APCIC - Vol 15 No 03 - 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: 19 UFO 90 NEWS
Issue Date: March 1990
Volume: 15, No. 3

This issue of "19 UFO 90 NEWS" delves into various facets of UFO phenomena, featuring articles on proposed landing sites, investigations into animal mutilations, the scientific community's perspective on UFOs, and recent sightings.

UFO Landing Site Sparks Dreams, But Not Funding

The lead article, "UFO landing site sparks dreams, but not funding," by Bill Gardner, reports on Tom Weber's ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to establish a $25 million UFO landing site in Elmwood, Wisconsin. Weber envisioned a two-square-mile site with lights and a large pictorial message for space visitors, along with facilities for visiting scientists. Despite gaining international attention, including a feature on Geraldo Rivera's show, the project failed to secure the necessary funding, raising only about $20,000. Weber expressed that the project is 'pretty well done' and unlikely to proceed without a significant financial miracle.

Northeastern Skies Light Up, And So Do the Switchboards

This section, datelined Washington, Jan. 27 (AP), describes a widespread sighting of a strange blue-green light in the sky across the Northeast, from West Virginia to New York. Thousands of people reported the phenomenon, contacting the Air Force and the National U.F.O. Center. An air traffic control supervisor at Dulles International Airport also reported seeing the object.

Boise Native Links Aliens With Animal Deaths

By David Proctor, The Idaho Statesman, this article focuses on Linda Moulton Howe and her book "An Alien Harvest." Howe, a Boise native, theorizes that alien life forms are responsible for the ongoing animal mutilations worldwide, a phenomenon she believes the federal government has been covering up for decades. The article details the disturbing patterns of mutilation, including blood draining and the removal of specific body parts, and mentions Howe's private studies at the University of Colorado Medical Center which suggested pinpoint heat sources were used. The piece also touches upon previous government investigations and public rewards offered in the 1970s.

Howe File

A sidebar provides biographical information on Linda Moulton Howe, including her birth in Boise, current residence in Atlanta, age 42, education (University of Colorado, Stanford University), and her career in television production and documentary filmmaking, including her Emmy-winning work on "A Strange Harvest."

Reading List

Linda Howe recommends several books for those interested in UFO information, including works by Timothy Good, Donald Keyhoe, Lawrence Fawcett, Barry Greenwood, Budd Hopkins, and Gary Kinder.

The Debate on Animal Mutilations

Local law enforcement officials, such as Sheriff Brent Bunn of Bear Lake County, Idaho, and Sheriff Lou Girodo of Las Animas County, Colorado, express bewilderment over animal mutilations, noting that the methods used do not align with known predator behavior. They acknowledge the mystery and their attempts to find answers.

Howe's Turning Point

The article recounts Howe's turning point in 1979 when she filmed a woman under hypnosis recalling an abduction and witnessing a mutilation, which solidified her belief in the phenomenon.

UFO Sightings High in Area

By Michael J. Rigg, Times Correspondent, this article discusses the growing interest in UFO sightings and the organizations dedicated to investigating them, such as The Mutual UFO Network Inc. (MUFON) and the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS). It highlights that UFO reports are no longer confined to tabloids but are being made by professionals. The article notes that Indiana had the second-highest number of UFO sightings in a 17-month period ending December 1988, according to MUFON records. It also mentions a Tass News Agency report about a UFO sighting in the Ukraine. The article explains the classification system for UFO encounters (CE-1, CE-2, CE-3, CE-4) developed by Dr. J. Allen Hynek and mentions CUFOS's investigation into the Roswell Incident.

UFO Investigation in the 1990s

The article anticipates that UFO investigations in the 1990s will be promising, with increasing focus on government cover-ups and the growing seriousness of CE-4 (abduction) cases.

