UFO Newsclipping Service - 1974 12-1975 01 - no 68-69

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated December 1974 and January 1975, is a compilation of newspaper clippings from various sources across the United States, curated by the UFO Research Committee. The service aims to provide material for research purposes only, focusing on reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena.

Key Articles and Reports

Colorful Object Puzzles Nevada Sky Watchers

A report from Reno, Nevada, on November 20, 1974, details how multiple observers reported an unidentified object changing colors in the sky. The Federal Aviation Agency identified the object as a weather balloon released from Chico, California.

Six Children Claim Seeing UFO In Sky

From Enid, Oklahoma, dated November 5, 1974, this article recounts how six children and two neighbors reported seeing an unidentified flying object (UFO) on a Monday night. They described it as egg-shaped, circular with lights, and one with sides projecting out like wings. The objects reportedly got brighter before disappearing. Police were summoned but found nothing.

Rawlins Man Describes Hunting Experience

This feature from Rawlins, Wyoming, dated October 29, 1974, details Carl Higdon's bizarre experience while hunting elk. He claims to have encountered a six-foot-two being dressed in black, who offered him pills and then took him aboard a craft. Higdon described being placed in a seven by seven foot cubicle with two 'men' and then taken 'home' 163,000 miles away to a tall tower. He also mentioned being taken home and later found talking to Roy Fleming on the radio. Higdon stated he does not drink or take drugs.

New Orleans Bound UFO Spotted

A report from Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, dated November 1, 1974, mentions Mrs. Nunez C. Pilet spotting a well-illuminated object with 'star-like light effects' traveling swiftly in a northeast to south direction. The object was out of sight within two minutes, heading towards New Orleans.

Man Sees UFO; Police Don't

From Lakewood, New Jersey, this clipping reports a man claiming to have seen an unidentified flying object (UFO) over the Clarke School field. Police sent patrol cars, but found nothing. The man described the object as having green lights and being stopped over the field.

New Castle Family Reports Several UFO Sightings

This article from New Castle, dated November 21, 1974, features Elva Mae Ryden and her daughter Lois DiGuglielmo, who reported seeing a silver-colored dot with reddish lights hovering above Coal Ridge. The Ryden family has reportedly seen a bright light in the sky on and off for three years. They describe the object's movement as similar to a hummingbird's, appearing instantly in different parts of the sky. They also noted it was cone-shaped with a golden glow around the bottom.

Residents Spot UFO Over Baker's Lake

This report from Barrington, Illinois, dated November 7, 1974, details Mrs. Madeline McKoane's sighting of a cigar-shaped object, glowing red to gold, with a luminous circle of pulsating gold light, hovering over Baker's Lake. She and her son, along with a friend, observed it for about 15 minutes. A second similar object reportedly joined the first. The objects moved laterally and then vanished utterly.

UFOs Sighted? (Plainville, Kansas)

This brief report from November 21, 1974, states that several rural Plainville residents claimed sightings of unidentified flying objects in the area and the Webster area last week. The Times editor joined others hoping to experience the phenomena but was unsuccessful.

UFO Spotted at Pine Lake

Michael Foley of Cedar Springs, Michigan, reported seeing an unidentified flying object on the evening of November 6, 1974. His son first saw the object while looking for their dog. Foley described it as a glowing bluish-green object that shot a single beam of light down to the ground. Later, he and others saw it again, described as a cylinder shape or a triangle, with many lights that sparkled like a Christmas tree. It moved at unbelievable speed and hovered over the area.

Unidentified Craft Sighted In Sky Here

This report from San Gorgonio Pass, dated October 18, 1974, details three witnesses (Mrs. Beverly Coyle and her family) who saw four identical craft hovering in the western sky. They ruled out airplanes and helicopters due to the absence of sound. The craft then moved in a southwesterly direction. Checks with March Air Force Base and Norton Air Force Base yielded negative responses regarding any tests.

