UFO Newsclipping Service - 1977 01 - no 93

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. Newsclipping Service, number 93, dated January 1977, is a monthly publication from Seattle, Washington, focusing on UFO news and information. The cover headline, 'Student Has Chase With Flying Object,' highlights one of the featured stories, accompanied by a photograph of a flying object.

Student Has Chase With Flying Object

The lead story details an encounter by Dominic Fan, a West Virginia University graduate student, who reported seeing a bright, irregular-shaped object with appendages hovering near the hospital building in Morgantown on November 19, 1976. Fan observed the object for about 10 minutes, took photographs with a 125mm telephoto lens, and described it as not being a planet or star, appearing to rotate and have appendages. He contacted State Police and the Morgantown Airport Tower, but they were reportedly unimpressed, referring the matter to the WVU Security Force. Fan is seeking individuals with astrological knowledge to contact him.

NH Natives 'Saw' Mystery Object, State Officials Say They Didn't

This article presents two conflicting accounts of an incident in Wakefield, New Hampshire. Eyewitnesses, including Wakefield Police Chief Michael Senecal, claim that the National Guard and State Police retrieved an unidentified, possibly radioactive, object from a pond on Bill McCarthy's farm. Senecal stated he knew what was retrieved but could not comment due to a gag order from the governor's office. The incident began when the object reportedly fell from the sky into the pond. Mrs. McCarthy described a black, flat object with a round protuberance found in a hole in the ice, which was melting despite near-zero weather. She also reported initial high radiation readings and talk of quarantine. However, state officials, including Governor Meldrim Thomson and Asst. Atty. Gen. Gregory Smith, announced that no unidentified object or radiation was found. They attributed the initial findings to faulty preliminary instrument readings and stated the probe proved the whole thing false.

Eyewitnesses (Wakefield Incident)

William and Dorothy McCarthy, owners of the farm, recounted the event. Mrs. McCarthy noted the pond ice melting in near-zero weather, discovering a three-foot-square hole. Inside, they found a black, flat object with a round protuberance. They also observed a square trench in the mud below the surface. The melting continued, and the ice became weak. Mrs. McCarthy stated that Geiger counter readings initially showed high radiation, leading to secrecy after the attorney general's office was involved. Hundreds of visitors, including newsmen, descended on the farm. The National Guard attempted to pump the pond and then cut a large hole in the ice. Eyewitnesses saw workers place the object into a metal box, which was then driven away. Police Chief Senecal reiterated his 'no comment' stance. Bob and Charlotte Palmer were told by Senecal that nothing was found.

State Officials (Wakefield Incident)

Governor Meldrim Thomson announced that state officials found no unidentified object and no radiation. He attributed the phenomenon to 'shadows of cracked ice.' National Guard Adjutant Gen. John Blatsos confirmed no government equipment had fallen from the sky. A Civil Defense worker's 'beep' on a Geiger counter was found to be inaccurate. Asst. Atty. Gen. Thomas Rath reported that rock and soil samples were taken for analysis. Despite official denials, Charles Regan, a college student, reportedly tested mud that registered high radioactivity.

Shallow N.H. Pond Still Unfathomable

This article, by William B. Hamilton and Peter Anderson of the Globe Staff, revisits the Wakefield, NH incident. William McCarthy described seeing a black hole in the 18-inch-thick ice of his pond and a square black object within. The hole was round, about 3 feet in diameter. Ice began melting around the hole shortly after. Authorities using instruments detected high radioactivity, but McCarthy was told to keep quiet. The Pentagon inquired, and North American Air Defense Command stated no object had de-orbited. Officially, Washington was unimpressed, but the news media and the state were fascinated. State officials, including the adjutant general and disaster coordinator, inspected the pond, enlarging the hole to about 10 by 4 feet, but found nothing. Governor Thomson's office issued a statement calling the report false, attributing findings to shadows of cracked ice. The state fish and game department took samples. The article concludes by questioning what made the hole.

