Stigmata - Issue 09

Magazine Overview

Title: STIGMATA
Issue: Number 9
Date: Second Quarter-1980
Price: $1.50
Publisher: Project Stigma

This issue of STIGMATA, published quarterly in 1980, presents "THE PROJECT STIGMA REPORT ON THE CONTINUING INVESTIGATION INTO THE OCCURRENCE OF ANIMAL MUTILATIONS." It announces that publishing plans for 1981 will be revealed later and details the pricing for back issues and special reports. Back issues 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 are $1.00 each. Issues 9 through 11 are $1.50 each. All four 1980 editions (8-9-10-11) cost $5.00, and issues 9 through 11 together are $4.00.

A special report titled "THE CHOPPERS...AND THE CHOPPERS" on "mystery helicopters" and animal mutilations is available for $4.00 before June 1, 1980, and $5.00 thereafter. Orders for back issues and this special report should be sent to Project Stigma, P.O. Box 1094, Paris, Texas 75460.

Late News

The "Late News" section reports on a hastily-called news conference by Ken Rommel on April 15, 1980. Rommel, a former FBI agent, announced that his final report, to be released in June, would conclude that "natural predators, not man, are responsible for the cattle mutilation deaths discovered over the past five years." This report is cited from the ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL on April 16, 1980. Senator Harrison Schmitt, however, reportedly does not believe Rommel's report will be "definitive."

The Rommel Probe: Worst Fears Realized

This section delves into the "Rommel Probe," initiated in May 1979 with a nearly $50,000 Law Enforcement Assistance Administration grant. The probe was conducted under the auspices of the District Attorney's office in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and directed by Kenneth Rommel. Project Stigma initially supported the probe, hoping for an objective investigation, but harbored doubts. The article suggests that Rommel has informed sources that his findings will "put the mute matter to rest," indicating that most or all "mutes" are caused by predators, misinterpretation, hoaxes, or falsification. Rommel is expected to recommend against further funding for animal mutilation studies. Project Stigma hopes they are wrong but finds the signs discouraging.

Plans are underway for an alternative media conference to present evidence supporting the continued reality of the "mute phenomenon." The article urges readers to contact their Senators and Representatives to express continued public interest. It suggests that privately-funded efforts may be the best hope for progress in finding solutions.

The article also references David Perkins of the Animal Mutilation Probe, who reported in TAOS Magazine that Rommel intended to "'expose' all the idiots responsible for propagating the foolishness" and that interest in mutilations was merely for "'to be more popular at cocktail parties.'" Rommel admitted to reaching his conclusions almost immediately after accepting the job.

The author draws parallels between the Santa Fe probe and the "Condon Committee" UFO investigation, questioning Rommel's legacy and whether he was stifled or acting dishonestly. The possibility of national security implications is raised.

Mute Site Indentations

This section examines evidence of "something" interacting with the ground at mutilation sites, producing depressions or indentations, often referred to as "mute site indentations" or "pod marks." These markings are rare and seem concentrated in Colorado and Northern New Mexico. The analysis excludes burn marks or flattened areas, focusing on indentations and "pod marks," as well as helicopter landing gear tracks.

Several cases are detailed:

