Long Island UFO Update - Vol 02 No 07

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Long Island U.F.O. Update, Volume II, Issue VII, dated July 1991, is published by The Long Island U.F.O. Network Inc. The cover features a photograph of Bill Knell in the center of an alleged UFO landing circle at Kissena Park, Flushing, Queens, New York, with the provocative question: "Did he fake it or was it genuine?" The issue contains "Island Skywatch: The Case Against Bill Knell!! Part III: The Conclusion," along with other sections like "The Chairman's Corner," "Membership Corner," "LIUFON News," "The Long Island Scene," "U.F.O.s in the News," and "U.F.O. Potpourri."

Island Skywatch: The Case Against Bill Knell!! Part III: The Conclusion

This extensive expose details the alleged fraudulent activities and unethical practices of Bill Knell and his organization, Island Skywatch. LIUFON asserts that Knell has engaged in a pattern of exploiting the UFO research community for financial gain. The article begins by referencing the breakup of Island Skywatch's Steering Committee, which occurred due to the alleged exaggeration or hoaxing of the Kissena Park UFO Landing Case and the South Africa Crash retrieval case by Knell.

Key figures like Diane Montrose, Phil Lord, Herb Taylor, Bob Atlas, and Antonio Huneeus reportedly left Island Skywatch in disgust due to Knell's actions, including the falsifying of data and publicly presenting unsubstantiated information as fact. Knell allegedly retaliated by attacking these individuals, calling them slanderous names and accusing them of jealousy.

The expose delves into Knell's tape business, where he allegedly sells "bootlegged" video and audio tapes of lectures and documentaries without permission or royalties from the creators. This includes copyrighted material and lectures from noted UFO researchers. Knell is accused of obtaining material under false pretenses, refusing to return it, and then commercializing it.

The article details several individuals and groups who claim to have been victimized by Knell. These include:

• Mrs. Howe: A documentary producer whose film "Strange Harvest" was allegedly sold by Knell without permission.
• Barry and Debbie Gellis: Producers of the TV program "UFO's Today," who claim Knell defrauded them in a miniature video camera purchase and later sold copies of their programs without permission.
• Joseph Zuppardo: Who also claims to have been defrauded in a camera purchase by Knell and later had his TV program segments sold without permission.
• Michael Luckman: A UFO researcher and founder of the New York Center for UFO Studies, who was allegedly attacked by Knell, leading to his removal from positions within MUFON.
• Antonio Huneeus: Who allegedly did not receive payment for lectures and photos marketed by Knell.
• John White: A producer of UFO conferences, who claims Knell sold bootlegged copies of his conference tapes without permission or royalties.
• Colman Von Kirvizky: Who was allegedly bilked out of tapes and photographic evidence by Knell, and later slandered in Knell's newsletter after winning a lawsuit.
• Ellen Crystal: Author and researcher, who was allegedly slandered by Knell.
• Phil Imbrogno: Researcher and author, whose lecture tapes were allegedly distributed and sold by Knell without permission or royalties.

The article concludes by listing numerous other individuals and TV shows allegedly victimized by Knell's tape marketing or slanderous newsletters, urging readers to break ties with Knell and report his activities to authorities.

The Kissena Park U.F.O. Hoax

This section critically examines the alleged UFO landing incident in Kissena Park in March 1989, as reported by William Knell of Island Skywatch. Knell claimed a woman passenger and a bus driver witnessed a bright light, and upon investigation, he found dead grass circles and a burned tree. He also cited soil tests allegedly indicating dehydration by extreme heat and crushed stones from Aruba as evidence.

LIUFON's position is that this was a hoax. They present counter-evidence: a tree at the spot was reportedly struck by lightning, which can cause similar effects. They dispute Knell's claim about soil tests, stating there's no scientific evidence of extreme heat or chemicals causing the circles. Magnetic anomalies on lamp posts are attributed to electric current. Park officials reportedly stated the dead fish story never happened, and the origin of the stones is unproven. LIUFON suggests Knell fabricated evidence and that the witnesses he cited were never disclosed.

The Long Island Scene

This section reports on LIUFON's activities and recent sightings on Long Island during July. LIUFON gave a well-received talk at the Lindenhurst Library, including a presentation on the Moriches Bay Incident. Plans are underway for more library talks, including one in Queens. LIUFON Chairman John Ford was interviewed by Seattle radio station KUBE regarding the Moriches Bay Case. The organization was also featured in "UFO Universe" concerning information about a government Alien Contact Program.

Recent sightings include a dentist in Quogue observing strange glowing lights near Moriches Bay on September 28, 1989. Dick Ruhl is credited with investigating reports of large cigar-shaped objects, determining they were not blimps. A sighting in West Islip on July 21, 1991, described an object that changed shape from a cigar to a square and was visible for twenty minutes before disappearing; the witness was told it was the Moon, but its position was incorrect. LIUFON has classified this as an unknown.

Membership Corner

This section details upcoming LIUFON membership meetings. The August meeting featured a tape of Arthur C. Clarke's "The Mysterious World of Arthur C. Clarke," which offers a skeptical yet serious look at UFOs. The September meeting will feature a presentation by Bill Cooper on his 1989 MUFON Nevada State Conference lecture concerning alleged secret government treaties with alien powers. Upcoming events include updated presentations on the Moriches Bay Case in October and a new slide presentation, "The U.F.O. Mystery," in November.

Our Profound Apologies, Once Again!!

LIUFON apologizes for the late arrival of the June and July issues of their newsletter due to technical problems with their word processor and photocopier. The August issue, which includes the journal, is expected at the end of August.

Dick Ruhl

Dick Ruhl is recovering from a recent heart attack and thanks members for their support. He is still involved in limited work on recent sightings.

Operation Long Island Skywatch

Skywatch continues every Saturday night with teams photographing UFO sightings. Interested individuals are encouraged to call the hotline for details.

UFO's In The News

This section reviews recent books and media related to UFO phenomena. It highlights "UFO Crash at Roswell" by Donald Schmitt and Kevin Randle, "Encounters" by Dr. Edith Fiore, and Phil Imbrogno's "Night Siege." It also mentions upcoming TV stories on "Current Affair" and "Unsolved Mysteries," and a major UFO documentary being prepared by Fox Network.

U.F.O. Potpourri: What's Coming Up!

This section lists upcoming UFO events. The New Hampshire Chapter of the Mutual U.F.O. Network is sponsoring a conference titled "The Uninvited" on September 29, 1991, featuring Betty Hill and Stanton Friedman. John White is sponsoring "The UFO Experience" on October 12-13, 1991, in Connecticut, with various speakers and a UFO Photo display.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the alleged unethical and fraudulent practices of Bill Knell and his organization, Island Skywatch, and the critical examination of UFO claims, particularly the Kissena Park incident, which LIUFON dismisses as a hoax. The publication strongly advocates for responsible UFO research and transparency, aiming to expose what it perceives as exploitation within the UFO community. LIUFON's stance is critical of sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, emphasizing factual investigation and ethical conduct among researchers.