UFOs Sighted Early Tuesday

Mrs. Harold Coleman of Mitchell, Nebraska, reported seeing a brilliant, flickering light in the north-westerly direction on November 19, 1974. She described it as a hovering object that moved back and forth. Dr. W. F. Mahan also observed a bright light moving at high speed. The object was described as intense white light, estimated to be 10 miles away, and disappeared quickly.

Flying Object Not Found

This report from Clewiston, Florida, describes a bright blue flying object that emerged from fog. Despite efforts by county and federal authorities, no evidence of the object was found. It was spotted by deputies and a sheriff's deputy, who described it as looking like the tail of a plane or a bright fireball.

UFO Reported By Ocala Youth

Butch Buford of Ocala, Florida, reported seeing a red object in the sky on Sunday night, October 29, 1974. He described its ability to move at terrific speed and turn sharply, unlike a plane. A UFO detector reportedly flashed as an object streaked through the sky. Police confirmed three other reports of flying saucers in Marion County that night.

UFOs Seen At Cedar Hill

Alda J. Wild of Aztec, New Mexico, reported seeing a cigar-shaped object, glowing red to gold with a pulsating gold light, hovering over a mountain in the summer of 1958. A second similar object joined the first. She believes these were unidentified objects, not airplanes.

At UFOs These Days: Fewer People Laugh

This article from Indianapolis, Indiana, dated December 14, 1974, discusses the growing acceptance of UFO phenomena. Producer Craig Leake prepared a special on UFOs and found that the ridicule has lessened, with more people open to the possibility of intelligent life elsewhere. He consulted major organizations and found witnesses. The article notes that UFOs often appear in rural areas and that the U.S. Air Force conducted a 20-year study called Project Blue Book.

UFOs Are No Joke To Tucson Group

This report from Ajo, Arizona, dated November 27, 1974, highlights the work of the Aerial Phenomenal Research Organization (APRO), founded in 1952. APRO investigates UFO reports, with a board of directors, consultants, and international representatives. Sheila Kuderle, APRO's office administrator, stated that there is sufficient evidence for extraterrestrial life and that APRO analyzes photos to eliminate fakes.

Mystery Sky Objects Are Spotted In Franklinville

A Franklinville, New York, man reported spotting two 'unidentified flying objects' (UFOs) on Friday evening, October 26, 1974. He described two bright, flashing lights in the northern sky that moved erratically and then disappeared.

Wallkill Folks Spot UFOs in Valley Skies

This report from Walden, New York, dated October 30, 1974, mentions two UFO sightings in the Wallkill Valley. John Yakle reported an object flashing red, blue, and green lights. Mrs. Ann Schulz and her family saw two flashing objects that were too bright to identify positively.

UFO glimpsed, then vanishes

Two Holloman Security Policemen reported seeing a 'big ball of fire with red and green lights on top' near the base in Alamogordo, New Mexico, on November 10, 1974. The object reportedly made a landing approach before disappearing.

UFOs sighted in County

This article from Glenville, West Virginia, dated November 14, 1974, features Mark Van Horn and others who reported seeing multi-colored lights in the sky that moved erratically and were not stars. Cpl. C.R. Davis of the West Virginia State Police also saw them but was uncertain of their nature.

UFOs can be fatter or saucier

This brief item includes photos of alleged UFOs, one described as hat-shaped and another as disc-shaped, taken by a Japanese high school student.

Morning UFO Sighting Here Baffles Observers, 'Experts'

This report from Perryville, Missouri, dated October 10, 1974, details a photographer capturing an image of an 'unidentified flying object' (UFO). Officials at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base could not explain the sightings, ruling out weather balloons and citing a lack of evidence for space beings or craft being held at the base.

UFO PHOTOGRAPHED NEAR LIMA THIS MORNING

This clipping from Lima, Ohio, dated October 22, 1974, accompanies the previous article, indicating the photo was taken near Lima by the Air Force and Weather Bureau officials could not explain it.