• Alamosa County, Colorado (September 1967): In the "Snippy" horse mutilation case, indentations were found near the carcass, forming a circle. Larger tracks led away from the site. Forest Ranger Duane Martin reported higher-than-normal radiation intensity around crushed bushes and burn marks, decreasing near the carcass.
• Lake County, South Dakota (October 1974): A mutilated cow was found with three pairs of indentations in a triangle shape nearby.
• Garden Hills sector of San Juan, Puerto Rico (January 1975): Although not a mutilation case, a multi-colored UFO sighting and humming sounds were followed by the discovery of three indentations forming an equilateral triangle. A study indicated a significant weight (14,190 lbs.) would be required to make these imprints, and grass failed to grow back over them.
• Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, near Dulce (June 1976): Multiple cattle mutilations occurred, with two types of tracks found: round "inverted suction cups" and triangular indentations. Radiation measurements were higher in and around the indentations, with a decrease near the carcass. Small bushes around the imprints appeared wilted, and an oily substance was found. UFO sightings had been reported in the area.
• Logan County, Colorado, NE of Iliff (September 1976): Two sets of tracks were found: large circular ones and smaller tripod formations. Strange lights were seen the night before.
• Logan County, Colorado, north of Iliff (September 1976): Indentations were found in the immediate area of a cattle mutilation site.
• Logan County, Colorado, near Atwood (November 1976): "Strange pod marks made by an unknown vehicle" were found near a mutilated carcass, described as similar to tripod formations.
• Logan County, Colorado, near Atwood (November 1976): "Strange skid marks" and three circular indentations forming a triangle were discovered near a mutilated carcass. Strange airborne lights were reported.
• Logan County, Colorado, near Proctor (November 1976): "Rectangular-shaped impressions" were found near a carcass, and strange lights were observed.

The article then compares these mute site indentations with patterns found at "conventional" UFO landing sites, referencing Fred Merritt's paper. Merritt's analysis of 37 UFO landing-imprint reports suggests that mute site imprint patterns are generally smaller and do not closely match "conventional" UFO landing traces, though some "Catena IV" reports show some similarities.

Corrections, Retractions and Elucidations

• Robert S. Somerville has withdrawn his book "UFO TERMS" from publication due to needed corrections and revisions.
• A correction is made regarding the publication "MELVILLE ADVOCATE" which should be "MELVILLE ADVANCE," published by Denis Corneau.
• A report on mutilations in countries other than the U.S. and Canada, scheduled for this issue, will appear in the next edition.
• Producer Linda Howe's documentary film "A Strange Harvest" on mutilations is scheduled for airing in May on KMGH in Denver.

Letters

Richard Schulz of Los Angeles, California, expresses concern that some mutilations might be "hyper-spatial/collective unconscious phenomena" rather than cultist or CIA activities, and fears the range of mutilations could extend to humans.

Another letter addresses a statement made by Bill Meilen, a cult expert, who believes that evidence regarding mutilations "points to biopsies being performed by beings using a means of flight beyond our comprehension." Meilen noted Canadian mute items including animal fractures consistent with being dropped from a height and the strange death of flies on corpses, suggesting radiation as a possible cause.

The investigation of a cow mutilation in Henderson County, Illinois, is described where sex organs and the bag were removed with extreme skill, and flies died upon contact with the membrane, a phenomenon also noted in the case mentioned by Bill Meilen, suggesting radiation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the persistent mystery and ongoing investigation into animal mutilations. The magazine maintains a critical stance towards official investigations, particularly the "Rommel Probe," suggesting that official conclusions may be dismissive or flawed. STIGMATA positions itself as a platform for presenting evidence and alternative perspectives that support the continued reality and significance of the animal mutilation phenomenon. There is an underlying concern that the issue might extend beyond animals to human implications, and a belief that privately funded research may be more fruitful than government-led efforts. The publication also highlights the potential connection between these events and UFO phenomena, while noting discrepancies between reported site evidence and conventional UFO landing traces.

STIGMATA, Volume 3, Issue 10, dated April 1980, is a magazine focused on the phenomenon of livestock mutilations and its potential connections to UFOs. The issue features a collection of letters from readers and an editor's note, discussing various cases, theories, and alleged government cover-ups.

Letters and Case Discussions

The issue opens with a continuation of letters, detailing Sheriff Marshall's 'controlled experiment' in Arkansas. Marshall's team placed a sick cow under surveillance to test the predator theory. He concluded that natural scavengers like buzzards and skunks, along with blowflies, could account for the appearance of mutilations, attributing the 'cutting' to the animals' feeding habits and the 'draining' of blood to absorption. He estimated this explained up to 95% of cases, with the rest possibly being pranks.

