UFO Newsclipping Service - 1974 02 - no 58

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, dated February 1974, presents a collection of UFO sightings and related information compiled by the UFO Research Committee. The cover headline, "THE MYSTERIOUS... Present," sets the tone for the articles within, which focus on recent reports and ongoing investigations into unidentified flying objects.

Article: "The Mysterious... Present" (Bradenton, Florida)

This lead article, by Robert Bowden of the Times Bureau, details a significant UFO report from Patrick Thrush on December 13, 1973, in Bradenton, Florida. Thrush, a 16-year-old with a strong background in science and electronics, claims to have observed a hovering object about 20 feet above the Braden River. The object had a tube extending to the water, and after it retracted, the craft descended close to Thrush's car, emitting a blue-green light. Thrush managed to take two photographs and found three rocks he believes were dropped by the UFO. The report is considered "good" due to the physical evidence and the witness's credibility. At least two other witnesses, John Dowdy and George Montgomery, corroborated seeing unusual aerial phenomena around the same time and location. Dowdy described a "bright orange object, going really fast," while Montgomery saw a strange light with smaller lights above and below. Patrolman Chris Schmidt responded to the report, and while his official report made no firm conclusion, he was quoted as believing Thrush was sincere. The article also touches upon Thrush's scientific theories regarding magnetic propulsion and the potential use of deuterium or tritium for power. Norman S. Bean, a NICAP member, analyzed Thrush's theory and the rocks, suggesting they might be exhaust from UFOs. Physicist-engineer Victor Ketner offered alternative explanations for the color shifts, attributing them to after-images or atmospheric conditions. The rocks are undergoing further analysis by Dr. Larry Doyle.

Article: "More UFOs sighted" (Bend, Oregon)

This brief report from the Bend, Oregon Bulletin on January 9, 1974, details sightings by a tribal policeman, Chris Still, in Jefferson County. Still reported two unidentified objects between midnight and 3 a.m., described as having white flashings or blinking. One object traveled west to east, stopping over Grass Valley, where it was joined by a second object. The first object then lowered and resumed a higher altitude. Police Chief Jeffrey Sanders suggested the objects might have been stars.

Article: "Rock Which Was Reportedly Dropped From Unidentified Craft"

This continuation from the previous page delves deeper into Patrick Thrush's report. It highlights Thrush's advanced scientific knowledge for his age, including his education in trigonometry and advanced algebra, and his custom electronic equipment design. His theory on UFO propulsion involves a mercury pool and a nuclear fusion device to generate magnetism. Norman S. Bean supports Thrush's ideas, particularly regarding the rocks found, which he claims are similar to those found after a UFO passed over Erie, Pennsylvania. Bean believes UFOs are magnetically controlled and use atomic reactors for power, suggesting that mastering this technology would grant global dominance. He also notes a connection between UFO sightings and water being pumped in or out of the craft. Physicist-engineer Victor Ketner offers a counterpoint, suggesting color shifts might be optical illusions or atmospheric effects. The analysis of Thrush's rock by Dr. Larry Doyle is ongoing, with results expected in up to two weeks. The article concludes by posing the question of whether alien spacecraft are visiting Earth and if Patrick Thrush has photographed one.

Article: "Housewife spots suspected UFO" (Vancouver, Washington)

This article from The Columbian on December 5, 1973, reports on a sighting by Sylvia E. Glidden in North Pinellas. Mrs. Glidden saw a "large circular object" with red and green lights hovering near her home. Her daughter, Janet Lafountain, and son, Dave, also witnessed the object, describing it as "too big to see all of it" and "really close." They estimated about eight or nine people in the area saw the UFO. The object reportedly moved north after an aircraft approached. The article notes that the neighbor who observed it with binoculars was not reached for comment. The children described the UFO as having only white lights that kept rotating and making no sound.

