APRO Bulletin - 1981 08 00 - Vol 29 No 8

Magazine Overview

Title: The APRO Bulletin
Volume: 29
Issue: No. 8
Date: August 1981 (inferred from content and issue date raw)
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO)
Country: USA
Language: English

Betty Cash UFO Incident and Injuries

The lead story details a significant UFO encounter on December 29, 1980, involving Betty Cash, her friend Vicky Landrum, and Vicky's 7-year-old grandson, Colby, near Houston, Texas. The object, described as fire-like and descending rapidly to treetop level, approximately 100 feet away, caused fear and physical distress. Mrs. Cash, who was driving, and Mrs. Landrum observed the object from outside their car. The object emitted a "swoosh-swoosh" sound, like a flamethrower, and a "great roar" as it moved away.

Following the encounter, all three experienced symptoms. Betty Cash suffered severe burns, hair loss (particularly on the right side of her head), blistering, peeling skin, inflammation of her eyes (swelling shut), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. She was admitted to Parkway General Hospital in Houston as a burn victim. Her cardiologist, Dr. V.B. Shenoy, and other specialists were unable to determine the cause of her injuries. Medical expenses exceeded $10,000 by the end of February 1981.

Vicky Landrum also experienced hair loss on the right side of her head and developed line-like indentations on her fingernails, which are noted as being common in chemotherapy patients, suggesting a possible link to the trauma. Colby experienced nightmares and bedwetting. Both Vicky and Colby reported feeling "strange" and having stomach aches for several days after the incident.

Helicopters were observed in the area after the object left, leading to speculation by Mrs. Landrum that the government might have been escorting or transporting something dangerous. Colby believed the helicopters were trying to identify the object.

Unidentified Light in Arizona Canyon

On June 27, 1981, a group of 14 people on a houseboat on Lake Powell in northern Arizona observed an unidentified light for about 1.5 hours. The light, resembling a strobe, flashed at a rate of 2 flashes per second as it moved down the south side of the canyon. It was clearly visible against the canyon wall. The object circled the camping party and then proceeded north. Mr. B., one of the witnesses, later described the light as similar to a sighting he had five years prior, but much brighter. The object came as close as approximately 30 feet. The witnesses ruled out mundane explanations like meteors or aircraft due to the object's behavior, lack of sound, and duration.

Contactee Conference Held in Laramie, Wyoming

About 75 people from the U.S. and other countries attended a conference on UFO contactees and investigators in Laramie, Wyoming, on May 23rd and 24th. The conference was sponsored by the Laramie-based Paranormal Research Organization for UFO Studies (PRO UFOs) and coordinated by Dr. Leo Sprinkle, APRO's Consultant in Psychology. Dr. Sprinkle has conducted extensive research through regressive hypnosis of alleged UFO contactees. One contactee, Pat McGuire, shared his experience of being instructed by aliens to build a well, which led him to an underground river. The conference included investigators from Australia and Canada, and featured discussions, videotape presentations, and a telepathic experiment involving a psychic from Czechoslovakia, Kveta Koutna.

Encounter Report: Yakima Indian Reservation, Washington

On June 10, 1981, at approximately 0015, Wapt and Rose Bassett observed a large, "badge-shaped" object hovering overhead on West Wapato Road. The object emitted a cone of light and had flashing multi-colored lights around its periphery, with two bright pale-yellow lights on the sides and a third in the middle. It made no discernible noise. The object kept pace with their vehicle as they drove west. The Bassetts detected no personal discomfort or vehicle malfunction. The object ascended rapidly and disappeared into a mist. This sighting is noted as being similar to other objects sighted on the Reservation in previous weeks.

Pilot's Disappearance Subject of Documentary

Sidney film producer Brian Morris is planning a two-hour television documentary titled "Close Encounters of the Real Kind" based on the 1978 disappearance of Melbourne pilot Frederick Valentich. The documentary will explore the events leading up to his disappearance and compare his case with others showing similar patterns. Mr. Paul Norman, President of the Victorian UFO Research Society, is assisting the production by locating witnesses and interviewing them.

UFO Wreaks Havoc in Senegal

On September 9, 1980, in Baridiame, Senegal, a flying object reportedly blew down about 50 houses, uprooted trees, and injured several people. The object was described as long with a "head like a crown," blue in color, moving rapidly and emitting intense heat and deafening noise. The phenomenon affected houses along a north-south axis. A similar event occurred in the nearby village of Keur Amadou Moctar, where 24 houses were lost and two people were injured. A scientific team investigated and concluded that the villagers witnessed a whirlwind of unusual violence, but also agreed they saw a flying object.

Press Reports

This section compiles various UFO sighting reports from different locations:

• Oregon (March 25, 1981): Terry Kohlstrand and family reported seeing two solid orange lights hover over their house.
• Vermont (April 15, 1981): Linda Kingsbury and Lucy Slothower observed a triangular-shaped object with underside lights and a humming sound.
• Florida (April 19, 1981): Pilots and observers reported a sudden flash of light, with some describing a large, bluish-green reentry-type vehicle, while others attributed it to a meteor shower.
• Pennsylvania (February 5, 1981): A group in Duncannon reported hearing a loud rumbling noise and seeing a large, boomerang-shaped object with multiple lights.
• California (March 1981): Jim Herburger reported a "huge, brilliant tubular object" followed by two saucer-shaped objects with window-like openings.
• Georgia (January 22, 1981): Gene Lyons and the Bowen family spotted a large, bright orange, horseshoe-shaped object descending.
• Wisconsin (February 14, 1981): John Windt observed a purple glow that changed color and moved toward his house with a motor sound.
• Maryland (March 15, 1981): Martin Buxbaum observed an object with the wingspan of a 747, square windows, and red exhaust lights.
• Massachusetts (April 7, 1981): Two girls saw a round object with lights, a bright white dome, and no wings, moving upward rapidly.

Early 20's Report from England

In August 1925, Birmingham, Mr. A. Hyde and a friend observed a spherical-shaped object, followed by two more identical objects, circling noiselessly at an estimated altitude of 15,000 feet over Sedgley Beacon.

Thank You - CUP!

Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzen express gratitude to the Cleveland UFOlogy Project (CUP), headed by Mr. Earl Neff, for their assistance during the APRO UFOhio Symposium. Specific thanks are given to Dreama Holt, Bill Bretz, Steve Toth, Edie Schneider, Joe and Doris Graziano, and Frank Reiger for their contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of the APRO Bulletin are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings and encounters, the investigation of these phenomena, and the physical and psychological effects on witnesses. The bulletin consistently presents eyewitness testimony, often emphasizing the reliability of the witnesses. There is a clear stance of taking UFO reports seriously and attempting to find explanations, whether mundane or extraordinary. The publication also highlights the efforts of organizations like APRO and VISIT in gathering information and conducting research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, documenting cases thoroughly and exploring potential implications, including physical harm to individuals and the possibility of government involvement or advanced technology.