MUFON of Ohio Newsletter - 2011 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MUFON of Ohio Newsletter, dated May 2011, features a collection of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena, pilot encounters, and investigations. The cover story, "1958 - Weird Happenings in Texas" by Rick Hilberg, details a series of unusual light sightings and a subsequent car accident experienced by the Richardson couple. The newsletter also includes reports from field investigators, a discussion on the nature of UFOs and government involvement, and personal accounts from pilots and researchers.

1958 - Weird Happenings in Texas

Rick Hilberg recounts a strange event from December 20, 1958, near Lampass, Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Richardson observed six blue-white lights, about four times the size of car headlights, hovering in the air. The lights moved in various patterns, sometimes blending, dancing, and blinking. Two lights detached and approached their car rapidly, stopping about 150 feet away before sinking slowly into the ground. The couple later saw similar lights on subsequent clear Sunday mornings between 12:30 and 2:30 AM. On January 24-25, 1959, they observed a large light that made a right-angle turn and headed directly for them. Mrs. Richardson, startled, lost control of the car, which swerved, hit a tree, crossed the road, and hit another tree, severely damaging the vehicle and injuring her. A highway patrolman was involved, and two lights were still visible but not close enough for a clear view. The Lampass Weekly Record published the story, leading to a public gathering on January 31, 1959, which attracted over 100 carloads of spectators, turning the event into a spectacle with noise and damage to property. The Richardsons noted they never saw the lights on cloudy nights.

Lake County, Ohio Sighting

Field Investigator Ron Bracale reports on a sighting from January 10, 2011, in Lake County, Ohio. The witness was driving west on Route 90 when they observed two bright lights over the tree line, with three beams pointing down and one beam pointing up. The lights were described as yellow-orange. The witness estimated the object to be round and the lights to be arranged in a triangle, roughly 1.5 to 2 feet apart when measured with outstretched arms. The object was low, and trees soon obscured the view. The witness found no conventional explanation for the sighting.

Wayne County – Strange Sound

State Section Director Robert Diehm documents a strange sound experienced by a witness in Wayne County on December 29, 2010. The witness, an electrician, heard a continuous hum, similar to a high-voltage transformer, coming from the kitchen area. The sound was not heard in the basement, suggesting it was external. The noise stopped immediately when the witness touched the window curtain. The following day, a large double-bladed helicopter passed over, which the witness found unusual.

President Harry Truman Realized That UFO'S Were Real.

This article by George Filer discusses John Alexander's assertion that UFO disclosure has already occurred, citing former presidents and generals who have spoken about the reality of UFOs. Alexander believes that 98 percent of the information was already public, with only sensitive details like sources and methods being withheld. He quotes President Harry Truman stating, "I can assure you the flying saucers, given that they exist, are not constructed by any power on Earth." The article also touches upon UFOs tampering with nuclear missile sites and Alexander's view that such incidents are placed in a "too-tough-to-handle bin." Alexander's book, "UFOs: Myths, Conspiracies and Realities," asserts that UFOs are real physical objects of unknown origin, supported by overwhelming evidence from sensor technology and reliable eyewitnesses.

Get to Know Your MUFON of Ohio Field Investigators in Their Own Words

Ron Bracale shares his personal journey into ufology and his role as a MUFON Field Investigator. He describes his early UFO sightings and his disillusionment with official explanations. Bracale emphasizes the importance of scientific research and the need to understand our galactic neighborhood. He finds satisfaction in helping people who have had strange experiences feel taken seriously.

Mysterious Winged Creature Reported In Pennsylvania

Stan Gordon reports on an encounter from March 18, 2011, in Butler County, Pennsylvania. A businessman witnessed a tall, muscular, humanoid creature, estimated to be at least 8 feet tall, with leather-like skin and possible wings. The creature moved in a distinctive way, and its head had an aerodynamic helmet-like appearance. The witness observed the creature for about 7-8 seconds. Subsequent investigation of the site yielded no physical evidence.

Spirits in the Sky: Aviation and the Unknown

Scott Corrales discusses the increasing openness regarding UFO material from air forces and civil aviation boards. He highlights historical cases of pilots encountering UFOs, including Ricardo France in Chile and a Mexican commercial pilot who experienced instrument malfunctions and a glowing object. The article also mentions an Aeromexico airliner that allegedly became invisible, with passengers seeing stars as if they were in space. The phenomenon of UFOs interfering with routine flights is noted.

