APRO Bulletin - 1975 04 00 - Vol 23 No 6

Magazine Overview

Title: The APRO Bulletin
Issue: Vol. 23, No. 6
Date: April 1975
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO)
Country: USA
Language: English

Landing in Wisconsin

The lead article, "Landing in Wisconsin," by Field Investigator Leonard J. Bongle, details a sighting on Sunday night, March 2, 1975, in Mattoon, Shawano County, Wisconsin. Jim and Peggy Zahn, along with Jeffrey and Cindy Tielman, observed a ball of fire following their car. The object then hovered at tree-top level for 10-15 minutes before disappearing. Constable Chet Hendrickson also responded to a similar report from Eland, 25 miles away, describing a bright orange object with a halo. Bongle interviewed the witnesses and found them to be reliable and competent, concluding they saw what they described.

Mellen, Wisconsin Sighting

Another report from the vicinity of Ashland, Wisconsin, on the night of March 13, 1975, describes multiple sightings of bright aerial objects. The most detailed account comes from the Philip N. Baker family in Mellen. Fifteen-year-old Jane Baker heard strange noises and saw a silvery, disc-shaped object with a domed top and flashing red and green lights. The object emitted a yellowish-white glow. Her father, Mr. Phillips, also witnessed the event. They heard metal-on-metal banging sounds. The object appeared to have a lighted opening and later, the noise stopped, and the lights turned out. The object was later seen to be undergoing repairs by several humanoids.

"Landing" - The Merryweather Case

This section, continuing from page one, details a report investigated by Ted Bloecher concerning an event on November 25, 1964, in New Berlin, Connecticut. Mary Merryweather and her mother-in-law observed two strange crafts. Humanoids, described as tall (6½ to 8 feet), were seen working on one of the objects. They brought large boxes and appeared to be making repairs. The object was described as having a bright light and emitting a humming sound. The humanoids were dressed in a dark, diver's wet suit-like material. They were observed kneeling, sitting, and leaning on elbows while working. Three cone-shaped impressions in the ground were found at the site. A piece of material resembling cable, with a shredded aluminum interior, was also found.

Staff and Forum

The APRO Bulletin announces Mr. Harold E. (Hal) Starr as the new Director of Public Relations. Starr has extensive experience in radio and television broadcasting. The "Readers' Forum" includes a letter from H. C. Dudley, Professor of Radiation Physics, discussing the "despicable conspiracy of the closed minds" and the challenges scientists face with peer review systems. Dudley cites a paper in "Industrial Research" and a questionnaire indicating that 87% of respondents believe the peer review system denies funding to challenging ideas.

Airplanes - UFOs or IFOs?

Richard F. Haines, Ph.D., contributes an article titled "Airplanes - UFOs or IFOs?" He discusses the importance of understanding aircraft lights to avoid misidentifying them as UFOs. Haines provides a detailed table (Table 1) and a diagram (Figure 1) illustrating the various navigation, anti-collision, and landing lights found on U.S. certified commercial jet aircraft. He explains the colors, positions, and behaviors of these lights, such as red wingtip lights for approaching aircraft and intense white landing lights. The article aims to equip field investigators with knowledge to differentiate between known aircraft and potential UFOs.

Stop Press

A brief "Stop Press" section mentions a future issue will detail an incident involving a private pilot surrounded by three discs, with controls frozen, and radar confirmation by air traffic controllers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO landings, detailed witness testimonies, and the investigative process. The magazine emphasizes the importance of credible witnesses and physical evidence, as seen in the Wisconsin and Connecticut cases. The article on aircraft lights suggests a proactive stance in educating investigators to avoid misidentification. The "Readers' Forum" highlights concerns about scientific censorship and the resistance to new ideas, reflecting an editorial stance that supports open inquiry and the pursuit of solutions to the UFO phenomenon, even when facing skepticism or institutional barriers.