APCIC - Vol 14 No 12 - 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NEWS
Issue: Vol. 14, No. 12
Date: December 1989
Publisher: Aerial Phenomenon Clipping Information Center, Cleveland, Ohio.

This issue of UFO NEWS focuses on recent sightings and experiences with unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and aerial phenomena, primarily from the United States, with a brief mention of a notable event in Russia.

Reports of UFOs in Iowa

The lead article, "Reports of UFOs have left some Iowans wondering" by Tom Alex of the Register Staff Writer, details several incidents in Iowa. A farmer in Davis County, Clair Roberts, reported finding large circular burn spots in a hayfield, noting this was the third such occurrence in the same location since the early 1950s. Doug Chickering of the Davis County sheriff's office confirmed finding burn marks about 18 feet in diameter and mentioned that dogs were reportedly barking during one of these events. Roberts himself noted similar incidents in the early 1950s and 1970s.

Residents of Appanoose County reported strange lights on a Wednesday night. Carol Drake described seeing a large reddish light in the sky, which then dimmed and turned yellow, with another yellow light appearing next to it. She watched the lights for some time before they disappeared. Her daughter and son-in-law, living three miles away, reported seeing the same phenomenon. A man reportedly came to verify the sighting with Carol's husband.

Lawrence Staunton, chairman of the physics and astronomy departments at Drake University, offered a scientific perspective, suggesting that atmospheric conditions can act like a lens, bending and separating light, leading to various visual effects. Robert Gribble, director of the National UFO Reporting Center in Seattle, indicated that his center had received 30 to 40 reports recently from Iowa, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas, and Kentucky, but cautioned that these were not always of the highest quality, with many people seeing lights in the sky that are stationary or moving.

UFO Sighting Hot News in Wisconsin

Another article, "UFO sighting hot news" by Pat Moore of the Tribune staff, covers a sighting by Harley Pliner of Hillsboro, Wisconsin. Pliner described seeing a huge disc with flashing blue and red lights hovering silently above the trees about two months prior to the article's publication. He had never seen anything like it before and hasn't since. The disc did not land, and no aliens were observed. The story of the Pliners' sighting was featured on the front page of the weekly Hillsboro Sentry-Enterprise.

Harley, 62, and his wife Betty, 67, initially hesitated to report the sighting for fear of ridicule. Betty recounted the event, stating it was a "great big ball of flashing lights" and wished she had a camera. Harley described the object as a "big round disc" with lights blinking on and off around the bottom, colored red and blue. He emphasized it was much larger than an airplane and made no sound. They watched it for about five minutes before it moved eastward and vanished. The Pliners have continued to watch the sky nightly since the incident.

UFOs in the Delta Region

The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported in "UFO makes its rounds in Delta" that a UFO, or possibly two, similar to one reportedly seen in Voronezh, Russia, had been spotted in the Delta region. Lee Abide Jr., a pilot from Greenville, Mississippi, reported seeing a large orange spherical ball hovering about 10 miles northwest of Greenville around 4:35 a.m. This was the second time he had seen such a craft in less than six months. Abide, who has extensive experience with airplanes, stated that the object was not an airplane and was unlike anything made by man. He speculated that it was not a weather balloon due to its speed.

Pilot Bill Kimmel also reported seeing a similar round, metallic object that kept changing colors and was moving at an estimated 800 to 900 mph at 3,000 feet. Abide mentioned that other Greenville residents have seen similar craft but are afraid to come forward. The Federal Aviation Administration in Kansas City, Mo., and the National Weather Service and U.S. Coast Guard offices stated they had no reports of UFOs. A spokesman at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida noted that they had been out of the UFO business for years. Dr. Paul Helminger, a physics professor at the University of South Alabama, suggested that bright planets like Venus and Saturn, or stars like Sirius, might be mistaken for UFOs, especially when people are outdoors enjoying the weather.

The UFO Tass Missed: A Soviet Émigré's Experience

Paul Goldberg's article, "The UFO Tass Missed," recounts the experience of a Soviet émigré who claims to have seen an unidentified flying object over Moscow in the spring of 1972. At 13 years old, the author and his German shepherd, Santa, observed a large object hovering at approximately 37.5 degrees over the horizon. The object, described as saucer-shaped, emitted a clicking sound as it moved slowly. The author and his dog ran inside, fearing abduction. He notes that his friends believed him and had heard similar stories. He also mentions that the leader of his astronomy club at the Moscow Planetarium stated that authorities receive thousands of UFO reports and do nothing about them, and that animals often fear UFOs. The author reflects on how discussing UFOs is less desirable in the United States than in the Soviet Union, where he notes that even intellectuals discuss such matters openly. He references Andrei Sakharov's thoughts on the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations.