Collector Browses for UFO Stories

By Vicki Guarino, Mail Tribune Staff Writer, this piece profiles John Timmerman, who researches unidentified flying objects by setting up displays of UFO photographs and literature in shopping malls. Timmerman, associated with the Chicago-based Center for UFO Studies, aims to present the subject without the sensationalism often found in tabloids. He emphasizes that serious, well-educated people are investigating UFOs. The exhibit includes 20 panels of UFO photographs and literature, drawing from the center's vast collection of over 100,000 cases reported from 140 countries since the 1800s. Timmerman explains the concept of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' coined by Dr. J. Allen Hynek, and the three-tiered hierarchy of UFO experiences.

WMU Prof Revives Interest in UFOs

From Gazette Wire, Staff Reports, this article introduces Michael Swords, a Western Michigan University professor of natural sciences, who is reviving "The Journal of UFO Studies." Swords aims to provide a professional outlet for academics and researchers interested in extraterrestrials, noting that such a platform did not previously exist. The journal is described as technical and not for the general public, featuring articles on topics like chemical analyses of substances from alleged UFO landing sites and the influence of hypnosis on abduction accounts. Swords also discusses the probability of other high-tech extraterrestrial civilizations existing.

A Large Meteor Seen in the Region

By Huntly Collins, Inquirer Staff Writer, this article reports on a large meteor that streaked across the eastern United States sky, causing numerous calls to police. Descriptions varied, with some reporting a bluish-green light and others an orange fireball with a sputtering tail. Officials confirmed it was not a man-made object re-entering the atmosphere, and the National UFO Reporting Center suggested it was a very large meteor.

Columbus-Area Residents Report UFO

This brief report details a sighting of a bright, sparkling object with flashing lights by residents in the northeastern Columbus, Ohio area. The object was observed hovering for 20 minutes, and local authorities could not identify it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the efforts of dedicated researchers and organizations to investigate sightings and phenomena like animal mutilations, and the ongoing debate about potential extraterrestrial involvement. There is a clear emphasis on presenting UFO research as a serious academic pursuit, distinct from sensationalized tabloid accounts. The articles highlight the challenges in obtaining funding and official recognition for such research, while also acknowledging the public's enduring fascination and the possibility of government secrecy. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging serious investigation while remaining grounded in evidence and scientific methodology, as exemplified by the perspectives of astronomers and the revival of academic UFO journals.

This collection of newspaper clippings from January 1990 focuses on UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and related phenomena. The primary articles originate from the Texarkana Gazette, The Cedar Rapids Gazette, The Register Guard, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Du Quoin Call, The Winston-Salem Journal, The Baltimore Sun, The San Diego Tribune, and The Chicago Tribune.

Author Links Mutilations to UFOs (Texarkana Gazette, Jan 15, 1990)

This article by Kevin Freking reports on Linda Moulton Howe, author of "An Alien Harvest," who links animal mutilations and human abductions to alien life forms. Howe's research, based on 10 years of investigation, suggests that hundreds of cattle mutilations are caused by aliens. The article details incidents in Southwest Arkansas, including one in Little River County where three women reported being chased by a strange light in January 1988, and a later cattle mutilation event in Hempstead County where five pregnant cows were found dead and mutilated. Examination of tissue from one cow showed cell destruction caused by rapid heat increase. While some local officials, like Hempstead County Sheriff Don Worthey, attributed the deaths to toxic poisoning from hay, Howe disputes this, pointing to the precise nature of the wounds. She dismisses explanations like predators, disease, or satanic cults, emphasizing the eyewitness accounts of aliens and UFOs. The article also mentions a rancher's sighting of two four-feet tall, light-greenish creatures with large egg-shaped heads and black, slanted eyes carrying a calf.

