MUFON Minnesota Journal - No 069

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MINNESOTA MUFON Newsletter, dated January/February 1998, is the 69th edition. It features articles and reports on UFO phenomena, abductions, animal mutilations, and related topics, reflecting the organization's ongoing research and investigations.

From the State Director

The State Director opens the newsletter by wishing readers a happy and prosperous new year, addressing the turn of the millennium and dismissing prophecies of doom. The director then introduces a summary of Budd Hopkins' presentation from the previous year's MUFON Symposium in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Hopkins' topic was 'The UFO Phenomenon and the Suicide Cults - and Ideological Study.'

Budd Hopkins on UFOs and Cults

Budd Hopkins' ideas are summarized in the context of the Heaven's Gate incident. Hopkins points out that while UFO researchers admit they don't know who the UFO occupants are or their origins, cult members often have definitive answers, believing aliens can save humanity from a flawed planet. Hopkins draws a parallel between those who look to aliens for spiritual guidance and the Heaven's Gate followers, suggesting that attributing ecological wisdom or world-saving powers to aliens can lead to a stripping of common sense and humanity, similar to cult behavior. He notes that such anti-humanistic ideas have become an 'article of faith' for some in the UFO community, driven by inborn religious impulses and alien deception of abductees. Hopkins views alien intervention as negative, similar to David Jacobs.

Minnesota MUFON Meetings

Announcements are made for upcoming Minnesota MUFON meetings on Saturday, January 10, and Saturday, February 14, from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM at the Science Museum of MN, Computer Education Center. The location is the Firstar Center, 5th & Minnesota Sts., 19th Floor. A requested speaker fund donation of $2.00 is mentioned, along with free parking ramp entrance on Minnesota St., accessible between 1:15 PM and 1:30 PM for security reasons, with the next entry at the 3:00 PM break. The building and ramp areas are designated as non-smoking.

Animal Grab

By Candy Peterson, this section discusses the link between UFOs and animal mutilations, particularly cattle. While structured craft are rarely witnessed at mutilation sites, bright lights are often reported. Many reports of animals seen on saucer-shaped craft are retrieved through regressive hypnosis, a controversial method. Peterson notes Minnesota MUFON's project for objective verification (POV) of 'alien abductions' and mentions finding documentation about animal mutilations, which she finds unpleasant but acknowledges have occurred in Minnesota and abroad.

Minnesota Mutilation Reports

An example from Nigel Blundell & Roger Boar's 'The World's Greatest UFO Mysteries' (1983) details a report from Minnesota where Dr. J. Allen Hynek investigated farm animal mutilations in the late 1960s and recurring deaths in 1973 around Canby, Viking, Warroad, and Kimball. Internal organs were reportedly removed surgically, and blood was sucked out. Further information from Raymond E. Fowler's 'The Watchers' mentions strange mutilations of hogs, sheep, horses, and cattle spreading from Meeker County, Minnesota, in late 1974, continuing in the US and abroad.

Pets as Targets

John Carpenter, an abduction researcher, stated there is no credible evidence of alien mutilation of people, but UFO occupants may have an interest in acquiring pets. A report from the October 1981 APRO Bulletin describes a couple in Waukesha, Wisconsin, whose dog was 'sucked out' of their van by occupants of a circular craft. The occupants were described as 6-foot tall, muscular men and four smaller creatures.

International Incidents

An incident in New Zealand during a 1977-78 UFO wave involved a farmer who discovered two 4.5-foot entities attempting to steal his dog. The farmer shot one of the entities, which was wearing 'glittering silver overalls with reddish boots.' The entities fled, one in a UFO and the other into the woods. The farmer was later reluctant to discuss the event due to being followed.

Field Investigation Challenges

The article notes that the MUFON Field Investigator's Handbook has limited information on animal mutilations. It emphasizes the need to be aware of these appalling incidents and the dark side of UFO field investigation.

The UFOs of 1979

By Craig R. Lang, MN MUFON Field Investigation Coordinator, this article revisits UFO sightings from the fall of 1979 in the northern Minneapolis suburbs and along the I-35W corridor.

Silver Lake Road CE1

A witness reported seeing a large, 'squashed sphere-shaped object' with a lighted rim hovering over a parking lot in New Brighton. The witness followed the object northwards along Silver Lake Road for several miles.

New Brighton Freeway Object

Another report, interviewed by Asst. State Director Bill McNeff, describes a similar object seen on the I-35W freeway in New Brighton. A mother and daughter witnessed a large, 'flying saucer' hovering and making maneuvers visible to multiple drivers who had pulled over.

