MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 042

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MINNESOTA MUFON Newsletter, dated July/August 1993, issue #42, features a range of articles on UFO sightings, alleged abductions, and related phenomena. The newsletter is published by MINNESOTA MUFON and covers events and reports primarily from the USA and Canada.

From the State Director

Richard Moss, the State Director, begins by addressing a previous article about a close encounter case near Steep Rock, Ontario. He clarifies that this case, which he had found mesmerizing as a youngster, was revealed to be a hoax by Jerome Clark. Clark referred Moss to an article in the APRO BULLETIN of November 1977 for clarification, which is included in this issue. Moss also announces his upcoming travel and the scheduling of the July MUFON meeting for the 17th. He mentions the MUFON Symposium in Richmond, VA, highlighting sessions on abductions, medical cases, and the Linda Cortile case. Moss also expresses interest in heading to Duluth, MN, due to a woman's desire for a MUFON group in the Bemidji area, and plans to contact a former radio host knowledgeable about UFOs.

1950 Steep Rock Lake, Ontario Case: Possible Hoax

This section details investigations by Robert Badgley into the well-publicized story of a couple who witnessed a spaceship at Steep Rock Lake. Research through the Northern Miners Press led to Mr. Hancock of Steep Rock Iron Mines Ltd. Correspondence with Beryl Labossieu, a retired employee, revealed that the story, originally published in the Steep Rock Echo, was entirely fictitious and written for the amusement of the isolated community. Gordon Edward, the author, who is now retired in Vancouver, confirmed this. The story was revived in 1967 by Frank Edwards in his book on UFOs and has fooled many people over the years. The A.P.R.O. BULLETIN of November 1977 is cited as the source for this clarification.

The Story of Em

Written by William McNeff, this article recounts the experiences of a woman named Emm. In March 1990, Emm reported seeing a strange craft near her farm home, which then disappeared into a 'mother ship.' During the sighting, she felt 'heavy' and experienced heart and lung discomfort. Following the event, she found herself pacing, and her German Shepherd dogs exhibited unusual behavior. Mark Anderson, MUFON Section Director for Ottertail County, interviewed Emm and filed a report. The article delves into several strange incidents throughout Emm's life. One incident, occurring sometime before 1979, involved Emm and her husband losing 1.5 hours of time between 10:45 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. while driving. They reported seeing a truck with only one headlight, followed by a blue light filling their car. Emm described her husband as 'transfixed' and could not hear the tires on the pavement, suggesting their car was lifted. She checked on her sleeping children, finding them well. Emm then saw an extraterrestrial creature, estimated to be five and a half feet tall, appear in an open doorway. The creature communicated a message of reassurance. Emm also described a 'salute' given by the ET, which she identified as a Finnish 'koonish.' The car then reportedly floated back down to the highway. Emm's husband, whom she divorced in 1979, did not remember the event. Emm has since reportedly seen spaceships on 17 occasions. Another incident in May 1991 involved Emm and her friend Esther experiencing flat tires while driving to Detroit Lakes. They stopped at a pizza parlor where three unusual beings, described as short, with wide foreheads and unusual hair, entered. One of the beings, the 'leader,' ordered three malted milks. Emm and Esther discussed the encounter later, with both finding it unsettling. The author vouches for Emm's reliability and finds her experiences fascinating.

The Ultimate UFO Seminar: Excuse me?

This section reports on a UFO seminar organized by Joe and Pat Travis at the Little Ale-Inn in Rachel, NV, prompted by an 80% increase in their electricity bill. UFO JOURNAL Editor Dennis Stacy provided an account of the event. Speakers included John Lear, who delivered a standard message, and 'Captain Eric,' who discussed underground UFO bases in New Mexico. George Knapp and Tony Pelham canceled their appearances. Bob Lazar's appearance generated excitement; he spoke about his alleged work on reverse-engineering alien saucers near Groom Lake. Lazar suggested that darting lights seen on a space shuttle video were likely dust particles. Stacy's account suggests the audience was 'openly skeptical' of Lazar's explanation. The article notes that Bob Seath found the seminar worthwhile, while Stacy's report made it seem less satisfactory, recommending readers consult the UFO JOURNAL for a more in-depth review.