Pilots in Peril

This section details several incidents involving pilots and UFOs. It includes the case of Ricardo France, who was pursued by a flotilla of UFOs. It also describes a Mexican commercial pilot's experience where instruments went haywire, and a glowing object was observed. Another incident involves Aviaco Flight 502, which encountered an unusually bright, lens-shaped cloud formation that caused instrument failures and a perceived loss of time. The article also mentions an Aeromexico flight that allegedly became invisible. The section concludes with a discussion of the "Stendek" affair and the growing interest in UFO phenomena within commercial aviation.

Colombia: UFOs Seen Near Nevado del Huila Volcano

This report, sourced from Diario del Huila, discusses sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects near the Nevado del Huila volcano in Colombia. Residents have provided photographs and videos, and researcher Ricardo Ayerbe notes that these episodes have occurred for over a decade. The UFOs are described as moving at high speeds, making no noise, and being able to become visible and invisible at will. Ayerbe suggests a connection to the area's geological activity and a possible interest by the alleged alien beings in monitoring hazards.

Letter from Peter W. Merlin, author of X-Plane Crashes, Specialty Press

Peter W. Merlin responds to inquiries about UFO crash investigations. He emphasizes the importance of physical evidence, stating that "Physical evidence...cannot be wrong." Merlin discusses the challenges of analyzing UFO crash stories, noting that many may be hoaxes or misidentifications. He shares his research into government responses to crash sites, including classified aircraft incidents, and concludes that while governments attempt to sanitize crash sites, evidence often remains. He also revisits the Roswell incident, suggesting it was likely a non-event related to a balloon/radar-target project.

Letter From: Clifford Clift, International Director, MUFON

Clifford Clift addresses questions regarding MUFON's background check policy for new Field Investigators. He explains that the check is conducted by a company that reviews public records for criminal activity and that certain offenses, such as sex offenses and pedophilia, will disqualify applicants. He also mentions that the MUFON Board of Directors met and discussed the organization's financial position, membership, and future.

Another Letter From: Clifford Clift, International Director, MUFON

Clifford Clift clarifies MUFON's status as a nonprofit 501-c-3 corporation and dispels rumors about the organization. He reiterates that MUFON was established in 1969 and is still a registered non-profit, with three original incorporators holding control.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent presence of unidentified aerial phenomena and their interactions with human activities, particularly aviation. There is a consistent emphasis on witness testimony, especially from trained observers like pilots, as a primary source of evidence. The newsletter also explores the possibility of government involvement and secrecy surrounding UFO incidents, as well as the ongoing efforts of organizations like MUFON to investigate and document these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry and a commitment to gathering and analyzing evidence, while acknowledging the challenges and complexities of the subject matter.

Title: MUFON of Ohio Newsletter
Issue Date: May 2011
Publisher: MUFON of Ohio
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the MUFON of Ohio Newsletter features a detailed look at the Trancas Case in Argentina, explores various myths and 'whoppers' associated with Dugway Proving Ground, and announces upcoming MUFON events.

MUFON Organization and Volunteers

The newsletter begins with an explanation of MUFON's structure and the crucial role of volunteers. It clarifies that MUFON is a Corporate Treasure, Corporate Secretary, and CEO, with no other shareholders. The Board of Directors, appointed by the International Director, makes financial and business decisions. Subscribers pay an annual fee for the MUFON Journal and do not have voting rights. The organization emphasizes the need for "like minded" people to assist in collecting UFO sighting reports. MUFON has grown significantly, with over 28,271 sighting reports in its archives, representation in 25 countries, approximately 3000 subscribers, and 800 trained Field Investigators. Volunteers are described as the "backbone of MUFON." State Directors (SDs) are appointed and have the authority to appoint their own staff and remove volunteers within their state, with the International Director only removing volunteers if the SD agrees. The newsletter stresses that MUFON is not a democracy, union, or for-profit organization, but an "All Volunteer Organization" akin to the Red Cross. It criticizes those attempting to "reform" MUFON through negative tactics and the misuse of private email lists.

The Trancas Case: Argentina, 1963

The issue revisits the 1963 Trancas Case in Argentina, described as one of the most important and "unassailable" episodes in ufology due to the abundance and quality of eyewitnesses, the prolonged viewing, and the discovery of physical residue. The case involved two young women, Argentina and Jolié, along with their children, visiting their parents in Villa de Trancas. At around 9:00 PM, a domestic worker reported seeing lights on a railroad embankment. Initially dismissed, the women eventually investigated and observed five lights, later described as having no discernible shape but appearing as sources of light. Fear escalated as they considered possibilities ranging from a railroad accident to guerrillas, especially since their husbands, Army officers, were scheduled to travel on those tracks.

