Ohio UFO Notebook - No 13 - 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: OHIO UFO NOTEBOOK
Issue: # 13
Publisher: MidOhio Research Associates, Inc.
Country: USA
Language: English
Cover Headline: HOW TO RESPOND TO JUNK UFO INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET

This issue of the Ohio UFO Notebook, published by MidOhio Research Associates, Inc., focuses on UFO phenomena within Ohio and related topics. It features articles on police reactions to UFO incidents, the challenges of investigating such events, and guidance on how to critically evaluate UFO information found on the internet. The cover highlights key features: "Confirmation that Area 51 exists" (p. 25) and "More Crashes" (p. 12).

The Wrong Liberty, Ohio - How Ohio's Police React to UFO Incidents

This article by Kenny Young explores the increasing, yet still reluctant, association of Ohio police departments with UFO occurrences. It highlights the difficult position police find themselves in, acting as intermediaries between the public and the U.S. Air Force. George Clappison, a UFO researcher, claims that calls from police departments to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) are routed to secret departments responsible for monitoring UFOs. An unnamed Southern Ohio law enforcement official reported a UFO sighting about ten years prior, leading to questioning by FBI agents from Cincinnati. The article suggests that intelligence communities monitor UFO situations despite public denials, utilizing police dispatch centers for information gathering.

Even when UFOs are reported directly to WPAFB, callers are often referred to their local police departments. The article introduces the "Signal 50" code used by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) for "unknown aircraft." A significant incident at the Lebanon Correctional Institute (LeCI) involved a glowing red object hovering for nearly three hours, prompting responses from the Warren County Sheriff's Department and OSHP, who contacted WPAFB for aircraft identification. WPAFB denied having experimental aircraft or radar tracks of the object. Officials at LeCI and the Ohio Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation denied having internal documentation of the event.

UFO Incidents and Investigations

The writer recounts hearing deep, powerful jet engine sounds above the Cincinnati region on the night of an incident, later learning of events in Lebanon, Ohio. A police officer recalled seeing two jet fighter aircraft followed by a bright, football-shaped object that led to a pursuit into Pennsylvania before disappearing. Radar operators at Pittsburgh airport initially reported a UFO but later denied it. Police chief Gerald Buchert of Mantua, Ohio claimed to have photographed an object but was told by the Air Force not to release the pictures. The Air Force concluded the object was the planet Venus. Deputy Spaur, involved in a UFO chase, later resigned from the police force and lived in poverty, regretting the event.

The article details a December 26, 1988 UFO incident near Liberty, Ohio, where the Assistant Chief of Police allegedly observed a gigantic, lime-green ball of light crash. WPAFB was notified, and a recovery team was reportedly sent. Inquiries into this and other UFO investigations by OSHP and local police departments revealed that calls were made to WPAFB using a special, confidential phone number. However, police offices refused to disclose this number, citing it as restricted.

Trumbull County UFO Event

A significant event occurred in Trumbull County, Ohio, during the summer of 1994, involving multiple police departments, including Liberty Township, Howland, Hubbard, and the Trumbull County Sheriff's Department. They engaged in an intense, nine-hour vehicular pursuit of a massive, rotating saucer-shaped red light object. Over 80 calls were received regarding the object, which maintained a definite interest over residential neighborhoods. The object was described as enormous, brightly luminescent, and rotated as if on an axis, making no sound and hovering at a low elevation above housetops.

Upon receiving calls, Liberty Township police officer Tobe Melero was alerted. While en route, he encountered an elderly man wandering in a daze. Upon approaching the object, Melero's patrol cruiser's electrical instrumentation failed. He described the object as intensely bright and making no sound. The Trumbull County dispatch office contacted WPAFB, NASA Lewis Research Center, and other federal agencies for assistance and aircraft identification, but received no support. The Youngstown Air Force Base public relations officer dismissed the event, suggesting the object was the planet Mercury, which was visible at the time. The region is adjacent to significant radar and air defense installations.