Mobile Couple Reports UFO Sighting

An article from the Mobile Register, "Mobile couple reports UFO sighting," details a sighting by Paul Hannie and his wife, Abiline, and their neighbor, Jack Parsons. They reported seeing a fast-moving, metallic unidentified flying object similar to one seen by Mississippi residents. Paul Hannie described the object as round, about the size of a jetliner, and changing colors from dark to bright aluminum, hovering at an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 feet. He stated it was not a weather balloon and was identical to what was reported in Mississippi. Hannie believes in UFOs and mentioned that the country also seems to believe, citing space missions with pictures and cassettes.

Strange Encounter Made Him Believer

Chet Bugnacki of Syracuse shares a personal account from 1932 when he was 22 years old. While driving near Cold Springs bridge, he saw an object about the size of a large bowl with flashing blue lights. A voice from the object said, "We're following you." He also heard a noise like pouring drinks and saw yellow lights inside. He sped away, still trembling upon arriving home. This experience has stayed with him ever since.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NEWS are the prevalence of UFO sightings, the variety of witness accounts, and the ongoing debate between scientific explanations and the belief in extraterrestrial phenomena. The magazine presents multiple firsthand accounts of unusual aerial objects, ranging from burn marks on the ground to silent, hovering discs with flashing lights and fast-moving metallic craft. Expert opinions are included, offering explanations such as atmospheric effects and planetary bodies, while some officials state that investigations have ceased. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these reports and experiences, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also acknowledging the skepticism and scientific explanations offered.

This issue of the IL-D21 Chicago Daily Southtown Economist, dated October 15, 1989, features a prominent cover story titled "Scientist has unearthly ideas," focusing on UFO phenomena and alien civilizations. The publication delves into various UFO sightings, eyewitness accounts, and the scientific and governmental perspectives surrounding these events.

Scientist's Views on UFOs

The lead article highlights Stanton Friedman, a physicist and renowned UFO researcher, who spoke at South Suburban College. Friedman, who admits to being a skeptic until he examined the evidence, presented documented UFO sightings by pilots, radar findings, and physical evidence like photos and burn marks. He displayed photographs of a saucer hovering over Salt Lake City and a tourist's snapshot. Friedman posits that alien civilizations, having evolved millions of years before humans, logically exist and have likely visited Earth, maintaining a cautious approach due to a 'healthy fear' of primitive societies like ours. He also discussed a "cosmic Watergate" involving government authorities allegedly hiding information about a 1947 saucer crash in Roswell, N.M., which he claims killed four alien beings. Friedman believes government officials have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, as acknowledging alien visitation would challenge nationalistic views.

Friedman noted that UFO sightings have lost some public credibility, often relegated to fringe topics. However, he urged believers to come out of the closet, stating that fear of derision has kept many silent. He conducted a show of hands, with fifteen attendees, including Eric Johanson, raising their hands to indicate belief.

Johanson recounted an experience from 1968 where he saw a bright gold saucer-shaped object with a flashing red light hovering silently in the Wisconsin night. He and his mother followed the object, which then ascended rapidly. He did not report it at the time for fear of being labeled a "kook." Despite his wife's skepticism, Johanson remains convinced of extraterrestrial life, stating, "If the universe is as big as scientists say it is, then it's absurd to believe we're alone."

UFO Encounters and Reports

Several articles detail specific UFO encounters and sightings:

Cynthia Vodovoz's 1973 Encounter

An article from the AL-D3 Birmingham News (October 10, 1989) reports on Cynthia Vodovoz, who, as a 12-year-old in October 1973, experienced a mysterious 40-minute period of unconsciousness while riding with her mother on U.S. 31 near Gardendale. Years later, under hypnosis, she recalled seeing a large, bright green, round object with a yellow ring descending. She described encountering "thin, whitish looking" creatures and being taken aboard a craft. Investigators, including UFO investigator Budd Hopkins, are trying to piece together the details. Her father, Irvin Vodovoz, initially dismissed it as a rocket test. Jeff Ballard, state director of MUFON, is seeking other motorists who may have witnessed the event.

