-controlled kites, military-controlled mini-balloons, atmospheric conditions, a recent solar flare, methane gas, or secret military projects. However, many witnesses, like Undersheriff Earney Donaldson, dismissed these explanations, stating the objects moved too fast and maneuvered too well, making no noise. Donaldson stated, 'I don't like to talk about it. I don't usually see aliens.'

Radar controllers in Tulsa, Oklahoma, reported no planes were flying in the area during the sightings. Mark Paonessa, a physics professor at the University of Kansas, suggested natural phenomena could account for the lights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes across these articles are UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and the investigation into such phenomena. The articles present witness testimonies and expert opinions, ranging from skeptical analysis to open-minded reporting of unexplained events. The Liverpool Daily Post review adopts a cautiously skeptical but respectful tone towards Dr. Fiore's work, while the Nuneaton Evening Tribune and Kansas City Star articles focus on reporting specific sightings and the ongoing investigations or public reactions.