Analysis of 1979 Sightings

The analysis suggests these sightings occurred in the autumn of 1979. Both accounts describe a spheroid object with a rim. The freeway sighting likely occurred shortly before the Silver Lake Road sighting, with the object moving northeast. Data from various sources indicates a wave of sightings or a large multiple-witness sighting during that period, corroborating the spheroid/discoid shape. Witnesses recalled a newspaper article about an object tracked from Burnsville through Minneapolis and north into Forest Lake, but a check of microfilmed Minneapolis Tribune archives did not yield this article.

Follow-up and Contact

The article mentions that late 1979 was a period of high UFO activity in Minnesota, including the close-encounter case of Marshall County deputy Sheriff Val Johnson. Investigation reports for these sightings are posted on the Minnesota MUFON web site, and readers are encouraged to provide comments and information.

What About Another Roswell Event?

By Candy Peterson, this section discusses a question posed on the Investigative Reporter E-list (IRE) regarding how media would cover another 'Roswell-type' event. College student Lisa Fine asked editors and reporters how they would approach such a story, given its skeptical and inexplicable nature.

Media and UFO Coverage

Responses varied, with some questioning the premise of Roswell and others suggesting a skeptical approach. William P. Barrett of Forbes magazine questioned the existence of a 'Roswell' event. Joe Campagna suggested treating it as an alleged sighting or possible hoax until official word from the USAF. He also humorously suggested placing such stories in entertainment sections or near ads for action figures. Christine Cole responded icily, calling 'Roswell' a figment of an entrepreneurial or conspiratorial mind and questioning Lisa Fine's career choice. Reporter Shelly Thomson countered that witness testimony should not be dismissed and that official press releases are readily available.

Professional Perspectives

Phillip W. Browne of the Ventura County Star stated he would approach a new Roswell event like any other news story, demanding explanations from the military and government. Chris Horn noted that the query generated many responses, highlighting its uncomfortable nature. Michael Ravnitzky emphasized the need for confirmation proportional to the claim's strangeness. Polling data suggests many Americans believe in ET visitation and government cover-ups.

Caught in the 'Net

Charles Swett envisions 'Psychological Operations' campaigns where US propaganda could be disseminated online. Webb Hubbell reportedly stated that President Clinton was intrigued by UFOs and wanted to know if they really existed, alongside the JFK assassination.

The Conscious Universe

This section reviews Dean Radin, PhD's book, 'The Conscious Universe.' The reviewer notes that Radin's work builds a compelling case for PSI phenomena based on scientific evidence, aggregating and scrutinizing experiments over many years. The results indicate that PSI phenomena exist and have measurable properties, with a low probability of being explainable by chance alone. Radin examines experiments with random event generators (REGs) and suggests consciousness is associated with increased order. He explores potential explanations for PSI in various scientific disciplines, concluding that a comprehensive theory would likely extend beyond any single field. The reviewer acknowledges Radin's criticism of UFO research as relying on anecdotal data but suggests this should be seen as a challenge. The book is described as heavily footnoted and a thorough treatment of the PSI phenomenon.

Joe and I Ate UFO Pancakes

Reprinted from The Dalles Visitor, this article by Harold (Bud) Meier details the 1961 encounter of Joseph Simonton of Eagle River, Wisconsin. Simonton reportedly traded a gallon of his family's drinking water to three humanoids from a flying saucer for four 'space pancakes.'

The Simonton Encounter

As KSTP-TV news director, Bud Meier was prompted by an AP news story to investigate. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, professor of astrophysics, had already vouched for Simonton's story. Meier, along with a radio reporter and photographer, drove to Rhinelander. Local residents corroborated aspects of the story, including Maynard Borgo and the Tony Lorbetsky family. Simonton, described as a skilled plumber and trusted community member, met with the humanoids who requested water. He provided it and received four cardboard-like 'pancakes' in return. The saucer then ascended rapidly and disappeared. Simonton's chickens died afterward, attributed to emissions from the UFO. Dr. Hynek confirmed government investigators took the birds.

Pancake Analysis and Later Developments

A portion of the pancake was analyzed at the University of Minnesota Agricultural Campus, indicating a common grain with fat and salt. A later analysis by a medical laboratory at Wright-Patterson Field found low protein flour, sugar, salt, dry milk solids, and hydrogenated cooking oil. Dr. Hynek humorously suggested the ingredients might be from Mars. Simonton noted the pancakes were flat, unlike commercial mixes, suggesting no baking powder was used.

Judge Carter's Involvement

Retired Vilas County District Judge Frank Carter, a friend of Simonton's and an admirer of Major Donald Keyhoe, became involved. Carter sent a pancake to Keyhoe, who returned it untested, requiring more concrete evidence. Simonton stated he had already consumed part of it. Carter later sent a 10-page indictment accusing Keyhoe of being a turncoat. The missing cake was reportedly in a private testing laboratory in New York. Simonton never underwent a lie detector test but gave occasional lectures.

