UFO Newsclipping Service - 1976 07 - no 87

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. Newsclipping Service, dated July 1976, is a compilation of various UFO sighting reports from across the United States. The publication, produced by the UFO Research Committee, aims to provide information for research purposes.

Possible UFO sightings scare wits out of boys

This article, reported by Ken Milam for the Democrat, details an incident where three 14-year-old boys in Savanna, Illinois, were terrified by what they described as eerie lighted, saucer-shaped objects hovering above the treetops late Monday and Tuesday nights. The boys, who asked to remain unidentified, described the objects as having rotating bluish-green lights and a blinding red light on top. They also reported a 'whooshing' noise when the objects ascended. The boys attempted to take pictures with a camera but were unsure of the results. Military spokesmen suggested the descriptions could be similar to army helicopters, but failed to confirm any flights in the area. The boys intended to return to the area for further investigation.

UFO sighting leaves Lithia man frightened

Reported by Benjamin Waksman for The Times, this article describes how Mike Lafferty, 28, and his neighbor, William Parrott, were frightened by a black, oblong object they glimpsed just before it disappeared. Lafferty described the object as approximately 18 feet long, six to eight feet wide, and seven feet high, resembling a van but larger. He stated he had been unable to sleep since the sighting and no longer doubted UFOs. This was the second reported UFO sighting in east Hillsborough County in less than a week, following a report by Warren Coons of a fiery object on Friday night. Sheriff's deputies were investigating but could offer no explanation.

2 spot UFO complete with lights and hum

This report by F.P. Schaffhausen for the Intelligencer details a sighting by Ronald Rossi, 28, and Judy Parsons in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. They observed a bright object, described as saucer-shaped with a dome, hovering over the eastern horizon before disappearing and reappearing on the western horizon. Rossi described the light as very bright, like a movie marquee, and reported hearing a low hum. He also noted a light directed downward from the object. Matthew Graeber at the UFO Reporting Center in Philadelphia confirmed receiving no other reports of this specific sighting.

Was Charlie Hickson Abducted by Spacemen? No, Robots, He Says Now

This article from the Arkansas Gazette recounts Charlie Hickson's account of being abducted by three 'things' in October 1973. Hickson, a shipyard worker, now believes these beings were robots controlled by a mother ship. He describes being taken aboard a craft, scanned by an eye-like mechanism, and returned unharmed. Hickson has continued to receive letters from others who claim similar experiences and has spoken with psychic Jean Dixon, who believed they came from a planet beyond Jupiter. Hickson has not profited from his experience, turning down offers to fantasize his story.

UFO Is Spotted Following Planes Near Page Field

Reported by Jan Godown for the News-Press, this article details sightings of a bright orange unidentified flying object (UFO) in Lee County, Florida. A National Airlines pilot and members of a prayer group reported seeing the object, which appeared to be following aircraft near the airport. An FAA air traffic controller confirmed receiving calls about the sighting. The object was described as moving, changing color from orange to white to red, and was estimated to be at about 2,500 feet. Other witnesses reported similar sightings, with one describing a 'blue-white thing' and a 'huge orange disk-shaped craft'. The Air Force suggested the sightings might have been a spy satellite launched from Cape Canaveral.

'Unidentified Flying Objects' Sighted Near Andreas Hills

This report from the Desert Sun describes how Mrs. Nancy Shuken and Mrs. Zelda Segall in Andreas Hills, California, saw a 'dirigible-shaped' object hovering over a home. They reported that electrical devices, including a camera flash, radio, and television, malfunctioned while the object was present. Mrs. Mickey Fine also reported seeing a similar strange shape. A Southern California Edison Co. troubleshooter could not explain the electrical failures, and no power outages were reported in the area.

Junction Couple Sees Weird Light

Reported by Joan Howlett, this article details a sighting by Glenda Kennedy and her husband in Cave Junction, Oregon. They observed a glowing object, described as a giant ball of white light, hovering in a field behind their home. They reported hearing an eerie sound and noted that the object caused no damage other than a possible change in the grass color. The object remained for about an hour.