MILFORDITE REPORTS SIGHTING OF UFO

An unidentified flying object was reported in Milford, Connecticut, on Tuesday morning, October 23, 1974. Richard Clark described a round orange object that moved quickly across the horizon. The information was turned over to the UFO Central Information head quarters.

UFO spotted by rural family near Johnstown

Frank and Dee Day of Johnstown, Colorado, reported seeing an unidentified flying object (UFO) on October 16, 1974. They described it as a large object with three pulsating red lights in an elongated triangle shape. It hovered for about 10 minutes without disturbing animals or dogs. Neighbors also witnessed the object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent reporting of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) across various locations in the United States. There is a clear emphasis on witness accounts, often from ordinary citizens, describing unusual aerial phenomena. The articles highlight the challenges in obtaining official explanations, with authorities often attributing sightings to known objects like weather balloons or flares, or stating a lack of evidence. Several reports touch upon the idea of government secrecy or a 'cover-up' regarding UFOs, particularly in the context of the U.S. Air Force's past investigations. The issue also includes a piece on the growing public acceptance of UFOs and the work of organizations like APRO dedicated to their research. The overall stance of the publication, as a newsclipping service, is to present these reports as they appear in local media, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also acknowledging the ongoing debate and investigation into the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of the American Statesman, dated October 12, 1974, focuses heavily on UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) sightings and related investigations. The cover story, "Object Purported To Be UFO Seen," details an incident observed by Project Starlight International near Austin, Texas, where a bright object was photographed exhibiting unusual maneuvers.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Texas Incident

The main article on the cover describes an event on a Wednesday night when observers for Project Starlight International spotted an exceptionally bright object. Ray Stanford, director of the project, claims a photograph records two high-speed, right-angle turns indicative of a UFO, along with a squiggly wave pattern often reported in UFO observations. Stanford estimated the object's speed at 15,000 to 25,000 miles per hour and its altitude at 90-100 miles away. He also speculated that the drivers of the vehicle might be able to 'read our thoughts.' Sam Wilson of the Travis County Sheriff's Office stated that no UFOs were reported in the area that night. Project Starlight International is sponsored by the Association for the Understanding of Man and funded through private contributions. Stanford believes studying UFOs could yield knowledge about energy generation.

Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) Expert

Walter H. Andrus Jr., an expert on UFOs and executive director of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), stated that only about 20% of reported UFO sightings are 'the real McCoy.' He explained that about 80% can be explained as natural phenomena, light reflections, or hoaxes. Andrus presented slides of famous UFO photos, including saucers, tops, cigars, and eggs. He outlined MUFON's criteria for accepting a photo as evidence: observation by multiple witnesses, no opportunity for fakery, and film developed by someone other than the photographer. He cited a case of a flying disk observed by 93 sailors on a Brazilian navy ship, with a photograph developed under supervision.

Canadian Sightings

Several articles detail UFO sightings in Canada. In Minden, Ontario, hydro worker Allan Rogers and his son reported seeing two fast-moving, low-flying objects with blinking lights over Gull Lake. The objects were described as unlike any known aircraft and capable of changing direction abruptly at high speed. Another report from Baldwin, Ontario, describes a large, perfect circle indentation, about 20 feet across with two smaller circles inside, found on a property. The indentation was fresh and indicated something of heavy weight. In Carbondale, Pennsylvania, three teenagers reported a fiery object landing in a coal breach, glowing briefly, and then sinking into the water. The object was said to have spun like 'fireworks on the Fourth of July.'

U.S. Air Force and UFOs

A piece titled "Air Force on UFOs" discusses the U.S. Air Force's historical tactic of concealment regarding UFOs. It mentions a letter from Maj. Donald E. Keyhoe, Ret., to the Secretary of the Air Force, John L. McLucas, suggesting that the Air Force may be forced to abandon its secrecy. The article notes that a "startling UFO film" prepared with Defense Department aid is expected to be released, contradicting past Air Force denials. It also mentions that Col. William T. Coleman, a former Air Force UFO debunker, is ready to reveal an impressive UFO encounter he himself had. The article suggests the Defense Department might be adopting a new policy on UFOs.