However, the editor notes that this explanation is insufficient for 'classic' mutilations and does not align with all findings across the U.S. and Canada. The article also questions why the Department of Criminal Investigations in Iowa was still investigating 'satanic cults' for recent mutilations, seemingly unaware of the 'controlled experiment' theory.

Another letter details the Gordon Melvin farm incident in Warren County, Illinois, on January 23, 1977. This case involved 'mystery helicopters' reported prior to the mutilation. The mutilated cow was found with its feet in the air, suggesting it was dropped from a great height. There were no footprints or human evidence, and the cow's ears and udders were cleanly removed, with a specific cut near the anus. The writer suggests UFOs could be responsible, finding no other explanation.

A letter from Grant Callison, Field Investigator for MUFON, addresses the 'controlled experiment' and Sheriff Marshall's findings. He also references the Laverne Fox mutilation in Henderson County, Illinois, where the sheriff dismissed it as a cult activity but could not identify any suspects. Callison also mentions the investigation in Des Moines, Iowa, where officials suggested witchcraft and cultists were responsible, but he felt an undercover investigation would have been more appropriate than public statements.

Tommy R. Blann from Lewisville, Texas, also discusses the 'controlled experiment' and Sheriff Marshall. He notes that the Santa Fe office in New Mexico provided photos showing identical characteristics in mutilations to those recorded in Iowa, specifically mentioning a lip cut at the same place on the mouth. Blann questions the predator theory's persistence since 1973 and expresses concern that UFO buffs' 'far-out theories' are damaging the credibility of a potential UFO-mutilation connection. He argues that while predators and pranks account for some mutilations, 95% is too high, urging a focus on all facts.

Michael Hoffman from Geneva, New York, writes about the connection between 'rape/mute' of 'Mater Terra' and the archetype of the female, suggesting a broader ecological and feminist perspective. He encourages speculation and in-depth analysis, even if not fully proven.

The editor's note responds to Hoffman, acknowledging that while STIGMATA aims for objective reportage, speculative material has been included and will continue to be. The letters section is identified as a forum for speculation, with material judged on its merits. The editor explains that a lack of time and space limited in-depth speculation in a previous article.

A detailed account from western South Dakota describes a mutilation on October 14, 1974. The cow had a large slit in its jaw from which the tongue was removed, and its teats and one ear were also missing. A needle mark was found on the neck, and the intestine and uterine area were removed in a sleeve-like fashion. The writer notes the absence of blood, despite the appearance of active bleeding, and suggests the cow may have been dropped from the air. Fox tracks were found nearby, but the writer dismisses the predator theory, as a deer that died at the same time was consumed by scavengers, while the cow was untouched.

Further inquiry in Perkins County, South Dakota, indicated two other mutilations occurred on the same night. In North Dakota, five reports were also noted. A neighbor reported a brown car leaving the area of a mutilation daily for several days.

UFOs and Government Secrecy

Cliff Stone, a private UFO researcher, writes about his findings, emphasizing that his claims are fact and verifiable through Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts. He calls for Congress to create a committee for a scientific UFO study, alleging that the U.S. Senate was misled by the Pentagon in 1968. Stone references the conclusions of the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book, which stated that UFOs posed no threat, did not represent unknown technology, and were not extraterrestrial. However, Stone argues that these conclusions were based on incomplete facts.

He provides an example of a 1967 incident where Cuban Air Defense radar detected a UFO, and two Cuban jets were sent to intercept it. When the jets attempted to fire, the UFO vaporized one of them. This incident, monitored by the U.S. Air Force's Security Service, was classified and not filed with Project Blue Book.

Stone notes that despite the termination of Project Blue Book in 1969, various intelligence agencies, including the State Department, NSA, CIA, and DIA, continue to investigate UFOs, with reports dating into the late 1970s. He criticizes President Carter for not fulfilling his promise to make UFO information available to the public and scientists, stating that classified information and intelligence reports on UFOs are held by these agencies.