Strange Light Reported Over Eastern U.S. (Chicago Tribune, Jan 28, 1990)

Thousands of people across the eastern U.S. reported seeing a strange bluish-green light in the sky on Saturday night. Experts suggested it could be an unusually large meteor. Maj. Dick Adam of NORAD stated they had no idea what it was. Robert Gribble of the National UFO Reporting Center in Seattle noted descriptions ranging from a bluish-green to a bright green light descending angularly with a short tail. Sightings were reported from West Virginia to New York. David Arnold, an air-traffic-control supervisor at Dulles Airport, described the object as lasting 25-30 seconds, changing from brilliant white to orange as it broke up, and appearing to dissipate. However, some witnesses, like a TV reporter in Oak Hill, W.Va., reported the light was still hovering in the sky hours later, and Kitty Harrison, assignment editor for WOAY-TV, stated it was "absolutely not" a meteorite.

Another Witness Sees UFO Lights Near Cedar Rapids (Cedar Rapids Gazette, Jan 30, 1990)

This article by Lisa Ann Williamson discusses Sheree Voelkel of Cedar Rapids, who reported seeing bright orangish-red lights in the sky. Initially fearing she was imagining things, Voelkel was relieved to learn of other sightings. Charleen Miller and Kurt Maas also reported seeing unexplained lights. Donald Curtis, state director of MUFON (Mutual UFO Network), expressed interest in these sightings, noting that while 85% of unusual sightings have rational explanations, 15% remain unexplained. He mentioned that UFO sightings are common, often mistaken for planets like Venus, but that the Midwest had seen several sightings recently. MUFON is presented as a large UFO investigation organization with representatives in over 50 countries.

Unexplained Halo of Light Over Field (Cedar Rapids Gazette, Feb 1, 1990)

Donna Lee Olson reports on Charleen Miller of Wellman, Iowa, who described seeing a glowing halo of light over a farm field. The Washington County Sheriff's Department is taking the report seriously. Miller saw a dark mass flanked by two blue beacons with a halo of light, which then vanished. An anonymous caller had also reported a similar light. The Sheriff's Department notified the National UFO Center in Seattle. The article also mentions another alleged sighting helping to corroborate Miller's story.

Celestial Light Show Attributed to Meteor (The Philadelphia Inquirer, Jan 28, 1990)

Karl Stark reports that astronomers believe a brilliant light seen across the eastern U.S. on Saturday night was likely a meteor. Bill Carr of the Franklin Institute described it as a "fireball," a large piece of celestial debris. Robert Gribble of the National UFO Reporting Center stated he was 80 percent sure it was a meteor. Maj. Dick Adam of NORAD confirmed it was not a man-made object. The article notes that fireballs are common, with about 100 burning up daily, but few are witnessed.

Easterners Baffled by Lights In the Sky (The Du Quoin Call, Jan 29, 1990)

This article details the widespread sightings of a blazing ball of fire across the eastern U.S. on Saturday evening. Robert Richardson described seeing a "big green traffic light" with a yellowish tail moving fast. John French of Buhl Observatory suggested it was a fireball or bolide meteor, explaining that these are pieces of rock burning up in the atmosphere. Police in New York City received a false report of a helicopter crash possibly related to the meteor sightings. In Washington D.C., witnesses described a fiery green object the size of a car with an orange-yellow tail. The article notes that while many sightings can be explained as aircraft or meteors, some remain unexplained, and the pursuit of understanding the unknown is a noble human endeavor.

A Mystery or a Meteor? (The Winston-Salem Journal, Jan 29, 1990)

This piece discusses the strange bluish-green light seen across the Eastern U.S. on Saturday night. While many witnesses described it as a meteor, some characteristics, like changing direction or hovering for hours, were puzzling. The article highlights the eyewitness accounts and the human curiosity to explain the unknown, suggesting that a world with mysteries is more interesting.

UFO Buffs Want to Zap Earthling (The San Diego Tribune, Jan 30, 1990)

Scott Wolfe, a self-described "UFOlogist," held a seminar in San Diego promising to reveal information about UFOs and extraterrestrials, including alleged government communication with aliens. More than 180 people attended, many paying a $10 donation. However, many attendees, including UFO buffs, felt the seminar failed to deliver, with no military officials present in person and no live movie footage shown. Wolfe offered refunds and suggested returning for future seminars.

