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Ohio UFO Notebook - No 26 - 2004
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Title: Ohio UFO Notebook Issue: #26 Volume: 2004 Date: 2004 Membership Issue Publisher: The Mutual UFO Network of Ohio, Inc. Country: USA Language: English
Magazine Overview
Title: Ohio UFO Notebook
Issue: #26
Volume: 2004
Date: 2004 Membership Issue
Publisher: The Mutual UFO Network of Ohio, Inc.
Country: USA
Language: English
This issue of the Ohio UFO Notebook, edited by William E. Jones, is presented as a compilation of old newspaper clippings from the files of the late Earl Neff, an influential Ohio ufologist. The editor explains that the clippings are deteriorating and this publication aims to preserve them for future study. The issue contains a variety of articles detailing UFO sightings and related phenomena, primarily from Ohio and surrounding areas, with some historical context provided.
Featured Articles and Reports
Follow-up With Beverly Gleason (McKittrick)
This article by Kenny Young details a follow-up conversation with Beverly Gleason regarding her story about Richard Nixon and Jackie Gleason. Beverly confirms that *Esquire Magazine* first published the story about Nixon showing alien bodies to Jackie Gleason after a golf game at Homestead Air Force Base. She recalls the article being a front-page cover story. She also mentions meeting President Nixon herself. Beverly notes that her relationship with Jackie was strained around the time the *Esquire* article appeared. She denies preparing any written manuscript for the story and expresses skepticism about the reality of the 'little men' her husband described, suggesting he might have been influenced by someone. She believes the *Esquire* article likely contains the most accurate recollection of the events.
UFO Report, West Chester, Ohio, June 2, 2003
Authored by Donnie Blessing, this report details a sighting by a resident named Greg M. Greg was awakened by his UPS system indicating a power outage. He noticed a smell of ozone and then observed an oval or disk-shaped object in the sky. The object appeared stationary at first, then began to wobble. Greg estimated its distance at 1/4 to 3/4 miles and its altitude at 600 to 1,000 feet. The object's bottom half was described as luminous blue/violet light, with aqua blue lights on each end that spun rapidly and appeared to strobe. The witness stepped outside and noted an eerie silence. He also observed lights on across a nearby state route, while lights on his street were off. The investigation revealed no reported UFO sightings or power outages for that date and time in the area, leading the investigator to conclude that the witness likely experienced a UFO sighting.
Merom, Indiana Case, November 6, 1957
Written by Herb Taylor, this report focuses on a sighting by Rene Gilham. Gilham observed a bright, luminous object hovering overhead, estimated to be 40 feet in diameter and at an altitude of 1000 feet. A light beamed from the object, bathing his farm in an eerie light. The object emitted a "whirring noise." Gilham's wife and children, and his father-in-law, also witnessed the object's brightness. The following day, Gilham experienced itching and reddening of his face, described as a "real burn" similar to arc welding burns, despite not having worked near a welder. His condition worsened, and he was hospitalized. Newspaper reports indicated military authorities were informed. The article notes that other witnesses in Sullivan, Indiana, saw a glowing orange-red object around the same time. The author laments the lack of a thorough investigation into this case.
Ohio Sightings Continue - Large UFO Near Adams City
This report by Kenny Young describes a sighting by a resident named Mandy. Mandy observed a tremendously large, triangular-shaped object with lights flashing in sequence and alternating colors. The object hovered for almost an hour. The witness estimated its size as less than half the size of the full moon from her vantage point. Her mother, sister, and a friend also witnessed the object. The object was located northeast of her location, above Belfast, Ohio. Coyotes were heard howling loudly during the sighting. Investigations with the Adams County and Highland County Sheriff's departments yielded no reports of UFO sightings, though the latter mentioned reports of bright objects from Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
Hillsboro, Ohio Sighting, Friday, August 22, 2003
Authored by Kenny Young and Donnie Blessing, this article details a sighting by 11-year-old Amanda M. and her friend Jayla S. They observed a large, round object directly overhead that stopped and hovered. Amanda described rotating white lights around the center and two large white lights on the bottom, one shining down on her. She also noted a red light/screen at the back. The object made no noise but Amanda heard static. The object then turned off its lights and sped away westward at high speed. Amanda's mother, Tisha, corroborated the account. The investigation found no official reports of UFOs, but the local power company (A.E.P.) was noted to have a substation nearby. A second witness account from Jayla confirmed the sighting of a bright light and the object speeding away horizontally.