Other U.S. Sightings

In Nowata, Oklahoma, Sheriff Bill Sutton reported seeing a bright, blinking light, about a foot in diameter, that moved rapidly and circled the town. The light was described as similar to 'someone welding at night.' In Austin, Texas, a photograph taken by Project Starlight International is claimed to record an unknown airborne object's path, showing right-angle turns and a wave pattern.

Scientific Perspectives

Dr. Michael Ovenden, a University of B.C. astronomer, is quoted discussing Erich von Daniken's theories, stating that while von Daniken tries to use scientific evidence, he 'cheats a lot in the process' by misinterpreting anomalies. Ovenden believes society's values are challenged, leading people to find security in the idea of superior intelligences. He acknowledges that while scientific evidence hasn't proven extraterrestrial visits, it hasn't discounted the possibility either.

Center for UFO Studies Data

Two pages are dedicated to listings from the Center for UFO Studies at Northwestern University, detailing UFO central calls for November and December 1974. These lists include dates, locations, witness counts, and types of sightings (Daylight Disc, Nocturnal Light, Close Encounter).

UFO Detector Projects

Two "Science for You" sections provide instructions for building a simple UFO detector. One project involves assembling parts like wires, a bell, battery, and relay to create a detector that rings when its magnet is disturbed. The second project details how to build a detector using a bar magnet, copper wire, brass screws, wood, tape, and thread, which is designed to ring when a variation in the earth's magnetic field occurs.

Calgary Sightings

Reports from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, describe two bright, pulsating objects seen hovering over the city. Airport officials suggested these might be stars discolored by atmospheric conditions, while police reported tracking an object moving at high speed. A separate report from Priddis, Alberta, describes a large object giving off a white light and making a jet-like sound, with an RCMP officer reporting seeing three diamond-shaped objects.

Surrey Students' Story

Two schoolboys from Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, David Knutsen and Blair Choriopyski, claim to have seen a flying saucer and have a photograph to prove it. Despite skepticism from authorities and others, they maintain their story, describing the object as round, silver, and spinning at high speed before ascending rapidly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across North America, the ongoing efforts to investigate these phenomena, and the varying degrees of skepticism and belief among witnesses, authorities, and scientific experts. The articles highlight the challenges in definitively identifying UFOs, with many sightings being attributed to natural phenomena, aircraft, or hoaxes, while others remain unexplained. There's an underlying tension between official denials and the persistent reports from credible witnesses, suggesting a potential shift in how governments might handle UFO information in the future. The inclusion of DIY UFO detector projects and the detailed call logs from the Center for UFO Studies indicate a strong interest in the subject matter among the readership and the scientific community.

This issue of the Haliburton County Echo, dated October 10, 1974, focuses heavily on reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) across various locations in Canada and beyond. The cover story highlights sightings over Bewdley, with two local residents describing a pie-shaped object with red and green lights. The issue also includes reports from Minden, Canada, detailing fast-moving, low-flying objects, and a young person's account of a strange lighted object ascending rapidly. Expert opinions from UFO researcher Dr. J. Allen Hynek are featured, offering analysis on several sightings.

Bewdley Sighting

Mrs. L. Lachner and Mr. and Mrs. Bert Wood reported seeing a UFO over Bewdley. Mrs. Lachner, who had seen a similar object weeks prior, described it as pie-shaped, moving slowly with red and green lights that were not flashing. It was visible for about ten minutes before disappearing. Mrs. Wood corroborated the description, noting the object's size and silent movement. Both witnesses expressed concern and wondered if it could be part of an exercise from Trenton, but Mrs. Wood affirmed it was not a plane.