One sister suggested the possibility of flying saucers, referencing a previous sighting. Upon closer inspection, they saw a dim greenish light and then found themselves bathed in a light emanating from a source eight meters away. They observed a vehicle measuring approximately 8x3 meters with a turret and large rivets. The experience was so shocking that one woman tripped. The servant girl reported being burned, but was found to be merely frightened. The entire household was awake, and the father became distressed. Doors were bolted shut, and the family observed the phenomenon through half-shuttered windows. Beams of light were perceived as piercing the walls or coming through cracks, and an object nearby made a noise similar to machinery. The atmosphere inside the house became heavy and overly warm.

After about forty minutes, the object moved eastward, and others followed, vanishing toward the Sierras de Medinas. Neighbors were informed, but few saw anything significant. The event was later investigated, with the Chemical Engineering Institute at the University of Tucumán analyzing a dusty white residue found at the site, which turned out to be calcium carbonate with potassium carbonate impurities. Journalist Arturo Alvarez Sosas recalled the event unleashing numerous stories, predating "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Jolié Moreno noted the similarity to the film and confirmed her authorization for its use based on this case.

Dugway Myths, Fibs and Other Whoppers

This section, collected by Al Vogel, presents a collection of tales and rumors surrounding Dugway Proving Ground, often labeled "The New Area 51" or "Area 52."

• Vehicle Tales:
• A 1929-1937 Cord automobile found in a Dugway cave with missing wheels.
• A wooden wagon found in a man-made cave with a missing tongue.
• An Army tank mired in mud and sinking underground.
• A Chinook helicopter similarly sunk.
• An old bomber, once used for tests, slowly settled into the desert soil, with only the tail visible in the 1980s.
• A German V-1 rocket purposely crashed on Dugway after WWII, with parts supposedly visible into the 1970s.

• What's Underfoot?
• A massive, miles-long tunnel connecting Dugway with Groom Lake's "Area 51" in southern Nevada, used to shuttle UFOs, aliens, and alien technology, with some versions including water-filled tunnels and periscopes rising from gopher holes.
• A massive underground complex on Dugway where aliens live and create hybrid "Star Children."
• True: There is a tunnel under the Air Force's area near the airfield, a concrete service tunnel about 100 yards long, occasionally used for training.

• Ghosts & "Desert Fairies":
• A housing resident saw a small boy and an old man in vintage clothing who disappeared.
• "The Blue Lady" or "Mrs. Dean" is said to haunt the former Dugway Clinic, with unexplained door movements and footsteps.
• Optics Building workers have reported auditory mysteries like footsteps, whispers, and crashes, with one claiming to see a tall man disappear into a wall.
• In the 1860s, Pony Express workers at the Sevier Riverbed station claimed it was haunted by "desert fairies."

• UFOs and Aliens:
• The Discovery Channel's "The UFO Hunters" aired a segment in December 2009, claiming a "black helicopter" was monitoring them outside Dugway's fenceline.
• A Dugway worker photographed at a distance was declared a "Man in Black."
• A Dugway representative met with the UFO hunters, but they remained convinced Dugway was hiding UFOs and aliens.
• An airfield hangar was the site of a story where five or six Dugwayites "talked" and subsequently died mysteriously.
• A black sphere, about 400 feet in diameter, was seen flitting between clouds over the Onaqui Mountains.
• An office at Dugway once had a "gray" alien mannequin, startling newcomers.
• "Alien Dave" is the alias of a Salt Lake City website owner who tracks Utah UFOs and aliens, reportedly watching Dugway.
• The "Fly's Eye Cosmic Ray Detectors" atop 5-mile Hill are claimed by conspiracists to be related to Dugway's "alien technology."
• Conspiracists claim Men in Black (MIB) reside on Dugway to suppress sightings and rumors.
• A blogger posted tales of Reptilian aliens, alien documentation, and alien/human clones being developed at Dugway.
• The blog was discontinued after the source, a Dugway contractor, was disciplined for fueling rumors.

• Oddball Sightings:
• A red or bluish ball of light pacing vehicles at night along Skull Valley Road.
• In the early 1960s, a hunter and his friend found dozens of dead tarantulas in one small canyon near Dugway.
• In the early 1980s, a camper witnessed a large, black UFO passing overhead, later recognized as a F117 Nighthawk stealth aircraft.