"Monster" Object Said to Roam Ohio Skies
This report by Kenny Young and Donnie Blessing describes a sighting by Daryl and his family in Gahanna, Ohio. Daryl described a massive, black, disc-shaped object that appeared to be floating silently. He estimated its size as being large enough to fit three or four "747 jetliners" inside. The object appeared directly in front of their car and moved slowly westward. The witness, who claimed to have never been a UFO believer, was awestruck by the object's immense size. The object's lights were described as non-flashing and changing color in unison. At one point, the object blocked out the sun. The witness was certain the object should have been seen by others, but found no news reports about it. The investigation with the Gahanna police department yielded no specific reports, but the witness was encouraged to report the sighting to N.I.D.S. The witness's daughter and son drew sketches of the object.
Other Sections
Introduction
Editor William E. Jones introduces the issue, explaining its purpose as preserving historical UFO clippings from Earl Neff's collection due to their deteriorating condition. He hopes the content will be of interest to future ufologists.
Table of Contents
The Table of Contents lists numerous articles and reports, divided into a "First Section" and "Second Section - Articles," covering various UFO sightings, cases, and related topics from different newspapers and sources.
Advertisement
An advertisement for Arcturus Books, Inc., located in Port St. Lucie, Florida, is included.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and the challenges of investigating and documenting these phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed by the editor and investigators, is one of earnest inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, with a focus on preserving historical accounts and encouraging thorough investigation. There is an emphasis on the credibility of witnesses and the importance of documenting these events, even when official investigations are lacking or inconclusive. The publication aims to serve as a resource for those interested in the history and ongoing study of UFOs.
Title: the apro bulletin
Issue: VOL. 24, NO. 6
Date: OCTOBER 1976
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (A.P.R.O.)
Country: USA
This issue of The A.P.R.O. Bulletin focuses on UFO phenomena, with a prominent feature on 'The Kentucky Abduction,' alongside other sighting reports, research updates, and commentary on the state of ufology.
The Kentucky Abduction
The lead article details a case involving three women—Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Thomas, and Mona Stafford—who reported a UFO encounter and a subsequent loss of time on a drive home in Kentucky. The object was described as huge, 'as big as a football field,' and rocked gently before moving and illuminating the car's interior with a bluish light. The women experienced a burning sensation, and their car reportedly pulled to the left, with the speedometer registering 85 mph despite the accelerator not being engaged. They later found themselves eight miles beyond their intended destination. Following the incident, they experienced physical symptoms, including burning eyes and a loss of weight. APRO's Field Investigator Bill Terry and Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle, a psychology consultant, investigated the case. Hypnotic regression sessions revealed impressions of examination, a 'bullet-shaped' object on the chest, and encounters with four-foot-tall humanoids. Polygraph tests conducted by James C. Young indicated the women believed they were telling the truth, though he noted the potential influence of prior interviews. The article highlights the women's good reputations and the challenges in investigating the case due to interference from other UFO organizations like CUFOS and MUFON. Dr. Sprinkle concluded that the case was a good example of apparent abduction and examination experiences, similar to those reported by other UFO witnesses.
Other Sighting Reports
Ohio Sighting (September 20, 2003): A witness in Lancaster, Ohio, reported seeing a large, silver, blimp-like object in the sky. The object was described as moving slower than a blimp, gliding on a steady course, and lacking a 'basket' underneath.
