MUFON Ontario Newsletter - 1994 09 - vol 1.4

Magazine Overview

This issue of the MUFON Newsletter, Volume 1.4, dated September '94, focuses on UFO phenomena with a strong emphasis on abduction cases and geological anomalies. The cover story, "Sault Ste. Marie Abduction case" by Michel M. Deschamps, details a compelling account from a registered nurse and her daughters.

Sault Ste. Marie Abduction Case

The article begins with the author, Michel M. Deschamps, receiving messages on his answering machine after appearing on a local TV show discussing UFOs. One caller, a registered nurse (Rosemary, 53) from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, reported seeing UFOs on several occasions. This led Deschamps to investigate what appeared to be a possible abduction case involving Rosemary and her two daughters, "Kay" (36) and "Ali" (23).

Deschamps visited Sault Ste. Marie and stayed at Rosemary's request. He recounts the story as told by Kay, who described a sighting in 1987 of a "massive disk" that was "dull grey" and "huge," hovering above an apartment building. She recalled feeling a sense of awe and thinking, "we're being invaded."

Kay also shared a detailed account of a vivid dream from 1991. In the dream, she found herself strapped down on a table in a white room with tunnel vision. She saw a little girl behind a window, whose hair was described as "pearly white" and unevenly cut, and who wore an "opalescent outfit." Kay felt a strong emotional connection to the girl, whom she named Abby, and was told she would see her again.

Ali recounted her childhood experiences of drawing figures with "big heads and large, dark almond-shaped eyes." Her mother initially worried about a possible disability due to these drawings. Ali also reported seeing lights in the sky during the '80s, including an "orange ball of light." Later, Ali and her mother moved to Maple Ridge, British Columbia, where they experienced a "missing time" episode. Ali described seeing a "really bright, white light" and a large object with "maybe portholes" while waiting for her mother to pick her up from the UBC campus. The drive home, which should have taken an hour and a half, instead took until 5 AM, with the car being followed by the light.

Rosemary discussed her own experiences, including recurring nosebleeds and headaches. She described recovering a "six-sided" object, "translucent amber" in color, from her nose after sneezing. She also mentioned that her son had a similar experience. Rosemary recounted another missing time episode where she left her doctor's office around 1:30 or 2:00 PM and did not arrive home until 5:00 PM, leading to a hospital visit where she was given medication.

Rosemary expressed her belief that her family had been interfered with and stated, "I know what I saw. I'm not crazy. I'm sane. And I know my family are." She called for government non-interference and for people to speak out without fear.

The article concludes with Deschamps stating that more details will follow once he receives medical and psychiatric reports. He also noted that the jewelry box containing the recovered object was found empty.

MUFON Ontario Directory and Subscription Information

The second page lists the MUFON Ontario Provincial Directors and Section Directors, including Victor Lourenco, Tom Theofanous, Drew Williamson, Dorothy Lewis, and Michel Deschamps. It also provides an address for correspondence to Victor Lourenco and details subscription rates for the MUFON ONTARIO Newsletter, which is published bimonthly. The "Next Issue" is advertised as "Abduction reports in Ontario - Part 2."

UFOs, lies, and audiotape

By Michael Strainic, MUFON's Canadian National Director, this article discusses the challenges of ufological investigation in Canada due to its vast size and population distribution. Strainic highlights the reliance on technology like FAX machines, the Internet, and BBSs for communication. He then shifts to the importance of audio recordings in capturing UFO witness testimonies. Strainic recounts the passing of William K. Allan, a pioneer in ufology who brought a scientific background to the field. After Allan's death, his extensive UFO material was inherited, including hundreds of books and files. Notably, they discovered 168 reel-to-reel audiotapes, mostly in audio-interview format, which constituted Allan's case files. Strainic emphasizes that hearing witnesses recount their experiences directly from these tapes brings the material "truly alive" and provides irrefutable evidence, unlike written accounts which can be altered or exaggerated. He advocates for investigators to use cassette recorders, noting that the equipment is affordable and portable.

History: "Air car" over Chatham, Ontario

This section details a sighting from March 7, 1911, in Chatham Township, Ontario, where a "mysterious aircraft" described as an "air car" was seen. It was reportedly of "enormous dimensions," traveled without apparent planes, and was seen brilliant with lights, floating at about 100 feet from the surface before rising and disappearing.

Earthquake Lights... Again?