He's a believer!

This piece details how Steven Stiefel, a staff writer for the TIMES-JOURNAL, transformed from a skeptic to a believer after witnessing a UFO sighting in DeKalb County, Alabama. Responding to a call, Stiefel observed a bright light in the night sky that was brighter than any star. He saw airplanes moving towards the light, and then an object with a diamond shape, delineated by lights, glided overhead. He later saw two objects emerge from a mountain, one of which was identified as an airplane. Stiefel regretted not having his camera. The article also mentions a video taken by Susan Eads depicting the DeKalb UFO as resembling a 'fat Batman emblem,' which was later reclassified as a distortion from the camcorder's zoom lens. Betty McBryar also submitted a photograph with similar lens distortion.

Hypnotherapist Gary Dallek visits MINNESOTA MUFON

This section describes a MUFON meeting featuring hypnotherapist Gary Dallek, who explained how hypnotherapy can release self-limiting beliefs and foster positive behavior. The focus of the afternoon was Past Life Regression, with a volunteer named Lorraine. Under hypnosis, Lorraine described seeing a blue-violet light and described herself as having a large head, large eyes, and grayish, fragile skin. She identified herself as male and having five fingers on each hand and five toes. She also recalled separation and sadness. Dallek guided Lorraine to communicate with an entity sharing her space, suggesting it leave. Lorraine's face relaxed after this communication, indicating the entity was gone. The report notes that Lorraine was referring to the present when she spoke of coming 'down to Planet Earth.' She also recalled being small when she came. The article suggests that an entity was present to 'help' but was asked to leave. The author apologizes for the 'sketchy report' and expresses hope for Dallek's return.

'Dogfight' with police helicopter

This report, filed by KY State Director/F.I. Glen Rutherford, details an incident on February 26, 1993, in Louisville, KY. Two Jefferson County air unit police officers, Kenny Graham and Kenny Downs, reported a two-minute 'dogfight' with a UFO. The object, described as a glowing pear-shaped object about the size of a basketball, flew circles around their helicopter at speeds approaching 100 mph. At one point, the UFO shot three baseball-sized fireballs that fizzled into nothing. The officers had not detected anything unusual on radar, and the National Weather Service had no explanation. Sightings reported to the UFO Filter Center in Mt. Vernon, Indiana, around the same time included close encounters, a strange triangle, and a mystery helicopter. Officer Mike Smith confirmed seeing the UFO shoot fireballs, and Officer Joe Smolenski stated he had been looking for such an event for 14 years. The officers expressed that few would believe their experience.

Bubba won't spill the beans!!

This article discusses the activities of 'Operation Right to Know,' a group protesting at the White House on July 5, 1993, to demand government acknowledgment of UFO existence and the release of data. Elaine Douglass, a spokeswoman, stated that the group aims to end UFO secrecy and misinformation regarding government contact with other worlds. They claim the U.S. government has had information on UFOs since 1947. A press release from the group suggests that people claiming to have seen UFOs are everywhere. The group sent a letter to President Clinton, who responded with a form letter stating he would consider their ideas. The article also mentions a protest outside the Washington Post offices, with signs accusing the paper of having a 'flat Earth mindset on UFOs.' Managing Editor Robert Kaiser stated the Post was 'checking it out.' David D. Wippel of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers expressed skepticism about the government withholding information.

Digging up the past: Soviet plane vs. UFO made the front page... in 1985!

This section revisits a 1985 incident reported in the Star-Bulletin, Honolulu, Hawaii. Pilots and passengers aboard a Soviet airliner reported a star-like UFO that illuminated the ground with a dazzling beam and escorted their plane to its destination. The story originated from the newspaper Trud, quoting a Soviet scientist who specialized in unusual phenomena. The UFO appeared as a large, unblinking star and shed a ray of light. Ground control registered 'splashes' on their screens. The article notes that all four crew members reported seeing everything illuminated by the cone-shaped shaft of light. The UFO then zoomed toward the airliner, leaving a green cloud, and positioned itself beside the plane at 33,000 feet, acting as an 'honorary escort.' Nikolai Zheitukhin, a member of the Soviet Academy of Sciences, stated the occurrence was of interest, though the commission already knew of similar cases.