Minden Sightings

The Minden area has seen a resurgence of UFO reports. Allan Rogers and his son witnessed two fast-moving, low-flying objects near Gull Lake. These objects had blinking green and red lights and appeared to be following hydro tower lines at tree-top level. Their description noted the objects' ability to change direction abruptly and move at high speeds, unlike any known aircraft. Another report from Pleasant Point describes a strange lighted object that ascended rapidly, startling the observer.

Expert Analysis by Dr. J. Allen Hynek

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, described as a leading UFO expert, commented on a sighting near Priddis, Canada. He characterized it as an 'ordinary' and 'very typical' UFO occurrence, though the object was larger than usual. The Priddis object was reported as 60 feet in diameter and 25 feet high, emitting a very white light and making a noise like a jet aircraft. Dr. Hynek expressed skepticism about UFOs originating from other planets but acknowledged the possibility of visitors from outer space. He also dismissed reports of crashed saucers and alien bodies as likely products of rumor mills.

Other Canadian and International Reports

The issue includes a brief mention of a group in Taber, Alberta, seeking information about a UFO sighting. A report from Lindsay, Ontario, details an object initially thought to be a UFO that was later identified as a low-flying aircraft. Further reports from the UK and Australia are also presented, covering sightings in Milton Keynes, Dartford, Glasgow, Sydney, and Gold Coast, featuring descriptions of various lights, shapes, and movements.

UFO Research and Methodology

The article touches upon the serious nature of ufology as a field of study. It mentions the establishment of the Centre for UFO Studies by Professor J. Allen Hynek in the United States, with an Australian co-ordination section in Gosford. This centre aims to collect and analyze UFO reports globally, utilizing scientists and engineers. The importance of accurate reporting, including details like speed, height, direction, and time, is emphasized. The article also notes that many sightings are eventually explained by conventional means, such as aircraft, satellites, or atmospheric phenomena, but a small percentage remain unexplained.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings, the variety of descriptions provided by witnesses, and the ongoing efforts to investigate these phenomena scientifically. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the subject, acknowledging the public's fascination and the scientific community's involvement, while also maintaining a degree of skepticism and emphasizing the need for verifiable evidence. The inclusion of expert opinions and the mention of research centers suggest a serious approach to documenting and understanding these events.

This issue of the Glasgow Herald, dated November 2, 1974, features a prominent cover story by Archie Roy, an astronomer and thriller-writer, critically examining the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), commonly known as 'flying saucers'. The magazine also delves into other unexplained phenomena, including Bigfoot sightings, the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle, and unusual animal encounters.

Do You Believe in Flying Saucers?

Archie Roy's article tackles the perennial public interest in flying saucers and the broader questions of extraterrestrial life and potential visits to Earth. He categorizes public interest into three main lines: the belief in alien visitation, the suspicion of a government conspiracy to hide this knowledge, and the legend of ancient super-beings manipulating human evolution. Roy notes that the term 'flying saucers' gained prominence after Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting, later evolving into the more scientific 'unidentified flying objects' (UFOs).

He discusses influential books like George Adamski and Desmond Leslie's "Flying Saucers have Landed," and the works of Erich von Daniken, which use artifacts and ancient art to suggest alien interference. Roy expresses skepticism towards these interpretations, likening them to flawed reasoning. He highlights scientific investigations, particularly in the United States, which have found that approximately 93% of UFO sightings can be explained by conventional phenomena such as aircraft, balloons, or meteorites. However, about 7% of sightings remain unexplained.

Roy dismisses claims of contact with extraterrestrials, voyages in flying saucers, and the reception of esoteric wisdom as "fatuous" and lacking credibility due to elementary scientific errors. He laments that the important idea of extraterrestrial life has been distorted by 'saucerology,' potentially hindering its proper acceptance. Roy emphasizes the vastness of the universe and the possibility of intelligent life, citing international conferences on exobiology and communication with extraterrestrial intelligence. He distinguishes this serious scientific pursuit from 'saucerology,' which he likens to a projection of human wishes for something wonderful and easy truths.