KSTP Documentary

KSTP produced a 30-minute documentary on the Simonton story, which was aired multiple times due to its popularity. Inquiries about the encounter continued for years, but the documentary kinescope has been lost.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently explores UFO sightings, abductions, and related phenomena, often presenting evidence and witness accounts that suggest genuine, unexplained events. There's a recurring theme of skepticism towards official explanations and a focus on the need for diligent investigation. The publication appears to advocate for a serious, open-minded approach to UFO research, while also acknowledging the challenges and controversies within the field, such as the reliability of hypnosis and the potential for misinterpretation or hoaxes. The articles often highlight historical cases and the efforts of researchers to gather and verify data. The editorial stance leans towards validating the experiences of witnesses and encouraging further investigation, while also critically examining the broader implications of these phenomena on society and human understanding.

The MINNESOTA MUFON Newsletter is a bi-monthly publication from the Minnesota chapter of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). This issue, identified by page number 11, focuses heavily on the practical aspects of being a UFO field investigator.

Field Investigator Update by Craig R. Lang

This article, written by Craig R. Lang, addresses common questions about the role and time commitment of a MUFON Field Investigator. Lang emphasizes that the position is fundamentally a "people" job, requiring strong interviewing and human relations skills to accurately ascertain facts and maintain community goodwill.

Simple sighting cases, such as mistaking a star or airplane for an anomaly, can often be resolved quickly with a few well-placed questions and the use of star-charting software. However, if a sighting appears to be a probable UFO event, a more thorough investigation is required.

A typical investigation involves arranging an interview with the witness(es), potentially visiting the sighting location, and taking photographs if warranted. The core of the investigation is the detailed interview, which may be tape-recorded if the witness agrees. Both the witness and investigator fill out appropriate MUFON sighting forms, collecting essential data like maps, drawings, and descriptions. This interview process can take a couple of hours.

More complex cases require additional time for "digesting" the collected data. Investigators must also follow up on other pertinent information, such as weather conditions and corroborating witness accounts. While simple cases might not need extensive follow-up, complicated ones can demand significant detective work.

Finally, once all data is compiled, the investigator writes a field report using MUFON forms and procedures. With a word processor and good writing skills, this report can be completed in an hour or two. The completed report is then submitted to the State Director for transmittal to MUFON.

Upcoming Field Investigator Training

The article announces that the next Field Investigator (F.I.) class is tentatively scheduled to meet on Wednesdays, January 14, 21, and 28. These sessions will cover the details of field investigation and reporting, and prepare participants for the MUFON field investigator's exam. Individuals interested in becoming a field investigator are encouraged to contact Craig Lang by phone at 612-560-1532 or by email at [email protected]. They can also sign the interest sheet at monthly MUFON meetings. Becoming a field investigator requires joining MUFON as a trainee and purchasing the field investigators manual for $25.00.

Lang concludes by describing UFO field investigation as a fascinating activity, full of challenges and surprises, promising that "there will never be a dull moment" for those seriously studying UFO sightings and close encounters.

Theosophical Meetings

The newsletter also lists upcoming Theosophical Meetings with their dates, topics, speakers, and associated costs:

• January 5: "In the Wet" with Bob Kaufmann. This meeting will explore how an ex-Hollywood writer and publicist, along with an ex-designer and builder of swimming pools, transitioned into ministry. Cost: $4.00.
• February 2: "Encountering the Supernatural" with Dr. Adiel Tel-Oren. This session features a personal account of crossing a threshold. Cost: $4.00.
• March 2: "Knowledge of the Higher Realms" with Bill Torvund. This is a return visit from a popular healer/teacher, offering insights into higher realms. Cost: $4.00.

Contact Information and Contributors

The issue provides contact details for key Minnesota MUFON personnel, including the State Director (Dick Moss), Asst. State Director (Bill McNeff), Field Investigation Coordinator (Craig Lang), and Newsletter Coordinator (Lynn Bell). It also thanks contributors Kathi Hilton, Craig Lang, Dick Moss, and Candy Peterson. The annual subscription rate for the newsletter is $12.00.

Additional resources include the National MUFON Hotline (1-800-836-2166), MUFONET (7.237 mhz, Saturdays at 7:00 AM CST, with Bob Schultz as Net Control), and the MN MUFON Web Page (http://www.wavefront.com/~jhenry/index.html), managed by Joel Henry.

Farewell

A brief note bids farewell to Chuck Penson, who is leaving for Tucson, and thanks him for his help.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the practical and procedural aspects of UFO field investigation, emphasizing the importance of human interaction and detailed reporting. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging active participation in UFO research through the MUFON organization, offering training and resources for aspiring investigators. The inclusion of Theosophical Meetings suggests a broader interest in paranormal and spiritual topics beyond just UFOs, indicating an open-minded approach to unexplained phenomena.