the apro bulletin

Magazine Overview

Title: The APRO Bulletin
Issue: Vol. 24, No. 9
Date: March, 1976
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (A.P.R.O.)
Country: USA
Language: English

Publication Schedule and Health Update

The issue begins with a "Notice To Members" explaining the delayed publication schedule. Both Jim and Coral Lorenzen experienced severe flu, followed by Jim Lorenzen undergoing cardiac-bypass surgery on May 3rd. His condition is stable, but a lengthy recuperation period is expected. The organization expresses gratitude for the support and prayers received.

The Johnny Sands Case

The main cover story details the "Johnny Sands Case." Johnny Sands, a 30-year-old country-western singer living in Las Vegas, Nevada, reported a close encounter. While driving on the Blue Diamond road, his car stalled. Upon investigating, he saw an unusual aircraft, estimated to be about 1,000 feet altitude, approximately 60 feet long, and shaped like a blimp with a large, round ring at the midsection. The object was described as "rusty orange" with flashing red and white lights. Two humanoid figures approached Sands. They were described as bald, with gill-like protrusions on their faces, small black eyes with white centers, and small mouths that did not move. The figures asked Sands questions about his presence and means of communication, warning him not to speak about the encounter. Sands' account was subjected to a polygraph test administered by Robert L. Nolen, which indicated no deception. The report also mentions a film crew from Dave Dunn Productions who may have staged elements of the event to frighten Sands for their TV series.

Sargeant Moody Abduction Case

This section clarifies that Sgt. Moody, previously referred to as Mr. X in an abduction case reported in the September 1975 issue, was indeed the witness. APRO had withheld his identity to maintain confidentiality and prevent prejudicing future reports. Further information on this case is promised.

More Walton Verification

This section provides an update on the Travis Walton case. On March 22, 1976, Mrs. Mary Kellett, Travis Walton's mother, took a polygraph test in Phoenix, Arizona, to address rumors that she and Travis were "UFO buffs" prior to his disappearance and that she reacted calmly to the news. Philip Klass had reported two rumors: (1) that Mrs. Kellett was calm upon notification, saying "I'm not a bit surprised," and (2) that Marshall Flake of Snowflake claimed Mrs. Kellett refused him entry to her house. The report includes a polygraph test administered by George J. Pfeifer, Jr., of Associated Polygraphers, Phoenix, Arizona. The test indicated Mrs. Kellett was truthful in her answers regarding her knowledge of Travis's whereabouts and her involvement before his disappearance. Duane Walton recalls Marshall Flake visiting the Kellett residence on November 11, 1975, not November 10th. The report also presents a polygraph examination of six witnesses to the initial incident (John E. Goulette, Dwayne D. Smith, Kenneth E. Peterson, Michael H. Rogers, Jeff S. Pierce, and Allen M. Dalis), conducted by C.E. Gilson of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. These tests aimed to determine if the witnesses were involved in a criminal act against Travis Walton. The results showed that five of the six men were truthful in stating they saw an object they believed to be a UFO and that Travis Walton was not injured or murdered by them. The sixth man's test was inconclusive. APRO offers to underwrite polygraph tests for Sheriff Gillespie, Stanford Flake, Ken Copland, Bill Spaulding, Lester Steward, and Phillip Klass.

An Australian Chronicle

This section begins a new series, "An Australian Chronicle," detailing UFO events in Australia. Part One focuses on sightings near Tyringham and Durdurrabin in New South Wales during the summer of 1973. The series is based on the investigation by William C. Chalker and features original illustrations. The reported phenomena included unusual nocturnal lights, craft-like objects, lightglows from bushes, landings, and shafts of light. The sightings were most active in May and June 1973, with a drop in July possibly due to rain, and a resurgence in August and September.

Follow-Up: Tony Spurill and John Bradshaw Photos

This section revisits a 1967 article about photos allegedly taken by two boys, Tony Spurill and John Bradshaw. A writer, Jane Ashman, tracked down John Bradshaw, who admitted that the UFO sighting and photos were a hoax created to "liven up the town." He stated that he and Tony were 9 and 12 years old, respectively, at the time.

SUD Radio To Air UFO Program

APRO Representative Richard Niemtzow reports that SUD Radio in France will air a 30-minute daily UFO program starting April 20th, 1976.

New TV Series

Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzen and Travis Walton appeared on the pilot of a new TV series titled "The Unexplained." The show, produced by Fred Wolper Productions and narrated by Leonard Nimoy, deals with strange and unusual events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed investigations of UFO sightings and alleged encounters, with a strong emphasis on witness testimony and the use of polygraph tests for verification. The APRO Bulletin appears committed to rigorous examination of UFO phenomena, seeking to distinguish between genuine experiences and potential hoaxes. The editorial stance is one of scientific inquiry and a dedication to finding a solution to the UFO mystery, as evidenced by the organization's consulting panels and ongoing research efforts. The publication also highlights the personal challenges faced by its key personnel, demonstrating the human element behind the research.