Curious lights seen; UFOs?

This brief report from the Berwyn, Illinois Life section mentions Mr. and Mrs. Karl Pokstefl seeing three bright blue-white lights in a triangular formation in the sky. The lights moved in unison, disappeared, and were not accompanied by sound. Cicero police received no other reports.

UFO's That Looked Like Electric Geese

This article from the Vacaville Reporter describes Jim McKenzie and his friend Doug Blackhorse seeing an unidentified flying object (UFO) that looked like a 'flight of geese all lighted up'. They described it as five or six objects with long necks, flying in a tight V shape, with orange-red lights. The object was estimated to be at 30,000 feet and moved at a terrific speed with no noise. McKenzie plans to report the UFO to Stanton Friedman.

UFO sited near here

This report from the Idaho Springs Front Range Journal details Michael R. Lusignan's experience of being lost for six days near Echo Lake, Colorado. Lusignan claims to have encountered an unidentified flying object (UFO) with alien beings. He described two rectangular flying objects landing, and occupants dressed in 'Indian or gypsy clothing'. He reported hearing horses and dogs during the night. Lusignan was rescued and hospitalized, and later recounted his experience to the Sheriff, who has received inquiries from various news outlets and UFO organizations.

Maybe UFO Was Only U.S. Spy Satellite

This article from the Fort Myers News-Press discusses a bright orange moving light reported by many Lee County residents. The Air Force suggested it might have been a spy satellite launched from Cape Canaveral. The satellite carried classified information, and sources indicated the launch was related to testing devices for safeguarding American aircraft against Soviet satellite systems. Witnesses described the light as orange, turning to white and red, and some reported a 'blue-white thing' and a 'huge orange disk-shaped craft'.

UFO Sighted In County

This report from the Sheboygan Press details multiple sightings of an unidentified flying object (UFO) in central and northeastern Wisconsin. The object, described as having pulsating red and blue colors, was sighted in several locations and reported to be moving rapidly with dramatic changes in direction. Police officers and residents reported seeing the object, with some describing it as a 'flashing light' and others as a 'bright star-like object'. The UFO Education Center is compiling reports and seeking additional information.

UFOs and little people revealed in wake of tragedy

This article from the Big Bear Lake Life & Grizzly newspaper details the bizarre story of Victor J. Mertes, who died by suicide. His ex-girlfriend, referred to as Miss X, shared his account of being involved with UFOs and 'little people'. Mertes reportedly communicated with them, saw strange lights, and experienced a physical and mental decline, including an infection. He spoke of 'robots' and 'flying saucers' and expressed fear and a desire to communicate. The article touches upon his deteriorating health and his eventual death, with the coroner investigating his condition.

UFOs sighted in Waupaca County

This report from the New London Times details multiple UFO sightings by officers from at least five different police agencies in Waupaca County, Wisconsin, on Friday, June 25. The UFOs were described as having red, white, and blue flashing lights and traveling from south to north. The Waupaca County Sheriff stated that his men and other officers definitely saw something. The sightings were described as having red, white, and blue flashing lights, and traveling from south to north.

Q. & A. with Dr. J. Allen Hynek: 29 years after first UFO

This interview with Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a renowned UFO researcher, covers the current status of UFO study, the Air Force's investigation, and the release of their files. Hynek emphasizes that while there's no definitive proof of extraterrestrial origin, the consistency of reports from credible witnesses suggests a genuine phenomenon. He discusses the vastness of space and the unlikelihood of interstellar travel in conventional terms. The interview also touches upon the government's investigation not being scientific and the potential for unexplained visions to be from parallel realities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of UFO sightings across different regions of the United States, the consistent descriptions of objects and phenomena, and the impact these sightings have on witnesses, ranging from fear and confusion to a desire for understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and presenting these reports, often with input from investigators and researchers, while acknowledging the lack of definitive answers and the skepticism that often surrounds the subject. There's a clear emphasis on credible witnesses, including police officers, professionals, and ordinary citizens, suggesting an effort to legitimize the reports.

