Stigmata - Special Supplement No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: STIGMATA SUPPLEMENT
Issue: NUMBER ONE
Date: JANUARY 1980
Publisher: PROJECT STIGMA, Paris, Texas.

This supplement to STIGMATA magazine provides updates on publication schedules, pricing, and ongoing investigations into livestock mutilations and related phenomena. It announces that STIGMATA will transition to a quarterly publication in 1980, starting with issue No. 8 in Spring 1980. The price for issue No. 8 will be $1.00, with subsequent issues in 1980 costing $1.50 each. A one-year subscription for the four 1980 issues is priced at $5.00. Back issues (4, 5, 6, & 7) are available for $1.00 each.

Key Announcements and Reports

Helicopter Report

The publication of the "Helicopter Report," previously announced, has been delayed and is now slated for the first half of 1980. This report will primarily consist of a catalog of unidentified helicopter accounts found in the vicinity of livestock mutilation events. The decision was made to prioritize the publication of STIGMATA No. 8 over the immediate completion of this report. Notably, the report mentions that two cattle mutilations occurred in Western Nebraska in the past year, with an unmarked helicopter observed in the area of both sites, suggesting these unidentified choppers are still active.

Reader Contributions

Project Stigma expresses interest in publishing letters from readers and encourages them to share comments and opinions. Readers are asked to specify if their letters are for publication and if they wish to remain anonymous.

Occurrences, Rumours, and Things-in-the-Works

This section discusses the significant interest in the livestock mutilation phenomenon, which has largely been focused on the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, where over 30 such incidents have been reported. The article notes that while classic mutilations were predominantly a phenomenon of the 1970s and the continental United States, the "mute wave" in Alberta and Saskatchewan represents a new perspective as the decade closes.

While activity in the U.S. has been quieter, a considerable "mute onslaught" occurred in Arkansas earlier in the year, which has since ceased. Scattered reports from late 1979 have emerged from Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, and most recently, Iowa and Illinois, which will be updated in STIGMATA No. 8. The publication also raises questions about whether mutilations occurred in earlier periods, such as the 1880s, 1910, and 1911, indicating a desire to research these historical accounts.

Future Projects and Speculation

Rumored projects in the works include an anthology of commentary on the mutilation phenomenon, a bibliography of published materials, a fund for research and investigation, and an in-depth documentary by a Colorado TV station. The article humorously notes the numerous individuals who have promised to write serious books on the subject. A provocative question is posed: "Project Stigma ripped off by OMNI?? Details later."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The supplement consistently focuses on the phenomenon of livestock mutilations, particularly its geographical spread and temporal patterns. There is a clear editorial stance of investigating and reporting on these events, encouraging reader participation, and exploring historical and potential future aspects of the phenomenon. The publication also maintains a critical and investigative tone, as suggested by the mention of potential issues with other publications like OMNI and the ongoing research into unidentified aerial phenomena (helicopters).