APRG REPORTER

Magazine Overview

Title: APRG REPORTER
Issue Date: September 1967
Volume: 5
Issue Number: 60
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Group (APRG)
Country of Publication: USA
Original Language: English

This issue of the APRG Reporter focuses on numerous UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters, primarily from July and August 1967, with additional historical accounts. The publication presents witness testimonies, details investigations by organizations like NICAP, and includes commentary from experts in the field of ufology.

Key Articles and Reports

Alien Craft Lands--Occupants Seen (New York)

The lead story details the experience of Sidney Zipkin, a guard at Churchville Park, New York, who reported seeing a 50-foot long, round alien craft with green lights. He claims two midget-like men in black uniforms boarded the craft, which then ascended vertically. Zipkin's report was initially met with disbelief, and he was later fired from his job. The case was investigated by NICAP, which reportedly found the story lacked credibility. Notably, four hours after Zipkin's sighting, over 30 witnesses confirmed seeing another alien craft in the same area, including police officers and a university official.

Mysterious Phenomena Reported (Indiana)

Lyle Woodward reported seeing a round ball of fire, about four feet in diameter, lodged in a roadside tree near Ellison, Indiana. He described it as appearing alive, emitting an orange glow that turned white, and then disappearing in a shower of sparks. A branch from the tree, with a hole burned through it, was found. State Troopers investigated and found evidence of superheated electric wires near the tree.

Similar Case (Kansas)

A similar incident occurred in Topeka, Kansas, where a sizzling ball of fire was observed hovering near homes. Residents described it as hissing, changing color from orange to bright white, and vanishing suddenly. Charred tree limbs and scorched leaves were found, suggesting the object was large, possibly car-sized.

Alien Craft Lands at Rapid City, South Dakota

Highway Patrolman Dennis Eisnach and Merchant Policeman James Ferguson reported seeing a craft with flashing red, green, and white lights hovering above trees. Eisnach described its movements as jerky and unstable. They observed the craft for about two hours, noting that its white light intensified when it neared the ground. Three other similar craft were also seen hovering at a distance.

NICAP Investigators Using 'Red Police' Tactics (West Virginia)

This section details the experience of Woodrow Derenberger, who claimed to have witnessed the landing of an alien craft and spoken with an alien being. The report alleges that NICAP, directed by Major Donald Keyhoe, subjected Derenberger to harassment and attempted silencing, including pressure to undergo psychological tests. Derenberger eventually agreed to tests on the condition that NICAP members also take them, which NICAP refused.

Alien Craft Lands on City Street (Minnesota)

Ten-year-old Susan Booth reported seeing a large, whitish craft, shaped like two plates, hovering in the middle of a street in Mankato, Minnesota. Her father called the police, who found freshly broken leaves from a tree and a strange piece of metal in the street. A neighbor also reported hearing thumping sounds and a metallic slam. Susan described the craft as about 25 feet long and five feet deep.

Ancient UFO (Italy)

A 16th-century manuscript found in Italy by chronicler Antonio Cesena described peasants seeing a 'strange disc' that changed color and had red fireballs shining beneath it.

Ohio River Target for Alien Craft? (Ohio)

APRG's distribution map indicated a high concentration of alien activity near the Ohio River. Residents in Cadiz, Ohio, reported sightings. Mrs. Roy H. Snyder described seeing a 'fiery red' object in 1956 that caused her car to stop and its lights to go out. The craft, described as oval-like with protruding legs, turned silver-white. She has since seen numerous craft and believes they come from another planet. Lynn Workley reported a 'blue glow' experience west of Cadiz that caused his car and engine to stop, similar to another truck driver's experience. Mrs. John Bumgardner also reported seeing a craft over her farm.

Catholic Priest Says Flying Objects Real

This section features the views of Rev. Segundo Benito Reyna, an astronomer and Roman Catholic Jesuit priest from Argentina. Father Reyna asserts that flying objects are real, manned by intelligent beings from another world who are studying Earth. He believes they will eventually establish formal contact. He states that scientifically, it is improbable that intelligent life exists only on Earth, estimating over a million planets in our galaxy could sustain life. Father Reyna has sighted numerous craft with his telescope and has photographic evidence, including a picture of the moon with five circular objects silhouetted on it. He also photographed a craft estimated to be 400 feet in diameter. He criticizes the U.S. government for withholding information due to fear of public panic.

Book List

The issue includes a list of pocket books on UFOs available from various publishers, with titles such as "The UFO Report," "Behind the Flying Saucers," and "Incident at Exeter," along with their page counts and prices.

APRG Board of Associate Directors and Membership Information

Details are provided for the APRG Board of Associate Directors, listing individuals responsible for investigations, aeronautics, correlation, public information, physics, meteorology, photography, electronics, and secretarial duties. Membership information for APRG Reporter is also included, with subscription rates for the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and other countries. APRG is a non-profit organization founded in January 1955.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and the investigation of these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and reporting of witness accounts, even those that may be considered extraordinary or difficult to believe. There is a clear interest in documenting sightings, exploring potential explanations, and highlighting the work of organizations and individuals involved in ufology. The magazine also seems critical of official secrecy regarding UFOs, as evidenced by the inclusion of Rev. Reyna's statements about government disclosure.