An officer expressed frustration with the stonewalling from the Trumbull County 9-1-1 center, stating, "The events under investigations are in no way being discarded or restricted by this 9-1-1 center. As discussed during prior conversations, we would need a date and approximate time of the occurrence so that an audio copy could be produced." Another officer stated, "I don't want my involvement with this known." A police official recalled the incident occurring just before the fatal September 8, 1994 crash of a Boeing 737 near Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.

UFOs and the Media

An article by John S. Waddell, Ph.D., discusses the media's handling of the UFO phenomenon, particularly an ABC Nightline segment. Waddell criticizes the media for not taking UFOs seriously and for failing to communicate the phenomenon effectively in their reports. He notes that Ted Koppel could have easily accepted the Air Force's explanation for a telescope footage from Maui but chose to wait for evidence. Waddell felt the two live guests, Professors Paul Davies and Lionel Tiger, were "dinosaurs" and that Tiger's assertion that only a fringe group takes UFOs seriously was inaccurate, citing polls indicating nearly half of Americans believe UFOs are real.

Waddell agrees with Davies and Tiger that humans have a need to connect with something larger than themselves, including other intelligent species, and that this need can lead to misperceptions but also suggests it stems from something real. He posits that the interest in UFOs, similar to interest in religion, may legitimize the topic rather than ridicule it.

Where To Begin?

Paul Althouse shares an account from a co-worker whose three aunts experienced a strange event on December 4, 1993, while traveling near Macon, Georgia. Their car was enveloped in a thick, milk-like fog, causing the engine and electrical system to fail. After feeling two distinct bumps, the fog dissipated, and the car was found motionless on the highway. The driver became lost, and the women experienced anxiety. One aunt believes "them" were trying to get her, while another has no explanation.

Aircraft Missing, South Dakota, Summer 1957

This section recounts a letter from Wallace Fowler, who, as a young Airman Second Class at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota in 1957, observed a "saucer shaped and silver in color" object hovering motionless. The object had a dome with portholes and a metallic lower part that changed colors. Fowler estimated its size to be about that of a house. The object ascended at "unbelievable speed" without noise or exhaust. Later, pilots preparing for takeoff were seen running towards their planes, and activity in the control tower indicated an emergency. Wallace heard a pilot report that the object "acts as if it is playing games with us" and that it moved with incredible speed. He also heard about a plane that pursued the object and went missing.

Fowler, now suffering from cancer and emphysema, wishes to reveal his story, hoping to find the family of a lost loved one from a 1957 incident at Ellsworth Air Force Base, seeking to understand what was told to the family as the cause of death.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the theme of official obfuscation and denial regarding UFO phenomena, particularly from military and governmental bodies like the U.S. Air Force. There is a recurring narrative of police officers encountering unexplained aerial phenomena and facing difficulties in reporting or investigating them due to lack of support or outright dismissal. The publication also emphasizes the importance of critical thinking when encountering UFO information, especially online, advocating for a discerning approach to separate credible accounts from "junk."

The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO events, challenging official explanations, and giving voice to witnesses who often face skepticism. The inclusion of personal accounts and detailed incident reports suggests a belief in the reality of the phenomena and a frustration with the lack of transparency from authorities.

This issue of the magazine, dated July 1996, focuses on UFO phenomena, with the cover story detailing an alleged UFO "Crash" in Onondaga County, New York. The publication is from MidOhio Research Associates, Inc.

Onondaga County, New York UFO “Crash"

Robert R. Young investigates a UFO crash story that first appeared in the January 1994 issue of The INFO Journal. The account, by Tod Fortana, recounts a story heard from a co-worker about an object that cleared a path through trees near Fabius and Pompey, New York. Reports of increased "air activity" and military trucks in the area fueled speculation of a cover-up. Young notes similarities to the Kecksburg incident, including a wooded impact site, military presence, and mysterious aircraft. He queried local UFO investigators, including Rosemary Riggal and Dana M. Schmidt of MUFON, who had heard rumors of landings in the area. The investigation also considered a bright fireball meteor seen on October 9, 1992, which dropped fragments, including one in Peekskill, NY, as a potential explanation, though the timing and details don't fully align with the 'crash' narrative. The article concludes that cover-up claims can emerge even with widespread media coverage.