This issue of the Record Ledger, dated June 16, 1976, features a prominent cover story titled "Whatever \"They\" Are, They Are Still Around Here," highlighting ongoing UFO sightings and mysteries.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Local and Regional Sightings

The magazine details several recent UFO sightings. Marsinah Murakami of Tujunga, California, reported two separate sightings: one on April 14, 1976, of a brilliant white light that approached her home and appeared as a dull greyish disc with four dim lights, and another on June 13, 1976, of a glinting red light over the mountains.

In Elmwood, Wisconsin, on May 20, 1976, Gayle Bock, Kathy Holt, Don Yauch, and Paul Fredrickson witnessed an orange glow object that later appeared directly overhead with red and blue lights. Mrs. Pearl Phipps and her grandchildren reported seeing a golden-red light on May 31, 1976, at Fox Hunters Paradise, which moved like a star but was low in the sky.

A report from Dallas, Texas, mentions the Federal Aviation Air Control Tower receiving numerous calls about an allegedly unidentified flying object on May 19, 1976, which turned out to be a weather balloon.

International UFO Reports

The issue includes reports from other countries. In Melbourne, Australia, two women, Janette Harris and Janette Stafford, reported seeing a "mysterious flying object" shaped like a boomerang with three large white lights on May 26, 1975. Another Australian report from Robertson details a mysterious ring of scorched grass discovered on a farm, baffling police and scientists.

From Argentina, a report from Tres Arroyos on May 9, 1976, describes a UFO with swift flight and maneuvers that surprised residents. In Bahía Blanca, on June 4, 1976, José Pascali, a TV technician, witnessed a luminous UFO, approximately 30m in diameter, hovering at 120m height before flying towards Tres Arroyos. A sighting over Posadas on June 1, 1976, described a red-orange object flying very high and fast, which was photographed, though another version suggested it was a plane.

Expert Validation and Government Documents

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a world-renowned authority on UFOs, has declared the "Waterdown UFO photographs" to be "100% okay" and "for real." These photographs, taken by 19-year-old student Pat McCarthy, were thoroughly tested by Dr. Hynek and photographic expert Frederick Beckman. Dr. Hynek expressed that if the pictures are genuine, "then we are certainly looking at some form of extraterrestrial life."

Declassified documents from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) reveal that in the early 1950s, there was "grave concern about unidentified flying objects," leading the CIA to seek priority status for the UFO problem from the National Security Council. However, sensitive portions of these documents were "sanitized."

Legendary Creatures and Mysteries

The Loch Ness Monster

The search for the Loch Ness Monster has intensified with a joint expedition by the Academy of Applied Science and The New York Times. Using advanced technology, including television cameras, sonar, and strobe lights, the team is attempting to capture images of the elusive creature in Loch Ness. Dr. Harold E. Edgerton and Charles W. Wyckoff are key figures in deploying and monitoring the equipment.

Bigfoot and Ogopogo

Reports of Bigfoot have surfaced near Packwood, Washington, with fishermen finding large, human-like tracks. The issue also mentions a sighting of the Ogopogo, the legendary lake monster of Okanagan Lake, British Columbia, by two fishermen who described it as blue-black and approximately 40 to 60 feet long.

Cattle Mutilations

Western sheriffs and law enforcement officers continue to investigate mysterious cattle mutilations, noting a consistent pattern of surgically excised skin and removed organs with no signs of blood or tracks. A meeting in St. Anthony, Idaho, drew 130 officers to discuss the phenomenon.

Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly focuses on unexplained phenomena, UFO sightings, and legendary creatures, suggesting a public fascination with the unknown and a potential for extraterrestrial or unknown life forms. The inclusion of expert opinions, government document revelations, and ongoing investigations into mythical beings indicates a stance that takes these phenomena seriously, even if definitive proof remains elusive. The magazine explores the psychological need for belief in the unknown and the role of monsters in human history and imagination.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent presence of unexplained phenomena, from UFO sightings across various continents to legendary creatures like the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot. There's a clear emphasis on the ongoing efforts to investigate these mysteries, involving both scientific expeditions and law enforcement. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting evidence and expert opinions (like Dr. J. Allen Hynek's validation of UFO photos) while acknowledging the lack of definitive proof in many cases. The inclusion of declassified government documents suggests an interest in the historical context and potential official awareness of these phenomena. The magazine also touches upon the psychological and cultural significance of belief in the unknown and mythical beings, framing these investigations not just as searches for facts, but as reflections of human curiosity and the need to explain the inexplicable.