Article: "Three workmen report first UFO of new year" (Redding, California)

Reported in the Record Searchlight on January 11, 1974, this piece details a sighting by three workmen commuting from Redding to Red Bluff in Shasta County. Wally Peppel, Virgil Redden, and Kenneth Bielke saw a "really bright" light south of Enterprise around 7:30 a.m. They observed it descend vertically and then lost sight of it. Peppel reported the sighting to the CHP, sheriff's office, and FAA, none of whom could account for it. Peppel believes the object descended near the Pacheco School and was not an Airwest jet. He mentioned that a similar light was seen by a school bus passenger. The object was described as a steady light that got brighter as it descended.

Article: "Flaming ball in sky seen over Albq remains mystery" (Albuquerque, New Mexico)

This article by Diana Huntress from the Albuquerque Tribune on January 11, 1974, describes a sighting by children and their uncle in Beaverdam Valley. They saw a "flaming ball, all different colors" falling in the eastern sky. The next day, they found chunks of molten debris near railroad tracks. The University of New Mexico Physics Department sent a scientist who suggested it could be the remains of a satellite, possibly Russian due to its iron content. The debris was sent to the UNM Department of Meteoritics and then to Sandia Laboratories for material science analysis. The reporter also spoke with Rusty Ryan of the Santa Fe Railway, who suggested the debris might be slag ballast. The article concludes by questioning the nature of the fiery object.

Article: "Woman Sights Four U.F.O.'s" (Bayshore Gardens, Florida)

From the Bradenton Herald on December 14, 1973, this short report features a Bayshore Gardens woman who reported seeing four flying saucers. She first saw a "bright light" that was "enormous" with a red center, which then faded. Subsequently, she saw three other saucers, the size of oranges, flying in a perfect "V" formation. The woman requested her name be withheld due to fear of ridicule.

Article: "Scores report sighting UFO east of Weatherford" (Weatherford, Oklahoma)

This article by E. L. Friesen from the Weatherford News on November 30, 1973, details a "landslide of sightings" in Oklahoma. Darrel Nickels, a 19-year-old carpenter, reported seeing a UFO near Dead Woman's Crossing. He initially thought it was a helicopter but noticed more lights. The craft hovered about 30 feet above him, shining a bright light down the creek. Nickels provided a detailed description: about 16 to 20 feet wide, nine to 10 feet tall, with flashing red, white, and blue lights, and several "pads" on the bottom. It had a silver dome and a darker band. Police dispatcher Jimmy King reported receiving 35 to 40 calls and noted that some callers sounded "real scared." The report mentions similar sightings in other parts of Oklahoma and references historical UFO reports dating back to 1897 and a significant wave in December 1909-January 1910. The article also notes that UFO sightings have been linked to interference with electronic devices and that animals sometimes react to their presence. The Air Force previously had a special clearing house for UFO reports, which was discontinued.

Article: "Central Oregonians report seeing three separate UFOs"

This article from the Bend Bulletin on January 7, 1974, covers three sightings in Central Oregon. Ronald Stone reported seeing an unusual, bright object in the eastern sky that appeared stationary and alternately lighted red or green. Yvonne Leno, an employee at Kah-Nee-Ta restaurant, described a "dome shaped object" like an "upside down teacup" that was "pinkish" in color. It hovered for 10-15 minutes before vanishing rapidly as a jet flew over. Mrs. Judy Bruner and a high school senior, Connie Zehr, saw a "strange metallic object" moving across the sky, described as having a blunt nose and looking like half a dirigible. They observed it for about seven minutes as it flew from southeast to northwest. Other witnesses suggested the phenomena might be clouds or jets, but Mrs. Leno insisted the object maintained its shape and position unlike a cloud or plane.

Article: "If They Are Real, Can We Make Contact With UFOs?"

This opinion piece by Roscoe Drummond discusses the growing acceptance of UFOs and the potential for contact with extraterrestrial beings. Drummond cites Dr. Harlow Shapley's view that there are at least 100 million inhabited planets. He suggests that extraterrestrials might visit Earth out of curiosity, migration, or conquest, but doubts hostile intent, referencing Maj. Donald E. Keyhoe's book "Aliens From Space." The article proposes "Operation Lure," a plan to attract aliens through non-aggressive means, including dummy UFOs and visible educational buildings. It references a failed Canadian experiment in 1958 and outlines Keyhoe's proposed features for a lure site, emphasizing transparency and hidden observation posts. Drummond acknowledges potential apprehension about contact but quotes astronomer Dr. J. Allen Hynek, who views it as a great adventure with tremendous benefits. The article concludes by suggesting that if humans struggle with communication, more advanced extraterrestrials might be able to initiate contact.