The William Bond Family Sighting (Akron, Ohio)

Richard T. Lee reports on a sighting by the William Bond family in Akron, Ohio, on July 24, 1996. The family was awakened by their youngest daughter to witness a large UFO moving slowly across the sky. The object emitted its own light, had a flat bottom with what appeared to be rectangular boxes or windows, and was described as oval-shaped. The family dogs, usually active, hid during the event. The UFO moved east, climbing until it became a distant star. Betty Bond, William's wife, described a bright light that hurt her eyes and noticed an airplane and a smaller light nearby. The object appeared triangular from her viewpoint and hovered over a pond, projecting a beam of light into it.

America's First Classic Close Encounter: Bruce Stevenson Sighting

Pete Hartinger recounts the experience of Bruce Stevenson, a prominent Pickaway County farmer, who reported a significant UFO sighting in February 1948. Stevenson, described as credible and honest, detailed his encounter to the Circleville Herald. He saw a large 'flying saucer' gliding very slowly over his farm buildings, so close he feared it might hit his tool barn. The object was described as dazzling orange-amber, then a dull amber glow, shaped like an inverted broad dinner plate with a deep sauce dish-like dome. The silver edge was about 12 feet wide, and the dome about eight feet high. It had a wide silvery brim with 'little holes'. The sighting occurred seven months after the Roswell incident. Edward C. McCann, former editor of the Circleville Herald, vouched for the substance of Stevenson's account. The sighting is documented in several ufology books and is considered a classic close encounter, predating many others and noted for its detail. Major Donald E. Keyhoe, an ufologist and aide to Charles Lindbergh, reported the sighting in his book "Flying Saucers: Top Secret." Stevenson's sighting was the first of its kind documented and was investigated by the U.S. Air Force, with the description sent to other governments. His daughter, Grace Richards, stated an Air Force officer visited her father after the sighting was reported, noting it was the most detailed description ever recorded. Bruce Stevenson passed away in 1976, and his wife Carolyn confirmed he consistently retold the story, believing it to be true.

Other Pickaway County Sightings

The article lists several other UFO sightings in Pickaway County that have bolstered the credibility of the Stevenson case:

• A sighting by fishermen in the early 1950s near Darby Creek, where a strange light hovered among trees.
• In May 1958, Lockbourne Air Force Base interceptor planes were scrambled to investigate a fast-moving bright object seen by a deputy sheriff.
• In July 1972, a couple driving in Darbyville saw a UFO following their car.
• In October 1973, four witnesses, including police officers, saw a light make strange maneuvers in Circleville.
• In February 1958, a strange craft was seen flying over Circleville late at night.
• A UFO followed a couple in their car from northern Pickaway County to their home near Ringgold.
• In October 1982, a local plant experienced a power failure while three witnesses saw a UFO hovering over a transfer station.
• Various instances of car engine failures occurring when a UFO was nearby.
• On April 2, 1984, two women saw a brightly lit circular object follow their car in Pickaway County.
• On April 2, 1985, strange lights were seen hovering near the ground before shooting skyward.
• On August 21, 1994, a large triangle-shaped craft was seen flying over the county.

These cases remain unexplained.

Aliens Linked to Allergies?

Franklin B. Reams discusses a case involving a young daughter, Katie, who reported a strange "dream" about being on a spaceship with two beings, a doctor and an "observer." The beings had gray skin, large dark eyes, and small noses. Katie insisted she was awake and was offended when it was suggested it was a dream. A mark resembling small punctures was found on her knee. Later, Katie reported seeing red, squirmy-dancing lights that entered her room and caused itching. Her brother Jack also experienced a bloody nose and other physical symptoms, including high levels of tin, cadmium, and lead, which doctors found puzzling. The article questions if abductees experience worsened allergy symptoms and elevated heavy metals, referencing Whitley Strieber's book "Breakthrough."