2 More Report Seeing Bright Light in Night Sky (The Cedar Rapids Gazette, Feb 3, 1990)

This article follows up on the Iowa sightings, reporting that Charleen Miller and Kurt Maas both saw unexplained lights around 9 p.m. on Monday night. Miller had seen a dark mass with blue beams and a halo, while Maas saw a bright light like the sun or moon. Maas was relieved to hear of Miller's experience, feeling vindicated. The article also mentions Scott Wolfe's seminar and his company, Feedback Unlimited Inc., which operates as a non-profit group. Wolfe admitted that the money raised might be used for seminar expenses rather than solely for a museum.

UFO Bulletin: We're Not Alone. Aliens Eat Our Cows - and More (Chicago Tribune, Feb 5, 1990)

Steve Johnson reports on a lecture by UFOlogist Thomas Stults, who claims that humans are being investigated by seven to nine alien races for scientific experiments and to improve the human gene pool. Stults presented "Top Secret" government documents, including the MJ-12 papers, and claimed President Eisenhower met with aliens. He also alleged that President Nixon's resignation was influenced by UFOs and that the U.S. government is coordinating a "planned educational approach" to prepare the public for the discovery of alien life. Stults cited advertising campaigns as part of this effort. He also mentioned a story from the Soviet news agency Tass about "humanlike" creatures emerging from a UFO in Voronezh, Russia, though the article later casts doubt on this by noting the witnesses were children and Voronezh is described as a "hick town."

UFO Bulletin Cont. (Chicago Tribune, Feb 5, 1990)

This continuation of the article on Thomas Stults details his claims further. He spoke of a deliberate disinformation campaign and showed UFO pictures, some of which he claimed were authenticated by computer analysis. He also mentioned a story about a "peanut butter lid" UFO photo. The article notes that Stults' audience included individuals who had personally seen UFOs and shared family experiences. One man anonymously shared concerns that some alien races might not be benign, describing experiments altering human neurochemistry.

UFO UPDATE: Guard (The Register Guard, Jan 22, 1990)

This brief update follows up on a New Year's Eve UFO sighting by Eugene partygoers. Sherill Bowers and others reported seeing five lights move in formations. Robert McCaffrey also witnessed similar lights with five other people. The lights reportedly moved southeast and disappeared. Nancy Dear and Betsy Steffensen also reported similar sightings. The article notes that agencies contacted had no explanation.

UFO UPDATE: CON'T (The Winston-Salem Journal, Jan 29, 1990)

This continuation discusses the New Year's Eve sighting in Eugene, Oregon. Marcia McChesney and her husband saw lights while returning from a party. While McChesney doesn't believe the lights were extraterrestrial, she is curious. The article also mentions a sighting by Lee T. Shapiro, director of the Morehead Planetarium, who suggested it might be a "fireball" or bright meteor. Shapiro noted that while there are no active meteor showers, fireballs are not uncommon. He also mentioned a similar sighting in eastern North Carolina on January 8.

In the Dark: Strange Light Seen by Thousands May Have Been Meteor, Some Say (The Winston-Salem Journal, Jan 29, 1990)

This article reiterates the widespread sighting of a strange bluish-green light across the Eastern U.S. on Saturday night. Sheriff's dispatchers and police spokesmen received numerous calls. Maj. Dick Adam of NORAD stated they had no idea what it was. Robert Gribble of the National UFO Reporting Center suggested it was a large meteor. The article quotes David Arnold, an air-traffic controller, who described the object changing color and breaking up. However, it also notes that some witnesses, like a TV reporter in Oak Hill, W.Va., reported the light was still hovering. Andrew Guthrie, a news editor, described the object as a "dramatic thing to see," appearing like a grapefruit with a bright light at the center. The article concludes by noting the light moved rapidly without fading and without sound, ruling out a helicopter.