Article: "Story of Family Who Saw 3 UFO's" (Albany, Oregon)

By Lee Walsh, this article from the Greater-Oregon on February 1, 1974, recounts the experience of the Charles and Rosie Dean family. The family, while fishing at Hideaway Lakes, Texas, on October 15, 1973, witnessed three UFOs. Jeffery Dean described the objects as blurry, changing shape but not color, and brighter than the moon. He noted that one object moved up and down, while another stayed longer. The family also heard a noise described as a "thud" or "banged his hand down hard." They reported seeing a third, smaller object emerge from a larger one. Mrs. Dean mentioned that their dog reacted strongly, staying under the trailer. The article notes that animals sometimes react to unknown presences. The Deans felt the objects were communicating and that one was in difficulty. They also observed a large, dark, elliptical burned area on a mountain in Mexico. The article includes a brief mention of other UFO sightings in the Albany, Oregon area.

Article: "Children spot UFO, sketch it" (Watsonville, California)

This report from the Register-Pajaronian on January 22, 1974, details a sighting by five pupils of Radcliff Bilingual School. The children painted the object after seeing it in the morning skies. Jane Fort, a teacher aide, also saw something "too big to be a jet." Rosa Rocha and Maria Del Carmen Rocha described seeing an object that was not the shape of an airplane and went around and around. Carmen Perez saw an object turning around above them. Robbie Rocha and Tom Pray described the object as "black, white, yellow and orange." Their teacher, Alberto Guarino, noted the similarity in the children's drawings and was convinced after Mrs. Fort reported her sighting.

Article: "UFO's Sighted Over Jeffco Skies" (Madras, Oregon)

This article from the Madras Pioneer on January 10, 1974, discusses several UFO sightings in the Madras and Kah-Nee-Ta area. Ronald Stone reported seeing an unusual, bright object in the eastern sky that was stationary and alternately lighted red or green. He watched it for one and a half to two hours and roused his neighbors. Ernie Koshney, peering through a gun scope, described it as looking like "some kind of craft." Yvonne Leno observed a "dome shaped object" like an "upside down teacup" hovering over the Kah-Nee-Ta Lodge. It had a pinkish glow and vanished rapidly as a jet flew over. The article notes that other observers suggested the object was a cloud or jet, but Leno insisted it maintained its shape and position. A Bend woman also reported a UFO sighting. The article also mentions the comet Kohoutek and a "fireball" sighting near Madras.

Article: "UFO Sighted On FM 413; Followed Car For Miles" (Rosebud, Texas)

This article by John Killgore from the Rosebud News on November 22, 1973, recounts a sighting by Mrs. Fay Seeley, her sons Richard and Russell, Mrs. Fay Hileman, and her son Richard. They reported an unidentified flying object (UFO) on FM 413 that followed their car for miles. The object was described as "dim, bright, three pointed" and appeared to be round with points on top and bottom. It dimmed and brightened, and at one point, blocked the highway. Mrs. Seeley expressed fear and disbelief, stating she did not sleep that night. The article also mentions other possible sightings in the area, including a "star-like object" and a "brightness" seen by other residents. It notes that scientists have photos of such objects and that some believe in their existence.

Article: "20% OF SIGHTINGS UNEXPLAINED"

This article discusses the work of J. Allen Hynek, an expert on UFOs from Northwestern University. Hynek notes that many popular misconceptions about UFOs exist, such as reports only coming from "crackpots." He states that a significant portion of reports, about one-fifth, are not easily explainable after technical scrutiny. Hynek observes that public derision towards UFOs has decreased, with a Gallup Poll indicating 15 million Americans have seen UFOs. He has started a center for UFO studies and sends out information to law enforcement agencies. Hynek admits he doesn't have a theory about what UFOs are but finds himself in "good company" with other scientists who share his interest.