Ohio Sighting (September 26, 2003): A report from Centerville, OH, describes a very large craft, observed slightly after midnight, that was wing-shaped, like a large eagle, with wide wings and a network of faint tubular supports. It flew at low altitude (1-2000 feet) without lights or sound, traveling from north to south.
Ohio Sighting (August 25, 2003): A witness in Sunbury, OH, reported seeing a large, red triangle with illuminated edges. The object appeared to be hovering or moving slowly, and was later seen again at a higher elevation before fading.
Indiana Sighting (December 26, 2003): Three police officers in Huntington, Indiana, reported seeing a circular object that drifted, stopped, spun slowly, and changed shapes, at one point appearing orange. It moved from northwest to south without sound and lasted less than a minute.
President Reagan's Obsession with Aliens
An article by Jerome Clark discusses President Reagan's fascination with the theme of alien invasion, as detailed in Lou Cannon's biography. Reagan reportedly brought up the idea of global cooperation against an alien threat in his meeting with Gorbachev in 1985, a notion that startled his advisers. This preoccupation was also shared with foreign-policy people, leading Gen. Colin Powell to dub it the 'little green men' obsession.
Texas A&M UFO Research Collection
This section reports that boxes of research from one of the nation's largest UFO inquiries have been housed at Texas A&M University. The collection includes reports of alien visits, physical scientist Roy Craig's investigative writings from the Condon Project, and materials related to UFOs and aliens.
China: "The Truth is Out There"
A report from La Voz de Galicia indicates that half of the Chinese population believes in UFOs, linked to the growing popularity of the paranormal. China has the largest number of UFO enthusiast organizations, and 'UFO' magazine sells over 400,000 copies monthly. Historically, UFOs were seen as spy planes from the USA. Currently, one in five UFO sightings occurs in China, where the official news agency remains hesitant to publish such items. An expert suggests extraterrestrials are showing interest in China, similar to their interest in the USA in the 1950s. A notable sighting in 1998 involved a Chinese fighter jet in a 'cat-and-mouse' game with an alleged UFO.
Letters to MUFON of Ohio
George Filer shares a story about a Soviet satellite recovery in Pennsylvania, possibly related to the Kecksburg incident. He also mentions a non-flying saucer story told by Rick Hilberg about Gray Barker's West Virginia theatre business.
Bits and Pieces
The State of Ufology: Richard Hall expresses concern about the state of ufology, describing it as 'pitiful' due to a lack of scientific funding and the prevalence of 'kooks' and 'con-men.' He argues that more genuine science is being done by private individuals and on online lists than by formal organizations.
Element 115 Discovered: This section reports on the creation of a few atoms of Element 115 by scientists in Dubna, Russia. It humorously discusses the short half-life of the element and its implications in relation to Bob Lazar's claims about Element 115.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The APRO Bulletin consistently presents UFO phenomena as a serious subject worthy of investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and a commitment to uncovering the truth, as evidenced by their detailed investigations into cases like the Kentucky Abduction. The publication aims to document sightings, analyze evidence, and provide a platform for discussion, while also acknowledging the skepticism and challenges faced by witnesses and researchers. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of credible witnesses and rigorous investigation, as seen in the detailed reporting and the inclusion of expert opinions. The magazine also touches upon the historical context of UFO research and the public's perception of these phenomena.
This document contains articles from The Cleveland Plain Dealer and other publications discussing the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), also commonly referred to as flying saucers. The articles span several years, from 1959 to 1967, and cover various aspects of UFO sightings, investigations, and explanations.
Article 1: Saucer Men Mapping Earth, Teacher Says (The Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 15, 1959)
This article reports on a talk given by Professor Charles Maney of Defiance (O.) College at the YMCA in Akron. Maney presented a study of UFO sightings, suggesting that they are operated by intelligent beings who are likely conducting a survey of Earth. He noted that a map of reported sightings followed a pattern similar to French sightings from 1954, as studied by Frenchman Aine Michel. Maney believes these beings possess science that is 500 to 1,000 years ahead of ours and expressed that the U.S. government has not addressed the issue forthrightly. His talk was sponsored by the UFO Research Committee of Akron.