Little Green Men Send the Media the Other Way (The Baltimore Sun, Jan 31, 1990)

Roger Simon addresses a reader's concern about the media not reporting on UFOs. Simon humorously suggests that his "Lord and Master Krago, Zarkon of Pluto" has forbidden him to write about such matters. He then discusses the widely reported UFO sighting on Saturday night, noting its shiny appearance and long tail. He also recounts the Soviet news agency Tass' report of "humanlike" creatures emerging from a UFO in Voronezh, Russia, questioning the credibility due to the witnesses being children and Voronezh being a "hick town." Simon concludes that the Saturday night object was likely a meteorite.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme throughout these articles is the widespread reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, primarily strange lights in the sky, often referred to as UFOs or meteors. There is a clear division between those who attribute these events to known phenomena like meteors or aircraft, and those who believe they are evidence of extraterrestrial activity. Authors like Linda Moulton Howe and Thomas Stults present strong cases for alien involvement, citing witness testimony, alleged government documents, and theories of abduction and investigation. Skeptics and scientific explanations, such as meteors and atmospheric phenomena, are also presented, often by officials or experts. The articles highlight the public's fascination and confusion surrounding UFOs, with some expressing frustration at perceived media or government cover-ups. The overall stance varies by publication and author, ranging from serious investigation of UFO claims to skepticism and humorous dismissal. The collection reflects a period of heightened public interest in UFOs and related mysteries.

Title: LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL
Issue: NV-D50
Date: December 24, 1989

This issue of the Las Vegas Review Journal, dated December 24, 1989, features a prominent cover story titled "Something's going on at Nelson - but what?" accompanied by the sub-headline "'Flying saucer' stories present a familiar paradox: credible witnesses describing events which aren't." The main visual on the cover is a photograph of Ron Firestone, a miner and gold refiner, with the article's focus on UFO sightings in the small desert town of Nelson, Nevada.

'Flying saucer' Stories from Nelson

The article, written by M.F. Whalen, delves into the experiences of several Nelson residents who claim to have witnessed unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Jim Harris, a 68-year-old widower, recounts an unforgettable experience from several years prior when a large, airborne object, described as an upside-down table saucer, loomed over a hilltop near his campsite, rose eerily, hovered, and then disappeared without a sound. Harris, a long-time resident and experienced miner, insists he was sober and that the event was real.

Jack Jacksis, another resident and miner, shares his own experiences and those of his neighbors. He notes that Nelson has seen about half a dozen UFO sightings in the past two to three years. Some residents attribute these sightings to the magnetic pull of the canyon or tectonic upheavals, while others believe it's a perfect location for UFOs due to its geography. Jacksis recounts a particularly frightening incident involving his neighbor, Ed Brown. One evening, while Jacksis and Brown were "boiling gold" (a process to extract gold from ore), they witnessed the sky become ablaze. Brown, who was on a motorcycle ahead of Jacksis, later described seeing a "flying saucer with the people inside that looked like dogs." The fiery object had passed directly over his head. Following this event, Brown became reclusive and refused to discuss it, eventually moving away from Nelson.

Ron Firestone, a technologically sophisticated miner and gold refiner, also shares his experiences. He describes seeing a flying saucer about a mile away that lit up the entire area before shooting off to the south with incredible speed, comparable to a meteor but not one, as it had been stationary before moving. Firestone suggests that Nelsonites see more UFOs than others because they spend more time outdoors and are more accustomed to observing their surroundings, especially with the minimal artificial light in the area.

Marguerite Knickerbocker, a long-time resident, relates an experience from the early 1960s in Henderson. While leaving Safeway, she witnessed the sky lit up with "beautiful, crystalline colors" and a bright, glowing craft moving in high-speed right angles, making a complete square before disappearing. She emphasizes that nothing known moves like that.