• Just Plain Silly!
• Conspiracists claim aliens held by the government love strawberry ice cream.
• Internet sites claim Dugway has jackrabbits that "glow in the dark."
• A man claimed a nuclear weapon was detonated at Dugway in the early 1960s, allowing people to walk on the "lake of glass" within a week (this is false).
• Directions to geode beds mention a "German Village" brick building and a "Japanese Village" built for testing incendiary bombs.
• A friend who is a firefighter was dropped by helicopter into a brushfire and saw a bright green pond.
• A claim that aliens emptied their UFO toilets again.

• NASA Satellites:
• NASA's Genesis satellite fell to Earth in a remote area of Dugway in 2004.
• The following year, the Stardust satellite also fell there. Both were designed to gather interstellar dust samples and land at Dugway.
• Conspiracy theorists claimed these satellites would bring back space microbes and cause a plague.

• Lockdown Incident (Jan. 26/27, 2011):
• During the event, local TV stations reported UFO sightings over the Lehi area, east of Dugway, suspected to be radio-controlled model aircraft with LED lights.
• Conspiracists claimed a Russian satellite detected a massive gamma radiation blast from Dugway during the lockdown, similar to what supposedly sunk Atlantis.

• Dugway's Albatross: Sheep!
• Claims of 6,000 sheep deaths in 1968, inflated from earlier figures. A worker at the time estimated 1,000 to 1,500 sheep killed, with a handful of dead rabbits but no other dead animals.
• Theories for the sheep deaths include nerve agent release, poisonous local weeds, poisoned feed from the Soviets, or a government land office spraying weed killer.

• Odd Emails:
• Requests to establish an "Astral Link" and an "Astral Communication Centre Processing Link."
• A man claiming to be an electrical/mechanical engineer noted a structure at Dugway identical to one used for "experiments" in the Czech Republic during WWII.
• A claim that Dugway has a "Vertical Grid," a large ringed tower used for testing since the 1960s.

• Dugway Notables:
• Rick Vinson, an entertainer, used "Rowley Dugway" as his stage name.
• An Italian company markets "Dugway" driving gloves.
• U.S. astrophysicist Raymond Davis Jr. (Nobel Prize winner) worked at Dugway Proving Ground as a test observer during WWII.
• American writer and illustrator Edward Gorey was stationed at Dugway Proving Ground from 1944-1946.
• German architects Eric Mendelsohn and Konrad Wachsmann designed Dugway's "German Village" brick building.
• Actress Faye Dunaway attended Dugway High School and learned to shoot a rifle there.
• Chas Nagel, a microbiologist at Dugway, pioneered the wine industry in Washington State.

MUFON State Meeting: An Abduction Theme

This section announces the July 2011 MUFON of Ohio Summer Conference, themed "50 Years of Abduction Experience - Setting the Record Straight." The event will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2011, in Ashland, Ohio.

• Featured Speakers:
• Kathleen Marden: Niece of Betty Hill, collaborator with Stanton T. Friedman, presenting "The Betty and Barney Hill Abduction" and "The Conundrum of Alien Abduction."
• Travis Walton: Author of "Fire in the Sky - The Real Story."

• Additional Participants:
• Phyllis Budinger: Will join an Open Panel Q & A, having performed forensic analysis of abduction evidence for the Betty and Barney Hill case.

Kathleen Marden discusses her approach to understanding abduction phenomena within Western scientific thought, emphasizing the need for acceptable evidence like eyewitness testimony and physical trace evidence. She believes investigations should be undertaken before hypnosis and opposes hypnosis-based investigations. However, she acknowledges that some abduction phenomena cannot be fully understood scientifically and that investigating alien abduction is a difficult, often disheartening, journey.

The Dispatch: Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, April 2011

This brief mention refers to the next two pages featuring "The Dispatch," Dugway Proving Ground's newsletter, which "pokes fun at itself." It includes a reference to an article titled "Dugway myths, fibs and other whoppers."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently emphasizes the importance of volunteers and the scientific study of UFOs, as exemplified by MUFON's mission statement. It critiques internal dissent and misinformation while promoting factual investigation. The Dugway section highlights the prevalence of folklore and conspiracy theories surrounding military installations, contrasting them with documented facts. The upcoming state meeting focuses on abduction cases, underscoring MUFON's commitment to investigating significant UFO-related phenomena.