Article 2: Do We Have 'Visitor' From Outer Space? (Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 20, 1960)
This article discusses a suggestion by Dr. R. N. Bracewell, a radio astronomer at Stanford University, that a satellite dispatched by another civilization might be orbiting Earth. Bracewell theorizes that such a satellite could contain a recorded message or even a television image of its home constellation, activated by radio. The article also touches upon strange radio 'echoes' heard in 1927, 1928, and 1934, which Bracewell considered unlikely but not impossible emissions from an interstellar messenger. The article mentions Project Ozma, an attempt to pick up signals from nearby stars, which had yielded no results. Bracewell's doubts stem from the vast distances involved, suggesting that a more practical approach for interstellar communication might be 'spraying' candidate stars with satellites.
Article 3: 'Saucer' Soars in S.L. Sky (The Salt Lake Tribune, October 3, 1961)
This article details a sighting and chase of an unidentified object by pilot Waldo J. Harris over Salt Lake City. Harris described a light gray disc, estimated to be 50 feet across and four feet thick, hovering with a rocking motion. He reported the object suddenly moved upward and then west at an extremely accelerated speed, disappearing within seconds. Seven other witnesses on the ground also reported seeing the object for over 15 minutes. The object was described as rocking and at times resembling a zeppelin. The U.S. Weather Bureau reported prevailing winds of two miles per hour from the southeast shortly before the sighting. An Air Force investigator from Hill Air Force Base conducted a routine investigation.
Article 4: 40 Describe Landing of Flying Saucer (The Cleveland Press, March 21, 1966)
This article reports on an incident in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where at least 40 people, including twelve policemen, witnessed an unidentified flying object land in a swamp. Four sister ships reportedly hovered above the object until it took off with a warbling sound. Patrolman Robert Hunawill described the object as looking like it was taking off and joining the other four. Farmer Frank Mannor and his son described the object as lying in a swamp with pulsating haloed lights, pitted like coral rock, and about the length of a car. They approached within 500 yards. Two sheriff's deputies reported seeing blinking lights rise above the trees. Robert Taylor, Dexter police chief, saw a pulsating bright red glow in the swamp that grew dimmer, and through binoculars, saw a light on each end of the object. The article also mentions an 'Orange Ball' seen by eight people in Indiana, which dogged a motorist's car.
Article 5: Air Force to Explain 'Saucers' (Detroit Free Press, March 25, 1966)
This article discusses the Air Force's investigation into UFO sightings in southeastern Michigan. Maj. Hector Quintanilla, project officer for the Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, stated that the Air Force expected to provide a reasonable explanation soon. Quintanilla indicated that the Air Force had a history of providing explanations for UFO reports, and that Dr. J. Allen Hynek, an astrophysicist and civilian investigator, was sent to Michigan. Hynek's preliminary findings suggested that the sights were not the result of extraterrestrial intelligence, and he proposed 'swamp gas' as a possible explanation for some phenomena. The article notes that this explanation might not satisfy all witnesses.
Article 6: Expert Dismisses Flying Saucers as Swamp Gas (Daily Times-News, March 26, 1966)
This article features Dr. J. Allen Hynek, an astrophysicist and Air Force consultant, dismissing mass reports of weird flying objects as luminous swamp gas. Hynek stated that a swamp is an unlikely place for a visit from outer space and that 'rotary vegetation' produces swamp gas which can be trapped and suddenly released, creating a flame of chemical luminescence. He acknowledged that he could not definitively prove his theory for all sightings. The article mentions that reports of UFOs continued to pour in from various states. Hynek, who is the chief scientific adviser to the Air Force's Project Blue Book, also noted that he had investigated over 100 UFO cases, some of which he could not explain. He suggested that a full-blown congressional investigation might be beneficial. He also dismissed a widely published photo as a time exposure of the moon and Venus.