Stone questions how something claimed to be non-existent by the government can be a matter of national defense, especially when it has never indicated a threat to national security. He urges readers to contact their Congressmen to demand a new scientific study of the UFO phenomenon based on all available facts.

Reader Comments on "Lumes" and Other Topics

Following Stone's letter, reader comments on a previous letter concerning "lumes" are included. One reader found the "lumes" letter borderline lunatic but fascinating, preferring more substantial material. Another reader commented on a serviceman who committed atrocities, drawing a parallel to war horrors that seemed to come naturally to some individuals.

A letter from Pennsylvania discusses Sonic Holography and its potential for surveillance, comparing it to the ability to "see and overhear conversations" even through opaque confines. The writer also mentions Dr. Peter Beter's audio-tape letters, which include claims about President Jimmy Carter being replaced by a 'Rhobetoid' created through an 'ultra-sonic cerebral hologram'.

The writer finds the mention of satellites particularly interesting, viewing them as a tool for bringing about a '1984' scenario. They express a desire to remain an individual, shouting, "I am not a number, I'm a man."

An editor's note references a UPI wire service item from November 11, 1974, titled "Space Brainwash Possible." This report from the United Nations suggests that satellites can beam subliminal messages directly to television sets to brainwash people, influence politics, and mass-hypnotize populations. While banned in some European nations, this technique was not banned in the U.S.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are livestock mutilations, the inadequacy of conventional explanations like the predator theory, the potential involvement of UFOs, and allegations of government secrecy and cover-ups regarding UFO investigations. The magazine also touches upon the impact of public perception and media on the credibility of UFO research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the possibility of UFO involvement while also valuing factual reporting and encouraging critical analysis of all available evidence, even if it involves speculation.

Title: More On Choppers
Issue Date: March 1977 (Issue No. 1 of THE CATTLE REPORT)
Publisher: Thomas R. Adams
Content Focus: This publication serves as a supplement to information previously presented regarding animal mutilations and unidentified helicopters. It draws from news articles and interviews compiled by Ed Sanders for "THE CATTLE REPORT."

The Air Force & The Great Chase of Northern Colorado

The article details an incident on the night of Wednesday, August 21, 1975, in Logan County, Colorado, which is described as a possible deliberate deception maneuver by cattle mutilators. The event involved decoy men, possibly disguised as Air Force officers, who may have been used to confuse and misdirect a concerted land and air chase of helicopters suspected of being involved in cattle mutilations.

Logan County, known for its sugar beet, grain, and cattle farming, had been experiencing nightly helicopter activity, with cattle found mutilated each morning. Local law enforcement, including Sheriff's officers and private groups like "I-80 Control" (a group of CBers), had been organizing to pursue these "phantom copters."

Around 10 PM on August 21, 1975, a helicopter was reported heading into Logan County from the east. Sheriff Tex Graves and his staff initiated a chase, joined by approximately 17 ground units. Sheriff Graves also rented a private plane, accompanied by two sheriff's officers and a pilot, allowing them to fly without lights in the clear night sky.

During the chase, a pickup truck carrying two individuals identifying themselves as Air Force officers joined the pursuit. They claimed to be receiving radar information from Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, which is responsible for Minuteman missile sites in the Logan County area. The Sheriff's ground vehicles lacked the necessary equipment to pick up Air Force frequencies and relied on the information relayed from the pickup truck regarding the aircraft's supposed location as indicated by the air force base's radar.

The following day, reporters and sheriff's officers learned from Warren Air Force Base that they possessed no radar system capable of tracking the helicopters. Their only radar facilities were for weather tracking. Sheriff Graves later described the individuals in the pickup as "pickup with Air Force jokers playing games."

The chase extended into southern Nebraska. The individuals in the pickup truck continued to announce that "radar" indicated another aircraft near the chase plane. However, the officers and pilot in the rented plane, despite the moonlit night, reported seeing nothing. Sheriff Graves told the Greeley, Colorado TRIBUNE that the two men in the pickup "never saw a thing."

