Flying Saucer Digest - No 119 - 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER DIGEST
Issue: NO. 119
Date: FALL 92 (1992-09-01)
Publisher: UNITED AERIAL PHENOMENA AGENCY (UAPA)

This issue of Flying Saucer Digest, published quarterly by the United Aerial Phenomena Agency (UAPA), delves into the evolving landscape of ufology and presents several contemporary and historical UFO sighting reports.

From the Editor

Allan J. Manak, Chairman/Editor, reflects on the changes within ufology over the decades. He notes that while the specifics have shifted from flying discs and contact with tall, blond, blue-eyed beings in the 1940s and 50s to UFOs and shorter, more grotesque alien creatures in the 1980s and 90s, the core mystery of where UFOs come from and their purpose remains unsolved. Manak questions whether the progression in creature descriptions is genuine or a way to maintain public interest. He concludes that despite changes, the fundamental questions persist, echoing the sentiment, "The more things change, the more they stay the same." Manak also encourages reader participation in the "Readers Say" column, offering a free issue for published contributions.

UFO Bits and Pieces

This section provides brief news items and recommendations. It mentions a Fall UFO Festival in Bordentown, NJ, and recommends a new magazine called "Farout," comparing it favorably to Ray Palmer's "Flying Saucers" from the 1950s. A four-year study by George D. Fawcett on "Human Reactions To UFOs Worldwide" (1940-1983) is highlighted, covering 31 different human reactions from 25 nations. Another recommended magazine, "Delve," from Canada, is noted for its focus on mysterious incidents and UFO information. A significant event reported is the October 9th meteor shower, the Draconids, which lit up the skies over the eastern USA, sparking numerous calls to authorities. Meteorologists confirmed the streaks of light were meteors, not aircraft. The section also includes contact information for UAPA and subscription rates for Flying Saucer Digest.

UFO Retrospective

This feature recounts a sighting by James Stokes in November 1957 in New Mexico. While driving on U.S. Route 54, Stokes observed about ten cars stopped, with occupants looking at the sky. He then noticed his car motor failing and stalling. He saw a "light-colored egg-shaped object" with a shiny, mother-of-pearl surface, approximately 500 feet long, make a shallow dive across the sky. The object passed close to the highway, and Stokes felt a heat wave but heard no sound. It had no visible portholes or vapor trail. After the object moved towards the Organ Mountains, Stokes found his car battery steaming but the engine intact. He notified officials at the Air Force Missile Development Center at Alamogordo.

Around and About the Saucer World

This section, written by Rick R. Hilberg, compiles several UFO reports:

• Oregon Sightings (March 23rd): The Dalles, Oregon, reported multiple UFO sightings, including a woman being pursued by a UFO, mysterious lights in the Dufur/Tygh Valley area, and triangular objects following a man. The Sheriff's Department investigated, checked with the U.S. Air Force (which detected nothing on radar), and noted that while some deputies saw lights, others saw nothing unusual. Despite a previous report from a juvenile later admitted to be a hoax, Sheriff Gary Crow stated there was no reason to believe these reports were hoaxes.
• Coatesville, Pennsylvania Landing (June 10th): Reports emerged of an "unusual object" landing at the Lukens Steel Co. plant. Employees described it as a silver, flying saucer with rotating multi-colored lights, watermelon-shaped. The object reportedly landed briefly in the steel yard and then took off. While some dismissed it, a UFO researcher suggested public acceptance of such sightings could be significant. A company spokeswoman confirmed an investigation was underway, but offered no explanation. Police were not contacted.

Weirdology

This section features unusual accounts:

• Cat or Coyote? Mystery Animal Haunts Akron, Ohio: Several witnesses in Akron reported seeing a large cat, possibly a mountain lion. However, state wildlife officials eventually concluded it was a dog. The accounts include the mayor issuing a caution, a 13-year-old boy describing a large, muscular cat, and earlier sightings of a fawn-colored animal. Police and health officials were dispatched.

• Noisy Disc Seen in Raeford, North Carolina: Written up by Larry Bingham, this nocturnal case from June 27th describes a large, round, orange object, the size of a swimming pool, landing in a hay field. The witness, Diane Messing, and her mother heard a freight train-like noise, and their outdoor yard light went out. The object was described as having orange windows. After it disappeared, the yard light returned, and other lights went out. The next day, a pressed circle of grass was found in the field.

Publishers of Flying Saucer Digest Back Issues

This page lists available back issues of Flying Saucer Digest, with issue numbers, publication dates (ranging from Summer 1967 to Summer 1992), and prices. Discounts are offered for bulk orders. The publisher is identified as the United Aerial Phenomena Agency (UAPA), with a P.O. Box in Cleveland, Ohio.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFO origins and the changing nature of UFO reports and descriptions over time. The editorial stance, as expressed by Allan J. Manak, is one of critical inquiry, acknowledging the evolution of the field while emphasizing the enduring questions. There's a focus on documenting sightings and encouraging reader engagement, suggesting a commitment to exploring the phenomenon despite its enigmatic nature. The issue also touches upon the broader category of "weirdology" by including a report on a mysterious animal sighting, indicating a willingness to cover unusual fortean phenomena beyond traditional UFO reports.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated August 1992, delves into several intriguing and unexplained phenomena, including sightings of large animals, a mysterious auditory phenomenon, and cryptid encounters. The magazine features reports from various sources, including local newspapers and its own investigations.