Article 7: UFOs-Truth or Fiction? (The Miami Herald, April 28, 1966)
In this article, Dr. J. Allen Hynek reflects on his nearly 20 years as an astronomical consultant to the Air Force regarding UFOs. He acknowledges the existence of UFO reports and the Air Force's success in explaining 19 out of 20 cases. Hynek discusses the persistence of UFO reports and the need to investigate puzzling cases made by credible witnesses. He suggests that scientific examination of these reports is a courtesy owed to the public and that there might be valuable scientific discoveries hidden within them. He advocates for a small, well-trained investigation team with quick reaction capabilities. Hynek notes that most interesting cases involve brilliantly illuminated 'craft' maneuvering in the air at night, and that no 'landings' have been included in his study.
Article 8: These Saucers (THIS WEEK Magazine, May 7, 1967)
This article investigates mysterious 'bogeys' over Guam that were not initially identified as invaders from outer space. The Air Force's Project Blue Book had logged approximately 11,000 UFO sightings, with most identified as misinterpretations or man-made devices. However, a coded message from the Strategic Air Command's Third Air Division on Guam expressed concern about radar beacon returns with no known source. A special Electronics Team was formed to investigate. They observed 'bogies' on radar that exhibited remarkable ability to change altitude and speed, and which seemed to coincide with aircraft approaching the intercept location, only to disappear. The UFOs also responded to interrogations with incorrect codes, leading to speculation about cracked codes. The team eventually concluded that the 'impossible' sightings were aircraft flying beyond the horizon, explained by atmospheric physics acting as invisible lenses that could bend radar waves. The increase in sightings was attributed to a rise in aircraft carrying supplies to Southeast Asia.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in these articles include the persistent nature of UFO sightings, the efforts of various organizations and individuals to investigate them, and the ongoing debate between explanations involving extraterrestrial intelligence versus more conventional phenomena like atmospheric conditions or misidentifications. The articles reflect a spectrum of viewpoints, from those who believe UFOs are evidence of advanced alien visitors to those, like Dr. J. Allen Hynek, who advocate for scientific scrutiny and often find logical, non-extraterrestrial explanations. The editorial stance generally leans towards presenting the investigations and findings, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also highlighting the scientific and governmental efforts to understand the phenomenon.
This issue of The Columbus Dispatch, dated Friday, August 15, 2003, focuses on intriguing and unexplained phenomena within Ohio. It includes articles on a famous radio signal, mysterious crop circles, a UFO sighting, and alleged hauntings.
Extraterrestrial phones Ohio?
This article by Gerald Tebben revisits the 'Wow!' signal, a 70-second radio transmission detected on August 15, 1977, by the Big Ear radio telescope operated by Ohio State University. The signal, originating from a point in the sky, was described as having the hallmarks of an intelligent transmission and was coded '6EQUJ5.' Jerry Ehman, a volunteer, famously wrote 'Wow!' on the printout when he discovered the remarkable sequence. While UFO enthusiasts view it as proof of extraterrestrial life, scientists consider it an interesting curiosity. The Big Ear telescope, a pioneering radio telescope, was demolished in 1998.
Supernatural sign or playful prank?
Dana Wilson reports on a crop circle discovered in a soybean field near Bainbridge, Ohio. Farmer Dale Mark found the design, covering about 2 acres, etched into his crops in a series of circular designs, including one with a triangle, another resembling a peace sign, and a third like a bull's-eye. The discovery was made by passengers in a private airplane. While some townspeople speculate about extraterrestrials or supernatural beings, Mark believes it was a prank. The damaged crops resulted in a $1,200 loss for Mark. Independent researchers, including Jeffrey Wilson, studied the formations and noted signs of heat damage and plants swirled counter-clockwise. However, Miami University professor Christopher Church suggests that complex geometric patterns in crop circles are often a form of human expression rather than supernatural phenomena. The article also recalls a similar incident in 1999 where a crop circle in wheat fields was later confessed to be a hoax by teenagers.