In California, support groups share UFO encounters

Reprinted from the Los Angeles Times, this article by Miles Corwin discusses support groups for UFO abductees in Southern California. These groups provide a space for individuals to share their experiences, which can include being abducted by aliens, the CIA, or experiencing vivid dreams. Participants discuss challenges such as determining the reality of abductions, dealing with implanted tracking devices, and explaining absences to employers. The article highlights the complexity of these issues, which are not typically addressed in standard self-help groups. One member describes how sharing her experiences has improved her emotional health but negatively impacted her social life, leading to a breakup. The article details a common abduction pattern: being transported to a spacecraft by 'grays,' placed on a table for examination of emotions, sexuality, and DNA, and then returned home. The members speculate that the aliens are attempting to create a hybrid race. The support group consists of ordinary people dealing with everyday struggles, but who are also abductees.

Attention Earthlings FIDO speaks!

This brief item reports on a strange cloud seen in Palm Springs, California, which an Air Force jet reportedly tried to approach unsuccessfully. The cloud did not move despite windy conditions and seemed to grow, with another cloud of a different color swallowing the first. This news item was written and transmitted by Mike Sullivan and is part of the FIDO Bulletin Board.

Question: Can your loved ones collect your insurance if you're beamed up by Scotty?

This short piece humorously questions whether insurance would cover incidents involving UFO abductions. It then shares a UFO sighting experienced by Assistant State Director Bill McNeff and his neighbor. They observed strange lights over a lake, described as a semicircle with square sides angling towards a square bottom, displaying yellow, red, green, white, and blue lights. The object disappeared after about 30 seconds, leaving them with a strange experience they were happy to have shared.

ELMWOOD UFO DAYS

An announcement for the Elmwood UFO Days event on July 23-25 in Elmwood, Wisconsin, featuring food, fun, UFOs, and a parade.

Bob Schultz joins CSETL..

This item reports that Bob Schultz attended a lecture, workshop, and demonstration by Dr. Steven M. Greer of CSETI in the Twin City area and has become a full-fledged member of CSETI. The newsletter expresses anticipation for Schultz's insights.

MINNESOTA MUFON

This section lists the officers of MINNESOTA MUFON: Richard Moss (State Director), William McNeff (Asst. State Director), Walter Moe (Director of Para. Studies), Terri Lester (Treasurer), and Lynn Bell (Editor). It also provides contact information for Field Investigators Buddy Bauerlein and Gary Thrash, a 24-Hour Hot Line (SAUCER WATCH), and Dick Moss (State Director). The newsletter subscription rate is $10.00 per year, and correspondence should be directed to Lynn Bell.

MARS OBSERVER ORBITS SOON!

This brief report mentions the upcoming Mars Observer orbit in August 1993 and the picture-taking phase in December. It notes controversy over whether NASA will aim cameras at Cydonia, the area of the 'Face of Mars.' The UFO Intelligence Newsletter reports that Richard Hoagland claims NASA plans to scramble data from the probe, preventing public viewing of the Cydonia region, which is seen as a betrayal of America's 'civilian space program.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation and debunking of UFO cases (Steep Rock Lake), personal accounts of alleged abductions and sightings (Emm, Lorraine, Bill McNeff), and reports of unusual aerial phenomena (Louisville helicopter incident, Soviet airliner escort). There is a consistent focus on gathering and disseminating information within the UFO community, as evidenced by the newsletter format, reports from field investigators, and references to other publications like the APRO BULLETIN and UFO JOURNAL. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes and the need for critical analysis. The newsletter also highlights the growing public interest and activism surrounding UFOs, as seen in the 'Operation Right to Know' protest. The inclusion of personal stories and the emphasis on witness reliability suggest a belief in the importance of anecdotal evidence within the field.