A Step Back in Time

Donald Weatherby shares an anecdote from 1971, where he and friends were driving near Linesville, Pennsylvania, and experienced a bizarre event. They took an exit off I-80 and entered a town where an enveloping darkness overtook them. They observed teenagers dressed in late 1950s attire watching a movie titled "The Blob." They also noticed vintage cars that looked brand new. The experience was so unusual that they immediately fell silent and felt a sense of unease, prompting them to leave the town quickly. Weatherby suggests the event was not a random coincidence and invites others with similar experiences to contact him.

The Tumbling Black Box

Vic Wolfe recounts a sighting from February 1989 in his backyard of a black box, about the size of a microwave oven, tumbling end over end and swinging back and forth. He did not see any ropes or strings attached. The object moved upwards and out of sight. Wolfe states he does not believe he saw a spaceship from another planet and asks if anyone has seen something similar.

Social Aspects of Area 51?

Anthony J. Lanciano discusses the mystique of Area 51, its connection to the 1947 Roswell incident, and its status as a legendary military testing ground. He argues that while conspiracies, black projects, and secret governments are often discussed, definitive proof is lacking. Lanciano suggests that people are hungry for evidence, even if manufactured, to confirm suspicions of government cover-ups. He concludes that many things remain unknown and that the military operates under its own laws.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alleged crashes, and potential government cover-ups. The articles present witness testimonies and investigative reports, often highlighting the inexplicable nature of the phenomena. There is a clear interest in documenting and analyzing UFO encounters, from classic sightings like Bruce Stevenson's to more recent events and abduction experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, encouraging the reporting of sightings and exploring the possibility of unexplained events influencing human lives and societal understanding. The publication also touches upon the psychological and social aspects of UFO belief and investigation.

Title: OHIO UFO NOTEBOOK
Issue: Issue #12
Volume: Volume 2
Date: December 24, 1992
Publisher: MidOhio Research Associates, Inc.
Editors: W. E. Jones J. D., & I. Scott Ph.D.

This issue of the Ohio UFO Notebook delves into various UFO sightings and related phenomena, primarily focusing on reports from Ohio and surrounding regions, but also including incidents from Puerto Rico and Nevada. The magazine features a collection of witness accounts, investigative reports, and commentary on the UFO phenomenon, with a particular emphasis on the challenges of official confirmation and potential government secrecy.

Key Articles and Reports

The Wrong Liberty, Ohio - How Ohio's Police React to UFO Incidents By Kenny Young This article details a sighting on Moneycreek Road in Cincinnati on Christmas Eve 1992, where four witnesses observed a "huge phoenix-shaped object" with headlights hovering silently at 100 feet. The object's description and behavior were deemed abnormal for conventional air traffic. A related sighting from the same area in July 1996 is also mentioned.

OSU Students Spot 'Saucers' July 7, 1947 This brief report recounts five Ohio State University students spotting three "flying saucers" at 7:45 p.m. The objects were described as noiseless, oval, dull metallic, about 10 feet in diameter, and moved out of sight in seconds. They were observed flying in a triangular formation.

Rocket Sighted Over Delaware County May 18, 1984 Investigated by Dr. Irena Scott, this report details a sighting by retired U.S. Army Colonel Charles F. Wilson and his neighbor of a "flash of light" that appeared to be a descending "rocket" with a bright white exhaust. The object was estimated to be about 12 feet long and 2.5 feet in diameter. No sound was heard, and the object's descent angle and speed suggested it was attempting a landing.

Bits and Pieces This section compiles several shorter reports and commentaries: * Dr. Karla Turner's Abduction Factors: A list of factors considered important by the late Dr. Karla Turner in investigating abduction cases, including abductee's age, place of birth, UFO sightings, family history, dreams, military background, phobias, and physical marks. * Willard, Ohio Sighting (1971): Richard Williams reported seeing a diamond-shaped UFO with white lights and two exhaust jets on Niver Road. The sighting was corroborated by other residents. * MORA Editorial Comment: A brief note on Willard, Ohio, being of interest to a ufologist due to rumors of aliens residing there. * 'X-File Moment' at Mound City Park: A personal account of a sighting near Mound City, Ohio, involving an "elliptical mound" with a "Death Mask Mound" in the background, and a shadow on the ground. * Lt. Colonel John O'Mara Interview: A quote from an interview with Lt. Colonel John O'Mara, suggesting that the government might soon reveal information about flying saucers, and confirming the existence of non-American craft.