Oklahoma Sightings

The OK-049 Tulsa Tribune (October 27, 1989) and the MA-021 Lawrence Eagle Tribune (October 25, 1989) cover sightings in Oklahoma. Shirley England and her daughter Debbie reported seeing an oval-shaped object land, from which two slim, 7-9 foot tall, light green beings with white glows emerged. Craig County Sheriff Jess Walker investigated but could not identify the phenomenon. Between October 8 and 16, over 100 people in northeastern Oklahoma and southeastern Kansas reported seeing various colored lights. Some witnesses described the objects as traditional flying saucers or spheres, moving at high speeds or hovering. Police noted that radar controllers in Tulsa reported no planes in the area during these sightings.

Arkansas Sightings

Reports from Arkansas, as detailed in the Chicago Sun Times (November 12, 1989), describe sightings of "flying steel balls." Pilot Bill Kimmel reported seeing a shiny, solid round metal ball, twice the size of a twin-engine airplane, moving at 800-900 mph at treetop level. Others in the Greenville, Mississippi area also reported similar sightings. In Arkansas, near Pine Bluff, numerous UFOs were seen, described as hovering at treetop level, sometimes appearing as a bright light with a blue haze or blue lights. The FAA stated the object did not appear on radar, possibly due to its low altitude. Charles Hemann of the University of Arkansas Planetarium suggested Venus as a possible explanation for some sightings, but witnesses insist the objects were much closer and moved in ways inconsistent with natural phenomena.

Winnipeg Sighting

The Western Report Weekly (October 30, 1989) features Carl Weselak, a Winnipeg astronomy buff, who claims to have witnessed a UFO sighting over three hours on Thanksgiving Day. He observed 10 objects, including a boomerang-shaped craft and three ball-shaped objects. Edward Barker of the Manitoba Centre for UFO Studies believes Weselak witnessed a "true" UFO, noting that only a small percentage of reports remain unidentified. Other reports from the same day in Winnipeg described boomerang shapes and lights. A possible landing site, a 20-foot symmetrical circle, was also found in a farmer's field near Winnipeg.

Virginia Sighting

The VA-D27 Richmond Times Dispatch (October 25, 1989) reports on Sandy Taylor and her children, who saw an unidentified flying object for 30 minutes while driving in King and Queen County, Virginia. They described it as a large, bright light, like a "pretty large star," that moved around and followed their car. The object appeared to hover and then shoot up diagonally to meet another object. Henry Wellborn of MUFON noted the similarity to numerous recent sightings in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia, often described as circular, red, and hovering.

Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reality of UFOs and alien visitation, the potential for government cover-ups, and the importance of eyewitness testimony. The publication appears to lean towards validating UFO phenomena, presenting scientific opinions (like Friedman's) and detailed eyewitness accounts as credible evidence. The articles suggest a growing public interest and a shift from outright dismissal to serious investigation, with organizations like MUFON playing a key role in documenting and analyzing these events. The overall stance is one of open inquiry into the possibility of extraterrestrial life and its potential interactions with Earth.

This issue of the AR-D2 Anchorage Times, dated October 21, 1989, focuses on the enduring themes of childhood fear, particularly in relation to Bigfoot and UFO sightings. The cover headline, 'New brand of fear stalks childhood,' sets the tone for articles that explore how these phenomena have historically impacted perceptions and evolved into modern entertainment.

Bigfoot and Childhood Fear

The lead article, 'New brand of fear stalks childhood,' by Rick Drebert, reflects on how stories of Bigfoot, or Sasquatch, instilled a sense of fear in his youth. He recounts tales from loggers about hairy creatures and their families living in mountain caves, which fueled playground buzz and nighttime anxieties. Despite the fear, Drebert notes that these stories never resulted in actual death or serious harm, suggesting that the fear itself was a form of edgy entertainment, distinct from the manufactured terror of modern horror like 'Nightmare on Elm Street.' He posits that contemporary horror is packaged and sold, catering to public demand and evolving into a more 'sophisticated' level of terror.