Article: "Night-Flying Object 'Definitely No Toy'"

This report from the Weekday, West Palm Beach, Florida, on January 2, 1974, features Clifton McGhee's account of seeing a UFO on December 13. McGhee, who initially doubted his colleague Carnell Bales, described the object as "as big as four or five of these houses put together" and "big as an auditorium." He stated it couldn't have been a toy and that it changed colors (yellow, orange, and red), getting brighter before rising slightly. McGhee believes the object was having trouble, which explained its prolonged presence. He also mentioned that the object dipped low behind the Shell station and floated around.

Article: "UFO sighted" (Walla Walla, Washington)

This brief report from the Walla Walla Union Bulletin on January 28, 1974, describes a yellowish, banana-shaped UFO seen by a man and woman. They first saw it in the western sky, where it appeared to get darker, then much larger and brighter. It rotated and looked like a sphere. The object then went out of sight and reappeared about 10 minutes later. The couple reported no electrical interference with their car radio. The report notes that deputies recorded their account.

Article: "UFO Hisses Over Lemoore"

This McClatchy Newspapers Service report from Lemoore details a sighting by Charlie Kendall and three others on January 26, 1974. Kendall described the object as hissing and having amber and white lights. It was about 15-20 feet above the ground and made a clicking sound. The object rotated clockwise, lifted into the air, disappeared, and returned. It then sped off to the south. Lemoore police had no leads. Kendall, who previously didn't think much about UFOs, stated, "Well, I just don't know."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across various locations, the detailed accounts from credible witnesses, and the presence of physical evidence or corroborating observations. There's a consistent effort to present these reports seriously, often contrasting them with skepticism or mundane explanations. The publication seems to lean towards the belief that many of these sightings are genuine and warrant further investigation, as evidenced by the inclusion of expert opinions and the framing of the reports as significant phenomena rather than mere misidentifications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation and the implications thereof.

This issue of the Dallas Times Herald, dated Thursday, December 27, 1973, features a cover story on the "Aurora mystery grave to be probed by radar." The publication also includes various reports on UFO sightings from different locations, discussions on Bigfoot and the Yeti, and a piece on dolphin intelligence.

Aurora Mystery Grave to Be Probed by Radar

Ufologists from MUFON (Mutual Unidentified Flying Object Network) are reportedly close to examining the grave of a UFO pilot from an alleged 1897 crash in Aurora, Texas. Walter F. Andrus, executive director of MUFON, stated that while they have been prevented from exhuming the body, they believe radar technology can be used to check the grave's contents without disturbance. MUFON has been in contact with Calspan Corp. of Buffalo, N.Y., which is developing a commercial version of subsurface radar. Robert Kell of Calspan confirmed the company's work and expressed interest in examining the Aurora grave. The Aurora crash was reported on April 19, 1897.

Businessman Spots UFO

R. Michael DeLong, a businessman from Robesonia, reported a UFO sighting on Monday, November 19. While driving south of Pottsville, he observed a V of five intense red lights speeding over the horizon towards Tumbling Run. He estimated the object's speed to be between 400 and 500 miles per hour and noted its rapid descent from 30 degrees off the horizon. DeLong, an experienced pilot, was certain it was not an airplane and contacted the Pottsville police department out of obligation.

UFO Not So

This section features a report by Pamela Browning about a seemingly unexplainable object spotted by 14-year-old Steve King in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. King initially reported seeing a flashing red, yellow, and green object while looking for the comet Kohoutek. However, his neighbor later explained that it was the star Sirius reflecting off atmospheric clouds.

Strange Lights May Be on Schedule

This article from the Two Harbors (Minn.) Chronicle & Times, dated Thursday, January 17, 1974, details sightings of strange lights over the North Shore. Druggist Joseph Zastera and his wife Ann reported seeing several blueish-white lights, described as faster than a helicopter. UMD student Lee Carlstrom also reported similar lights. Dwight Moe and Philip Holbeck also witnessed the lights. A week prior, two sheriff's deputies, Andy Haugan and Fred Dufresne, reported seeing four "unbelievably bright lights" in the sky near Pork City Hill.