By Hugh F. Cochrane, this article explores the connection between "Earthquake Lights" (EQLs) and UFO phenomena. Cochrane questions the evidence that seismic events can produce long-lasting aerial anomalies. He discusses a recent discovery of a large fault and buckling area on the bottom of Lake Ontario, three miles south of Toronto. Investigators in the 1970s and '80s had proposed this as a site for an alien underwater base due to observed nocturnal lights. However, analysis of photographs failed to find evidence of structured objects. The article posits whether seismically generated luminous phenomena can exist in a hydrologic environment. It also notes that the Lake Ontario anomaly was discovered during a search for three missing aircraft, the cause of which remains unknown. The article draws parallels to past UFO encounter reports where aircraft experienced electrical malfunctions in the presence of UFOs. However, in the Lake Ontario crashes, no UFOs were reported. The article also references Wilbert B. Smith's early investigations into unexplained aircraft crashes in Southern Ontario, some of which showed signs of being cut by a powerful laser beam.

Persisting Fields and Potential Dangers

This section delves into the concept of "persisting fields" detected at UFO event sites, cattle mutilation sites, and crop circles. These fields are described as having the capacity to "interpenetrate matter, temporarily or permanently weakening the material's natural bonding forces." Dr. Michael Persinger of Laurentian University is mentioned as having detected these radiations. The article suggests that these fields might be remnants of erupting forces from within the earth, potentially reaching critical levels and ascending through fault zones. It is proposed that this energy could alter atmospheric elements, causing light emission or dark-body objects, thus creating UFOs. The potential dangers of exposure to these fields are highlighted, including disorientation and nausea. The article also notes that the Lake Ontario anomaly, being a fault zone and a potential UFO site, could pose a significant risk.

The Lake Ontario Anomaly and Unexplained Events

This section continues the discussion on the Lake Ontario anomaly, suggesting it is part of a larger fault system that could cause seismic damage to nuclear generating stations. The area has a history of numerous NL (nocturnal light) sightings and other unexplained events, including disappearances of ships and crews, missing aircraft, and vanishing islands. The article also mentions strange deaths of scuba divers in the area and suggests that persisting radiations, similar to those found at UFO sites, might be affecting them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation of abduction cases, the exploration of the link between geological phenomena and UFO sightings, and the importance of accurate witness testimony collection. The magazine adopts a stance of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, presenting evidence and theories from researchers and witnesses while also acknowledging the mysteries and potential dangers involved. The editorial emphasis is on thorough investigation, scientific approach where possible, and the need for open discussion of these phenomena.

This issue of MUFON ONTARIO, dated September 1994, focuses on ongoing UFO investigations and survey data. The cover prominently features "The new Gulf Breeze photos" by Dr. Willy Smith of the UNICAT Project, alongside continued reporting on "The Carp Case - Part IV" from the MUFON Ontario perspective, and "The 1993 Canadian UFO Survey - Part II" compiled by Chris A. Rutkowski.

The new Gulf Breeze photos

Dr. Willy Smith discusses two new photographs taken by Ed Walters of Gulf Breeze, Florida. Walters claims he noticed an anomalous object through his office window and photographed it, with one image showing an F-15 jet approaching the object. Smith expresses caution due to Walters' past history of presenting questionable photographs and notes that Walters delayed further photography and could not account for the object's departure. The article highlights the absence of 'end-point parameters' in the narrative, which Smith suggests is a trademark of hoaxes. He calls for credible verification from Walters' champions, Maccabee and Sainio.

The Carp Case - Part IV (MUFON Ontario version)

This section continues the investigation into the Carp Case, suggesting that the complaint about low-flying helicopters was likely lodged by 'Sarah Janille' (a pseudonym), who claimed to witness an 'event' on the Labanek's property. MUFON Ontario attempted to get a letter from 'Sarah Janille' explaining her situation, but it had not been received by the time of publication.

The article introduces Pavel Farfara, the nephew of Diane Labanek, who was interviewed by a By-Law inspector in October 1990. Farfara discussed his uncle, the army, UFOs, and UFOs landing on his aunt's property. The inspector's report noted hand-made 'military type signs' on the Labanek property, which were forwarded to the Department of National Defence. A key question raised is how Farfara knew about UFOs landing and 'military involvement' ten months before the alleged event in August 1991. It is also noted that Farfara owns a white pick-up truck similar in size and shape to the 'craft' in the Guardian video. The article suggests that Farfara's past interest in computer bulletin boards may explain how the Guardian Material was circulated widely.