The chase concluded around 4:30 AM near a missile site in southwestern Nebraska when the spotter plane lost sight of the helicopter. Reporter Bill Jackson of the Sterling, Colorado, JOURNAL-ADVOCATE, described seeing lights below the aircraft, but upon descending to 100-150 feet, nothing was visible except a missile silo.

The incident raises several questions:
1. Were the two individuals from the Air Force merely practical jokers?
2. Were they masquerading as Air Force personnel and possibly part of a larger "mutilation network" that may have spent millions of dollars across numerous states?
3. Is the United States Air Force involved in supplying cover for the mutilators?

Sources cited for this report include interviews with the Logan County Sheriff's Office, Bill Jackson, and references to AP dispatches and articles from the OMAHA WORLD-HERALD, Greeley, Colorado TRIBUNE, and STERLING JOURNAL-ADVOCATE.

More On Mystery Helicopters

This section presents information from a letter by Vincent White, dated May 16, 1979, concerning livestock rustling and mystery helicopter incidents in 1973-1974 in the area of Fredericktown, Madison County, Missouri.

Vincent White's brother, during a wilderness excursion, spent time near Fredericktown and heard large helicopters flying frequently, both day and night. He observed them appearing to enter the desolate, unpopulated area empty and leave loaded.

On one occasion, he was within a quarter of a mile of a hovering Chinook helicopter. Being familiar with military aircraft, he noted that this chopper was hovering "right in the trees" on a slope between two small "mountains." The aircraft was completely unmarked and a strange green color, unlike anything he had seen before. He was surprised by the lack of insignia.

Either on that day or the next, an F-5 or possibly an F-18 aircraft flew overhead at medium altitude. While he did not specifically inquire about cattle mutilations with the local farmers, Vincent White's impression was that the farmers were very nervous and "spooked" about something and reluctant to speak with strangers.

Old Mutes?

This section presents an account of sheep slaughter from 1606, submitted by Miss Elizabeth Hilts of Regina, Saskatchewan. The incident is cited from a private book of "Oddities," derived from a diary or personal papers from the court of James I of England.

The entry for February 10, 1606, describes a "strange accident" near the City of London and adjoining shires, involving whole slaughters of sheep. In some places, up to 100 sheep were killed, with only their tallow and some inward parts taken. The carcasses and fleece remained. The cause was unknown, but "most agree that it tendeth towards some fireworks." The author of the article wonders if this implies singeing or burning of the animals.

The paragraph is cited from "A JACOBEAN JOURNAL, being a Record of Those Things Most Talked About...1603-1606," by G.G. Harrison, and its original source is "THE COURT AND TIMES OF JAMES I," edited from the Collections of Thomas Birch.

Call to Action from STIGMATA

Gerald W. Admires of Holt, Missouri, has prompted the re-printing of a notice originally appearing in STIGMATA No. 4 (Summer 1978). The notice urges readers to help dispel any tendency by law enforcement personnel to cover up livestock mutilation information.

Readers are asked to encourage anyone who knows of a stock mutilation to report it to the Sheriff and to Project Stigma (P.O. Box 1094; Paris, TX 75460; 214-784-5922). The notice emphasizes encouraging sheriffs to investigate mutilations objectively and to confer with other investigators, stating that failure to investigate is a dereliction of duty.

Future Content

The next edition of STIGMATA is announced to cover "The mutes - a global phenomenon?" and "The latest 1980 reports from Colorado, Kansas, South Dakota and (?)."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the phenomenon of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), specifically focusing on mystery helicopters and their potential connection to cattle mutilations. There is a strong undercurrent of suspicion regarding government cover-ups, particularly involving the Air Force, and a call for transparency and objective investigation by law enforcement. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official explanations and a commitment to uncovering the truth behind these unexplained events, drawing on witness accounts, historical records, and investigative journalism. The publication also highlights the need for public awareness and engagement in reporting and investigating such incidents.