AF Must Have Frank UFO Policy
This editorial from The Plain Dealer, dated Saturday, March 26, 1966, advocates for a transparent Air Force policy regarding UFO sightings. It commends the Air Force for promptly assigning Dr. J. Allen Hynek, an astrophysicist, to investigate sightings in southern Michigan. Hynek offered explanations such as swamp gases and the planet Venus. The editorial argues that swift investigations by qualified agencies are necessary to prevent unchecked sightings from leading to wild rumors and potential panic. It also suggests that with the U.S. as a space explorer, the possibility of other exploring civilizations should not be dismissed.
Phantom phenomena chill, thrill inn's guests
This article by Dana Wilson describes alleged hauntings at the Buxton Inn in Granville, Ohio. The inn, built in 1812, is believed to be haunted by former innkeepers, Major Buxton and Ethel "Bonnie" Bounell. Guests and employees have reported various phenomena, including doors opening and closing, lights flickering, unexplained chills, and the appearance of figures. Room 9 is noted as a site of frequent sightings, particularly of a female figure. The article includes accounts from guests like Art and Sue Williams, who experienced unsettling events during their stay. The inn has become a destination for ghost hunters, with visitors like Debbie Bartesko of Cincinnati and her group, 'The Boo Crew,' reporting muffled voices, invisible touches, and unexplained figures in photos, while emphasizing a lack of feeling threatened.
UFO Sighting (Amelia, Ohio)
This report details a UFO sighting that occurred on Monday morning, January 12, 2004, at 2:58 a.m. in Amelia, Ohio. Three witnesses, including 21-year-old student Susan T. and her neighbor Jeff F., observed a lighted, disc-shaped object with a hump hovering silently over homes. The object exhibited unusual behavior, dropping and stopping multiple times. Susan described it as being covered in "a million lights" with a rotating light on top and a white light on its belly. She also reported seeing a 'tannish-brown shadow' that transformed into a ball and rolled down her roof, an observation corroborated by Jeff F. The witnesses felt frightened and did not investigate further. The report notes that while Susan and Jeff's stories differ slightly, both appeared sincere, and the 'shadow' phenomenon was particularly curious. Susan is a student at the University of Cincinnati, and Jeff F. is a disabled former industrial engineer.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, crop circles, and hauntings, with a particular focus on events occurring in Ohio. The Dispatch appears to take a balanced approach, presenting the facts and witness accounts while also including skeptical viewpoints and scientific explanations where available. The editorial stance, particularly in the 'AF Must Have Frank UFO Policy' piece, suggests a call for transparency and scientific investigation into such matters. The articles aim to inform readers about intriguing local events, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking.
Title: UFO Update
Issue: Vol. 12, No. 1
Date: January 2004
Publisher: MUFON
Country: USA
Language: English
This issue of UFO Update focuses on two distinct sightings and the subsequent investigations.
Additional Witness Report (January 12th Sighting)
The report begins by detailing a sighting from Susan, who observed an object in the western skies but could not estimate its height. Jeff also could not guess the object's height due to darkness.
A further witness, a resident from Eiler Rd, reported seeing a bright light in the vicinity of State Route 222 around 3:30 a.m. on Monday, January 12. The witness described it as a very big, bright light above the trees, located in a westerly direction towards East Fork lake. Although unable to estimate the elevation, the witness watched the object for a couple of minutes before it disappeared. The time and date of this sighting, along with its general location, matched details from previous witnesses on Yelton St.
Investigation into January 12th Sighting
An investigation was conducted by contacting local authorities. The Clermont County Sheriff's Dept. (513-732-2231) reported no UFO sightings during that time frame. Similarly, the Bethel Police Dept. (513-734-2256) had no UFO sightings to report.