THE 'MILITARY' SIGNS

MUFON Ontario investigators interviewed neighbours around the Labanek property in March 1994. A recent neighbour reported finding a shed containing 'military type signs and paraphernalia' behind the Labanek's property. This contrasts with Dr. Labanek's statement to the RCMP investigator that he had seen the 'Killing Field' signs on his abandoned property in 1991, 1992, and 1993. During a visit in March 1993, Bob Oechsler was given 'military signs' by the Labaneks from their abandoned farm field. However, when asked about the signs, Diane Labanek claimed to know "nothing about them, never saw them and never went to that property."

An Interesting Turn of Events

This section introduces a letter from Bob Oechsler, announcing his retirement from UFO research and investigations as of September 1st, 1994. Oechsler cites the negative effects of his involvement on his family and criticizes the 'malicious libel, slander, distortion and unchecked fabrication' prevalent in the UFO field, attributing it to the egocentricity and self-importance of ufology management. He plans to write and publish the truth about the Guardian UFO Landing investigation in Carp, Ontario, and will turn over his archives to a private research institute dedicated to academic discourse and scientific research.

Oechsler's final opinion is that the real mystery of the UFO phenomenon lies in its sociology and how it affects people. He recommends Michio Kaku's book "Hyperspace" for those interested in the phenomenon's scope and origins.

MUFON ONTARIO'S COMMENTS ON OECHSLER'S RESIGNATION

MUFON Ontario comments on Oechsler's resignation, comparing it to Bill Moore's departure. They acknowledge Oechsler's description of the UFO field as destructive but express that this is how they feel about his 'involvement' in ufology and his work on the Carp/Guardian Case. They suggest Oechsler is seeking sympathy and plans to 'lie-low' until he can mount a defence after MUFON Ontario publishes its report. MUFON Ontario asserts that serious ufologists will not forget Oechsler's 'unscrupulous actions' and vows to continue pointing out his reputation to newcomers. They claim that the collective efforts of Canadian MUFON organizations, other UFO groups, and independent researchers have uncovered the truth, despite threats of libel lawsuits.

The 1993 Canadian UFO Survey - Part II: Five Years of UFOs

Compiled by Chris A. Rutkowski, this section analyzes UFO data from Canada and compares it to American studies. Key findings include:

• The number of UFO reports in Canada has increased significantly since 1989, reaching 489 cases in 1993.
• More UFOs are reported in Western Canada than in Eastern Canada.
• Sightings are more frequent in the fall and winter.
• Two-thirds of UFOs are classified as Nocturnal Lights, often explainable as aircraft or astronomical objects.
• In 1993, 31.5% of UFOs were explainable, 34.8% lacked sufficient information, 23.5% had possible explanations, and 10.2% (50 cases) could not be explained.
• Of the unexplained reports, only about half (5.3% of total cases) were considered high quality.
• Most UFOs are seen around 10:00 p.m.
• UFOs usually have more than one witness.
• Sightings last an average of 12 minutes.
• Most UFOs are white in colour.

The survey concludes that UFOs represent a continuing phenomenon that warrants scientific study, whether as a physical or sociological phenomenon.

Addendum: The Anomalous Event of October 30, 1993

This addendum details a widely witnessed event on October 30, 1993, where hundreds of people observed a brilliant object streaking across the sky over the Canadian prairies. While initially thought to be a fireball or meteor, a check with NORAD suggested it might have been a booster rocket re-entering the atmosphere. However, inconsistencies in the data, such as the predicted impact point and the lack of reports farther east, raise questions. The possibility of a meteoroid and a rocket booster re-entering simultaneously is considered extremely unlikely, suggesting a remarkable and unexplained event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical stance towards sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims within ufology, particularly evident in its handling of the Gulf Breeze photos and the Carp Case. There is a strong emphasis on rigorous investigation and a skepticism towards individuals with a history of questionable evidence. The publication champions the work of Canadian ufologists and organizations like MUFON Ontario in uncovering facts. The retirement of Bob Oechsler is framed as a departure from a field he views as destructive, while MUFON Ontario asserts its commitment to exposing what it deems 'unscrupulous actions'. The overall editorial stance promotes a more grounded, evidence-based approach to UFO research, while acknowledging the phenomenon's persistence and the need for scientific study.