Prison Guards Say They Spotted UFO

Guards at the Washington State Penitentiary reported spotting a UFO for three consecutive mornings. Correctional Officer William Hill described the object as round with a bluish-green light on each side, appearing to revolve clockwise. It had a reddish color at its base and emitted some type of sparks or gas. The object was visible for approximately 45 minutes on the first sighting and then reappeared briefly before fading. The sightings occurred between 3 and 4 a.m.

UFO Sightings from Various Locations

Several other reports of UFO sightings are included:

• Moorpark College: Offering the first college classes on UFO phenomena in the United States, covering "The Literature of the UFO" and "Research Project Focus."
• Wellingborough, England: Two girls reported a UFO hovering less than 100 feet above a lonely road, described as circular with flashing blue lights.
• South Shields, England: A "white ball of fire" was sighted by dozens of people, described as gold-centered with a white tail.
• Pictou, Canada: Reports of an orange ball of fire moving eastward, trailing smoke, and another sighting of a similar object.
• Kamloops, Canada: A woman reported seeing red and white lights accompanied by strange noises hovering over the city.
• Kirkland Lake, Canada: Three individuals reported seeing a large, flashing light that changed color and disappeared behind trees.
• Oxbow Herald, Saskatchewan: Reports of two sightings of unusual objects, one possibly the comet Kohoutek, and another silver object observed with a telescope.
• Perthshire, Scotland: A fireball from outer space was sighted, described as burning with a bluish-green flame.
• Westville, Canada: An amateur astronomer explained sightings of fiery balls of light as a meteor dust shower.
• Homebush, Australia: A motorist reported seeing two bright lights that turned upwards and then descended.
• Lithgow, Australia: A resident reported seeing a bright orange flying object cross the Lithgow Valley.
• Victor Harbour, Australia: Two men reported seeing three bright lights in a triangular formation that later appeared as six lights among trees.
• Whyalla, Australia: A brilliant pale blue object rose vertically in the sky, described as a "blue glow" rather than a rocket trail.
• Gympie, Australia: A red object with a low trajectory was observed moving south.
• Turin, Italy: Thousands reported seeing a mysterious flying object hovering over the city, which was also registered on airport radar.
• Casino, Australia: Three teenage girls reported being buzzed by an oval-shaped object that changed color and followed them.

Bigfoot and Yeti Investigations

An article discusses the "Project Discovery" initiative, where scientists are consolidating information on alleged Bigfoot (Sasquatch) sightings. The creature is described as huge, hairy, and intelligent. The article also references the Yeti, or "Abominable Snowman," of the Himalayas, suggesting it might inhabit lower forests rather than high snowfields. Another report mentions Japanese climbers claiming to have photographed yeti footprints in Nepal.

Bermuda Triangle Mystery

A segment on "Timex Presents: In Search of Ancient Mysteries" will explore the Bermuda Triangle, where ships and planes have vanished. The program will advance a theory suggesting the region might be a corridor to outer space or a navigational aid for spacecraft.

Dolphin Intelligence

Soviet scientists reportedly claim that dolphins possess the intelligence of an average 6 or 7-year-old child, capable of extrapolation, reasoning, and a developed sense of measurement and perspective.

Vinland Map Forgery

Yale University announced that its prized "Vinland map" is a forgery, based on newly devised chemical tests of the ink used. The tests indicated the ink could not have been produced before the 1920s, contradicting the map's purported 15th-century origin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue predominantly focuses on unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings from various global locations. There's a recurring theme of skepticism versus belief, with some reports offering natural explanations for sightings while others emphasize the mysterious nature of the phenomena. The articles highlight ongoing investigations and the public's fascination with the unknown. The inclusion of Bigfoot and Yeti investigations, along with the Bermuda Triangle mystery, suggests a broader interest in unexplained events and creatures. The overall stance appears to be one of reporting these phenomena, often with a degree of cautious inquiry, while also presenting some rational explanations.