Bigfoot Sightings in Maryland

An article by Matt Neufeld in The Washington Times, dated October 31, 1989, titled 'Boo! That thing could be Bigfoot,' details numerous Bigfoot sightings in Maryland. It profiles Mark Opsasnick, a researcher who has documented over 300 sightings in the state, excluding only Queen Anne's, Caroline, Kent, and Talbot counties. Opsasnick's research aims to increase awareness that such alleged sightings are part of American consciousness and popular culture, rather than solely focusing on 'finding Bigfoot.' The article includes a profile of the creature based on these sightings, noting eye colors, hair colors, height estimates, and described odors (sulfurous, musty, or like a cesspool). It also mentions historical accounts, including Native American beliefs and reports from the early 1900s of 'hairy or shaggy men.' The article touches upon specific incidents, such as a sighting in Odenton, Maryland, involving a creature described as 3-4 feet tall with brownish-black hair, and an account from Tracy's Landing where Ronald L. Jones claimed to have fought a Bigfoot.

UFO Sightings Across North America

Several articles report on UFO sightings in various locations:

• Mississippi: The New Orleans Times Picayune, November 5, 1989, features 'Great balls of fire! UFOs buzz towns,' by David Snyder. Pilot Bill Kimmel describes seeing a shiny, solid round metal ball, twice the size of a light twin-engine airplane, with no cockpit, wings, or tail, moving at high speed near Greenville, Mississippi. Felin Cooper corroborated the sighting. Lee Abide Jr., another crop duster, also reported seeing a similar round, orange object. The article notes that other pilots have reported similar experiences, including one who described his cockpit being bathed in bright light. Sightings were also reported near Pine Bluff, Arkansas, with deputy sheriffs observing objects hovering at treetop level.
• Arkansas: The Arkansas Democrat, October 28, 1989, titled 'Flying disk seen elsewhere, UFO center says,' reports on sightings of a bright, circular flying disk in seven Arkansas counties. Robert Gribble of the UFO National Reporting Center suggests the sightings are consistent with reports from other parts of the nation. Paul Farrell, an engineer, described an object with bright flashing lights and a red tail that was not an airplane or a meteor, calling it 'beautiful.' His cousin described it as disk-shaped with blinking lights and a steep trajectory.
• New York: The New York Daily News, October 12, 1989, in 'Queens a mecca for UFOs?' by James Peters and Don Gentile, claims aliens have been visiting Kissena Park in Flushing, Queens, for at least 20 years. Bill Knell of Island Skywatch points to a circular patch of crushed rock as an 'affected landing circle' from an alien ship. He estimates 500 sightings in Queens over 20 years, with 80% being true. Samples of the rock were sent for analysis, with one professor suggesting it might not be indigenous to Queens and could have come from New Jersey. Parks Commissioner Henry Stern humorously welcomed aliens to the parks.
• Canada: The Western Report Weekly, August 28, 1989, in 'Strange lights at Castlegar,' by Barbara Tandory, details Carter Willness's account of seeing bright flashes and streaks of light for an hour near the Castlegar Airport on July 28, 1989. His wife Darleen also witnessed the phenomenon. The article mentions other reports of strange lights in the Castlegar area, including sightings of dark objects with red and yellow lights. It also notes power surges and blackouts in the region around the time of the sightings.
• England: The Eastbourne Gazette, October 18, 1989, reports 'Pear-shaped UFO stuns author,' detailing a sighting near the Downs where a dark, ominous shape reportedly came down, burst into flames, and was followed by odd lights. The Sheffield Telegraph, October 27, 1989, mentions an international seminar on UFOs in Sheffield. The Southend Evening Echo, October 11, 1989, in 'Space invaders fly across Essex skies,' by Andy Stephens, documents numerous sightings in South East Essex, including diamond-shaped and triangular objects with various colored lights. Ms Sheridan Lane of the East Anglian UFO and Paranormal Association notes a dramatic increase in sightings and reports of individuals losing time (between 20 minutes and three hours) after alleged contact with aliens.
• Wisconsin: The Wausau Daily Herald, November 3, 1989, in 'Woman reports UFO near Mosinee,' describes a 19-year-old woman's sighting of an unexplained sphere-shaped object with red and white lights that followed her car and sped up rapidly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout the issue are the persistent nature of Bigfoot and UFO phenomena in popular culture and the psychological impact they have, particularly on childhood. The articles present a range of perspectives, from those who firmly believe in these phenomena and have had personal experiences, to researchers documenting sightings, and skeptics offering natural explanations. The overall stance appears to be one of documenting these reports and exploring their cultural significance, acknowledging the public's fascination with the unexplained while also touching upon scientific skepticism and the evolution of fear from folklore to modern media.