This issue of the Berkeley Barb, dated July 9, 1976, features a prominent article titled "Searchers Look Again Into The Mystery Of Loch Ness" by George Kauffman, and a related piece "Odds in London: 33-1 Against 'Nessie'" by Robert Cooke. The cover itself is dominated by the headline and a photograph purporting to show the Loch Ness Monster.

The Mystery of Loch Ness: A Scientific Expedition

George Kauffman's article delves into the ongoing efforts to prove the existence of the Loch Ness Monster, often affectionately called "Nessie" by locals. He recounts a personal attempt to spot the creature in 1974 near Urquhart Castle, which was unsuccessful. The current investigation is described as a sophisticated attempt by an expedition of top-flight scientists, sponsored by the Academy of Applied Science of Boston and The New York Times. Dr. George R. Zug, a Smithsonian institute curator, believes the data indicates the presence of large animals in Loch Ness but is insufficient for identification, encouraging further research.

The article highlights the "new evidence" and "old evidence" related to Nessie. It mentions an alleged photo taken in 1972. The expedition is employing advanced technology, including a closed-circuit television system monitored around the clock, and instant Polaroid cameras. The automatic flash systems have already shot close to 8,000 frames.

Skepticism and Previous Evidence

Robert Cooke's piece from the Boston Globe reports on the skepticism in London, where oddsmakers like Ladbrokes are quoting 33-1 against "Nessie" being found, a significant increase from earlier odds. A Heathrow Airport customs agent dismisses the creature's existence. At the British Museum (Natural History), Dr. Gordon Sheals, keeper of zoology, remains unconvinced by previous photographic evidence, suggesting that images could be of submerged wood or other objects.

Despite this skepticism, the search for more conclusive evidence is underway. Dr. Robet Rines, the leader of the expedition, states that research is being conducted in Scotland's long lake. The search is focused on Urquhart Bay, an area known for sightings. Investigators include Dr. Harold Edgerton of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Charles Wykoff. They are using the same camera system that took previous photos, augmented with several new camera arrays for more precise detail.

The Role of Photography and Key Figures

Edgerton's camera system is credited with taking the previous photos of "large animate objects" in Loch Ness. He is known as "Papa Flash" for inventing stroboscopic photography. His underwater camera, which takes color film every 15 seconds, has been instrumental in finding treasures and shipwrecks.

The article references Barrie Robertson's pamphlet "Loch Ness and The Great Glen," which includes photographs of "Mr. and Ms. Nessie" by Frank Searle. Searle, a former professional soldier with a background in wildlife, dedicated himself to observing Loch Ness after a holiday sighting in the 1960s. On October 21, 1972, Searle photographed a creature from his rubber boat, describing it as having a head, neck, and part of its body visible. He estimated it was about 250 yards away and believed it to be of the prehistoric plesiosaur or elasmosaur type. His photographs depict a humped body and a distinct head and neck.

What triggered the current scientific effort were underwater electronic-flash pictures taken in 1972 and 1975, which appeared to show a huge triangle-fin. Dr. Robert H. Rines, a dentist and a pioneer of electronic-flash photography, is the chief organizer of this summer's expedition. He is supported by Dr. Harold E. Edgerton, who is optimistic about the camera's role as "bait."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue highlights the persistent human fascination with the unknown and the ongoing debate between scientific skepticism and the pursuit of evidence for mysterious phenomena. The articles showcase the use of modern technology in investigating legendary creatures, the role of photography in documenting sightings, and the differing opinions among experts. The overall stance appears to be one of reporting on the scientific endeavor to uncover the truth about the Loch Ness Monster, while also acknowledging the skepticism and the long history of the legend.