Potential Government Involvement and Cover-ups

The article suggests that the U.S. government is aware of the UFO activity in Nelson. Residents claim that "imposters" posing as free-lance geologists visit the area, questioning locals about the surrounding hills and canyons. Jacksis recounts an encounter with a man who claimed to be involved in infra-red photo interpretation at a big Air Force base in Ohio, who was seen heading in the direction of recent UFO sightings. This individual was later identified as an engineer, not a geologist.

There are also claims of governmental interference extending to abductions. One story involves a dockworker at Nelson's Landing who was reportedly blindfolded and experienced a "huge roaring" while being transported by aliens to a cave, only to be returned to safety. Shortly after recounting his story, the man and his two children were taken away in a black limousine and never seen again.

Another incident involves a stranger dressed in a black suit who claimed to be an engineer and offered to show a resident named Harry Clark a hidden UFO landing site in a mountain cave. Clark was blindfolded and taken to a clearing where he saw a huge spacecraft and markings indicating an alien hangar. The stranger then returned Clark to town, and neither was ever seen again. Harry Clark died of cancer two years prior to the article's publication.

Fear of government reaction or that of friends and family prevents some Nelsonites from reporting their findings. Marguerite mentions a woman who allegedly stumbled upon an alien landing site 40 years ago but refuses to comment, fearing publicity.

Project Blue Book and Official Responses

The article references "Project Blue Book," the Air Force's study of UFOs, which concluded in 1969 after investigating over 12,500 sightings. The study found that about 95 percent of sightings were explainable by natural phenomena, aircraft, weather, or hoaxes. The few unexplained cases did not indicate technology beyond current scientific knowledge or extraterrestrial vehicles. The Public Information Office at Nellis Air Force Base provided a blanket statement confirming that Project Blue Book found no evidence of a threat to national security and that its materials are available at the National Archives.

Environmental Factors and Local Culture

Ron Firestone suggests that Nelson's environment, with its common practice of entertaining people outdoors and sleeping under the stars, combined with minimal artificial light, makes residents more likely to witness aerial phenomena. Marguerite suggests that the town's isolation, desolation, and loneliness might contribute to the local culture's openness to such experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, witness credibility, potential government secrecy or involvement, and the unique characteristics of the Nelson, Nevada area that may contribute to these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these accounts seriously, giving voice to the residents' experiences while also acknowledging the official stance of government investigations like Project Blue Book. The article frames the events in Nelson as a significant and persistent mystery, suggesting that the "real aliens" might be those who refuse to believe.

Notable Quote

"I know what I saw. I may be old. And I do drink a lot of beer, but I was completely sober then, because I remember 'Charlie' (the rattler). He visits that campsite pretty often but we don't bother each other much. This time, I'm glad he did."

Speaker: Jim Harris

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main focus of the article about Nelson?
A: The article focuses on numerous UFO sightings reported by residents of Nelson, Nevada, exploring witness testimonies and the mysterious nature of these events.

Q: What are some common descriptions of the UFOs seen in Nelson?
A: UFOs are often described as silent, fast-moving, and shaped like inverted or upside-down saucers. Some sightings also involved bright, glowing lights in various formations.

Q: Why might Nelson be a hotspot for UFO sightings?
A: Residents speculate that the magnetic pull of the canyon, tectonic upheaval of the mountains, or the geographic location of the canyon makes it a perfect place for UFOs. The isolation and outdoor lifestyle of residents are also cited.

Q: What is the official stance of the U.S. government on UFOs according to the article?
A: The article references Project Blue Book, the Air Force's study of UFOs, which concluded in 1969. The official response from Nellis Air Force Base states that most sightings were explainable by natural phenomena or hoaxes, and no evidence indicated a threat to national security or extraterrestrial vehicles.

Q: Are there any claims of government cover-ups or abductions related to UFO sightings in Nelson?
A: Yes, the article mentions claims of individuals posing as geologists investigating the area and a story about a man and his children being taken away in a limousine after he recounted a UFO encounter. There are also mentions of alleged alien landing sites being discovered.