Researcher Kenny Young contacted the Clermont Sun Newspaper, where editor Art Hunter stated they had not heard of any UFO sightings. Young also contacted East Fork Lake State Park (513-734-4323), and the receptionist, Sandy, was unfamiliar with any UFO sightings in the area. Sandy agreed to pass the information along to supervisors and park rangers.
The report was filed on 1/13/04 by Donnie Blessing, Southern Ohio State Section Director MUFON.
Sighting of Unusual Figure (January 24th Sighting)
This section details a sighting that occurred on Saturday, January 24, around 7:30 p.m., on North Hogan Road, near Manchester, Indiana.
A 17-year-old motorist, driving approximately 10 miles north of Aurora, Indiana, claimed to have encountered an unusual 'figure' in the roadway. The story was initially relayed second-hand by his uncle, Jerry Schedel, to Bob Leibold of Natural Light Productions. The reporter spoke directly with the claimant on two occasions to confirm the details.
The witness, a senior at South Dearborn High School, was driving his black Chevrolet Cavalier southbound on North Hogan Road when he spotted a figure in the headlights of his car, crouched down near a puddle of water. From his perspective, the figure was visible through the windshield on the right side of the car.
Upon passing the figure, the driver looked in his rear-view mirror and saw it standing. He described it as a tall, abnormal figure, illuminated by his tail lights, that moved strangely with pointed joints that "buckled out." He estimated the figure to be around 6 feet, 7 inches tall. The witness stated, "I had no idea what it was," and "It had protruding joints and moved very strangely."
The figure was described as dark gray or black and 'pencil thin.' It stood up and took several steps toward the woods. The witness believed it to be male, though no clothing was noted. No face or eyes were visible, but the witness felt the figure was looking directly at him. The sighting was brief, estimated to be within a 3 to 4 second range.
Eyewitness Drawing and Further Details
An eyewitness drawing is included, attributed to Jerry Schedel. The witness lives in Manchester, Indiana, and his name is withheld from the report.
After passing the figure, the driver continued a short distance, stopped his car, and looked back. At this point, a second car approached from the opposite direction, passed, and then stopped near where the figure was thought to be. The 17-year-old motorist observed the second car make what he thought was an evasive maneuver before it turned around and pulled up behind him.
This second car contained an elderly couple, both in their late 60s or early 70s, with gray hair. The male driver, wearing glasses, asked the younger driver, "Boy, did you see something back there? I'll tell you right now, that was no person." The female passenger stated, "It was no human being. It was no man."
The elderly couple were "spooked" but offered to follow the first witness. It is speculated that the elderly couple may have observed the same figure more closely.
The 17-year-old motorist continued to his destination and called his mother to advise her to lock her doors, then called his uncle. He became increasingly hysterical and began describing the figure as "an alien."
Alternative Explanations and Uncle's Involvement
When asked by his uncle if there could be an alternative explanation, the witness suggested it could have been an "improperly dressed elderly person" wandering naked and lost in the cold (temperatures in the 20s). However, he still described the object as a "dark, shadowy figure" and "super anorexic."
Jerry Schedel, the uncle, traveled to the area with his wife about 90 minutes after the sighting but saw nothing. He noted a house and pond nearby, about 1/4 mile from the sighting area. His nephew knew the exact location but was unwilling to return until daylight.
Comment Section
The reporter notes that the uncle attempted to rationalize the sighting, but the witness openly admitted he could not accept his own speculation, stating, "I have no explanation for what this thing was, I think it must have been some type of alien."
The reporter later traveled down North Hogan Road during daylight, surveyed the location, and found nothing out of the ordinary, though the ground was covered with about 4 inches of snow.
The witness is described as sounding very sincere and cognizant, answering questions patiently and offering continued assistance, including drawing a picture of the figure and agreeing to return to the location for inspection.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring theme in this issue is the reporting and investigation of alleged UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into witness accounts, with a focus on gathering details and attempting to corroborate or explain the phenomena through investigation, while acknowledging the sincerity of the witnesses. The magazine provides a platform for reporting such events and the efforts made to understand them.