Other Articles and Reports

Cattle Deaths Shrouded by Mystery: Reports from western Kansas and Nebraska detail bizarre cattle deaths where animals were found drained of blood and with organs removed, with no tracks found at the scene. Some UFO sightings are noted to correspond with these incidents.

Disappearance of Family From Camp: In Copper, Oregon, the Richard Cowden family (Richard, Belinda, their infant daughter Melissa, and son David) vanished from their campsite. Despite extensive searches by police and volunteers, no clues were found, leaving the disappearance unsolved.

Anthropologist Says Sasquatch Is Real: Dr. Grover Krantz, an anthropologist, presented evidence for the existence of Sasquatch (Bigfoot), citing numerous footprint casts and consistent eyewitness descriptions. He noted unique anatomical features in the footprints and discussed the creature's diet and potential behavior. Krantz also touched upon the difficulty of faking authentic Sasquatch tracks and the fear associated with sightings.

Pilot Left On Runway By His Plane: In Columbus, Ohio, pilot Walter H. Murphee was left behind when his two-place airplane, somehow starting on its own, took off without him, eventually crashing after a short flight.

PSU Expert Doubts 'Bigfoot' Exists: Professor Wayne Suttles, an anthropologist at Portland State University, expressed doubt about the existence of Bigfoot, viewing the legends as similar to myths of werewolves and dragons. He suggested that modern technology, like flying saucers, might be a contemporary manifestation of such tales.

Man Shoots At Unidentified Creature Near Here: In Fordyce, Arkansas, a man reported seeing a creature resembling a gorilla and fired two shots at it. Similar reports of 'monsters' have been made in the area.

'I Really Did See A Kangaroo': Multiple reports from Indiana and the Chicago area describe sightings of a kangaroo, with police baffled by its origin and unable to capture it.

Those Who Disappear Could Explain Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle: Charles Berlitz's book on the Bermuda Triangle is discussed, exploring theories of disappearances into other dimensions, extraterrestrial abduction, or remnants of ancient civilizations. Berlitz suggests the area might be a 'roadway' into another dimension and notes the high rate of disappearances of ships and planes.

'Psychic' Occurrences Called Hoax; Daughter, 10, Blamed: In Bridgeport, Connecticut, alleged psychic phenomena in a home were attributed to a hoax perpetrated by a 10-year-old girl.

Only bats in the belfry: The bell and cross from an Anglican church on Toronto Island disappeared without explanation.

Sasquatch hunt 'irks': Rene Dahinden recounts his frustrating 21st annual Sasquatch hunt, highlighting the lingering doubt about the creature's existence despite evidence.

Antigravity motor announced: A British scientist, Eric Laithwaite, claims to be on the verge of inventing an antigravity motor based on gyroscopes.

TV Cameras In Pursuit Of Bigfoot: A TV news crew investigated Bigfoot reports in Vasquez Canyon, California, guided by Peter Guttilla.

Big Foot Seen In Tyee Area: Jean Fitzgerald reports sightings of Bigfoot in the Umpqua-Tyee area of Oregon, describing a family group.

Kangaroo Is Spotted With Deer: A kangaroo was reportedly seen with deer near Plano, Illinois.

Doubting Thomas sees Nessie: An army recruiting sergeant reported seeing the Loch Ness monster, changing his previous disbelief.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, the mysterious, and the limits of scientific understanding. There's a clear distinction drawn between rigorous scientific investigation and the more speculative or folkloric interpretations of phenomena like UFOs and Bigfoot. While the magazine presents various reports of sightings and alleged events, the editorial stance, particularly through Archie Roy's main article, leans towards skepticism regarding sensational claims, advocating for evidence-based reasoning while acknowledging that some phenomena remain unexplained by current science. The issue highlights the public's fascination with the unknown and the human tendency to seek extraordinary explanations for unusual occurrences.