Large Cat Sightings in Ohio

The primary focus of the early pages is the widespread reports of a large, cat-like animal loose in the Akron, Ohio area. The sightings began with Officer Hugh Sullivan reporting a cat feeding on a road kill on A S. Hawkins Ave. David Martine, supervisor of environmental health for Akron's Health Department, noted that mountain lions are not native to Ohio and that checks with local exotic animal farms confirmed no such animals had escaped. Residents were advised to be cautious, especially at dawn and dusk, and to report any sightings to the Akron Police Department. The city was consulting with animal experts to devise a capture plan.

A dispatcher from the Norton Police Department humorously suggested the sightings might be related to the 'Norton Panthers,' a local team, appearing every five years. However, some residents, like Cathy O'Dell, were convinced, especially after her son claimed to see a huge cat-like thing. Mary Wright also recounted seeing large paw prints on her car.

Akron Mayor Donald L. Plusquellic held a news conference to address the sightings, stating that a 150-pound cat, possibly a mountain lion, had been spotted on the west edge of Akron three times. The Ohio Division of Wildlife offered assistance in tracking the animal. David Martine reported three new sightings since Wednesday, including one near the Adjusta-Post Manufacturing Co. on Summit Rd. in Norton, and another at Ohio 21 and Minor Rd. in Copley Township. Martine and his son found large dog tracks, about 4 inches wide and long, with nails possibly an inch long, in a field across from Carter Lumber in Norton.

Further down the road, employees at Carter Lumber also reported seeing a game warden survey the field where Teddy O'Dell claimed to have seen a muscular, waist-high cat with a black-tipped tail. Salesman Don Means commented on the large area for the animal to roam and the abundance of rabbits. Katherine Wasil reported large garbage bags dragged from a trash can, suggesting the work of a couple of dogs. However, Sgt. William Ellison of the Akron police stated that witnesses described a large cat, 100-plus pounds, light tan, and that they were convinced there were two animals out there. Specialists from the Ohio Division of Wildlife, after viewing a home video, suggested the animal might be a coyote mistaken for a mountain lion. However, Sgt. Ellison maintained that the witnesses were credible and saw a cat, not a coyote.

The 'Hueytown Hum'

This section reports on a strange phenomenon in Hueytown, Alabama, dubbed the 'Hueytown hum.' The San Francisco Examiner covered the story, noting that the hum disrupts prayers and keeps people up at night, while others hear nothing. The source has been a mystery since December. Mayor Lillian Howard suggested it might be a huge ventilation fan from a Jim Walter Resources mine, but the company's spokesman, Dennis Hall, denied this, stating that while their fans make noise, it's unlikely to be heard 6 miles away. Hall questioned why complaints arose now if the mine has been there since 1974. Atmospheric conditions were suggested as a factor that could enhance the hum, especially in an area surrounded by industries and cleared pine forests. Residents described the hum as loudest at night and on cloudy, rainy days. A visitor on a sunny afternoon heard no hum, but Gerald Hicks found it very annoying and potentially maddening. Joe Bradford described the hum as ranging from low to noisy, and it sometimes interfered with his prayer group.

Bigfoot Sighted in Michigan

Staffer Mary Drier reported on a Bigfoot sighting in Tuscola County, Michigan. According to Wayne King, director of the Michigan-Canadian Bigfoot Information Center, two Caro men claim to have spotted a pair of Bigfoot creatures on January 4th. The first animal was described as 7 to 8 feet tall and weighing 500 to 600 pounds, while the second was smaller, about 5 feet tall and weighing 300 to 400 pounds. Both creatures were reportedly undisturbed by the men's vehicle. King noted that this encounter made 38 Bigfoot sightings in Tuscola County since 1965. He expressed puzzlement as Bigfoot creatures are usually docile. Only two vague, obliterated barefoot tracks were found.

Advertisement: 'They Called Them Discs'

The final page features advertisements. One is for a booklet titled 'THEY CALLED THEM DISCS' by A. J. Manak. This illustrated booklet covers UFO mysteries from 1947 to the end of 1952, featuring early sighting reports. It can be ordered from UAPA, P.O. Box 347032, Cleveland, Ohio 44134, for $5.00.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, focusing on eyewitness accounts and official investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into reports of unusual animals, unexplained sounds, and potential cryptid encounters, presenting various perspectives and witness testimonies without definitive conclusions. The inclusion of advertisements for UFO-related materials suggests a continued interest in the broader field of ufology.