Loud UFO in Puerto Rico This report, sourced from UFO Roundup, describes a loud, slow-flying vehicle in Puerto Rico that sounded like thunder but had no Doppler effect. The witness reported correlations with her children's nosebleeds and personal physical symptoms. The vehicle is described as large, dark, crescent-shaped with a red light at the center and white lights at the points of its square back end.

UFOs and Cattle Mutilations in Puerto Rico This case involves Pedro Viera, a retired police officer, who witnessed a disc-shaped UFO hovering over a field and levitating a bull with a "tractor beam." Later, a mutilated cow was found in the same area.

Groom Lake, Nevada The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed the name of the secret Nevada base as "Groom Lake Air Force Facility" and "Operating Location Near Groom Lake, Nevada No. 96-54," exempting it from disclosure requirements regarding waste disposal.

A 'Snag' Retrieval Story This section discusses a story published in the C.R.I.F.O. Newsletter about a crash retrieval, but suggests it might be related to CIA "Skyhook" reconnaissance balloons from the 1950s rather than a UFO. An official retraction by Col. O'Mara is mentioned.

Letters to MidOhio * Victoria Clark: Emphasizes the loss of color vision during a sighting, where her son's red and white jacket appeared only in shades of gray and white. * Robert R. Young: Discusses UFO sightings near the Pennsylvania Turnpike, suggesting they might be related to ultra-light planes creating UFO effects with lighting. * Dear Mr. Jones: A response regarding information on B-52 aircraft using nets, stating that no such information is available due to budget cuts.

Other Mentions and Information Resources * Captain William Joseph Hull Sighting (1958): An account of a pilot sighting an "intense blue-white light" that performed sharp, rapid maneuvers. * William Fortenberry's Flight: Mentions William Fortenberry, a crew member on Pan American World Airways Clipper Flight 944, which disappeared in 1957. * Information Resources: Lists sources for investigators, including the National Air Intelligence Center (NAIC) at Wright-Patterson AFB, the Defense Visual Information Center (DVIC), and the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. * MORA Bulletin Board: Calls for experiencers, government information, and volunteers for investigations. * The MORA Classified: Advertises a publication titled "Creation's Edge: Cooperation vs. Competition" by Irena Chase Scott.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings in Ohio, the variety of reported phenomena, and the persistent question of official acknowledgment and transparency. The magazine highlights witness testimonies, often from credible sources like military personnel and students, while also acknowledging the difficulty in obtaining official confirmation. There is an underlying skepticism towards official denials and a suggestion of government secrecy or cover-ups, particularly concerning classified projects and facilities like Groom Lake. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the collection and dissemination of UFO-related information, and questioning official narratives. The inclusion of historical accounts and references to past investigations suggests a long-standing interest in the UFO mystery and a belief that answers may be found in unexpected places, including libraries and archives.

This document is the cover of a magazine titled "MORA". The subtitle is "'LIVING THE X-FILES'". It announces that "AN ALL NEW NOTEBOOK" has been created, and "THE OHIO UFO NOTEBOOK IS NOW A REGIONAL PUBLICATION".

Subscription Information

Subscription details are provided for a 4-issue subscription costing $20.00. Payments should be sent to:

MidOhio Research Associates
5837 Karric Square Drive
Box 162
Dublin, Ohio 43016-4216

Content and Themes

The cover suggests a focus on UFO phenomena, drawing a parallel to "The X-Files". The transformation of "The Ohio UFO Notebook" into a regional publication indicates a broader scope within Ohio. The publisher, MidOhio Research Associates, is clearly identified, along with their contact information for subscriptions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to be dedicated to UFO research and related topics, positioning itself within the realm of popular culture's interest in the unexplained, as exemplified by "The X-Files". The shift to a regional publication suggests a focus on local or state-level UFO activity and reports.