UFO Buff Gets Unidentified Flying Escort To Group's Meeting

This report by Bob Christman of the Post-Dispatch Staff describes Mrs. Rosetta Holmes seeing blue lights traveling at high speed on Highway 40 en route to a UFO Study Group meeting in St. Louis. Willard P. Armstrong, the group's president, announced a $1 dues increase to fund technical equipment like Geiger counters. Featured speaker, attorney Edward F. O'Herin, who had been convinced of UFO existence for 30 years but had never seen one, hypothesized that sufficient evidence existed to prove UFOs. He cited testimony in court trials and recounted cases like the Piedmont area sightings and a farmer's son's encounter. O'Herin criticized the scientific community and media for disbelief, stating they wouldn't believe until a UFO landed on the White House lawn.

Hill Reconstructs Experience Aboard UFO

This article details Betty Hill's account of her alleged two-hour abduction experience aboard a UFO on September 19, 1961, with her husband Barney. While driving home from Montreal, Canada, they saw a disc-like object, and their car vibrated. They were taken aboard a craft where they underwent a physical examination, including skin scrapings, hair samples, and a needle puncture. Hill stated the leader showed them a map of outer space that bore no resemblance to known star systems. After the examination, they were returned to their car, with 36 miles and two hours of their journey unremembered. Three years later, Barney Hill developed ulcers, leading them to consult Dr. Benjamin Simon, a psychiatrist who used hypnosis to help the Hills relive the incident. The article notes that Stanton T. Friedman, a nuclear physicist, became convinced of the case's validity after meeting the Hills. Marjorie Fish, an amateur astronomer, speculated that Hill's map might represent a view of a distant galaxy, and computer analysis suggested it matched the Zeta Reticuli system.

Police, Motorist See Strange Light

Ashland police and a motorist reported seeing a 'strange light' on Highway 99 south of Ashland. Two police officers also saw the light. The motorist described it as 'extremely bright and didn't last very long.' The Medford-Jackson County Airport tower also received calls about a similar light, but spokesmen stated they had no explanation and did not observe it. No aircraft were recorded in that area at that time.

UFO Sighting Stirs CB'ers

This report from Palatka describes a bright, whirling unidentified object seen early Thursday morning. Citizen Band radio channels buzzed with reports, including one from East Palatka and another from a CB'er named Astro Boy. A former Air Force serviceman described the object as whirling with very bright lights of blue, green, amber, and white. Sightings were reported from Hastings toward Lake Como.

Flying saucer?

This article from Santa Maria Times recounts a woman's frustration in contacting authorities about a 'real flying saucer' she saw with her daughter on December 2nd. The object was described as football-shaped with blinking lights. She was unable to get any official response. The article then references Major Dick Kline from Vandenberg Air Force Base, who stated that Project Bluebook was terminated in 1969 based on a University of Colorado study. The study concluded that UFO reports never indicated a threat, did not represent technical advancements beyond known capabilities, and did not indicate extraterrestrial developments. The Air Force suggests contacting law enforcement agencies or colleges for information.

UFO reported over Camptown

A picture was made Saturday of a 'silvery, 50-foot-diameter' unidentified flying object hovering noiselessly over Camptown. James Setvin Sr. observed the object near dawn, along with about four other persons. A camper took three photographs of the craft. Setvin described the object as looking like two bowls with rims together and another dome on the bottom, with three holes equidistant apart. There were no lights, and observers felt no heat or air. The craft reportedly left sounding like wind. Setvin is the only employee at the camp who works early morning shifts.

Judge Sebora Reviewing UFO Alleged Abduction Case

This article reports on a hearing before Calumet County Judge D. H. Sebora regarding the alleged abduction of Susan Kolb, 23. Kolb claims her father, husband, and others dragged her from a UFO education center in Appleton on October 9th, destroying property in the process. She testified that Appleton police could do nothing until a crime was committed. Judge Sebora adjourned the hearing to review testimony and the police report. District Attorney Donald A. Poppy considered the incident a 'family feud' with insufficient evidence of criminal intent. Mrs. Kolb felt her rights were violated and her family should be punished.

Strange Light Spooks Researchers

William Wagner, an electronics engineer from Hopatcong, described an encounter with a 'spook light' on Saturday night. His investigative group used various electronic devices, including geiger counters and infrared sensors. At 11:35 p.m., three investigators reported seeing a light, and the geiger counter showed an abnormal increase in radiation. A communications blackout occurred. Wagner described the light as reddish and glowing, moving side to side. Other observers at a different post saw nothing. The geiger counter later registered off the scale. Wagner concluded the phenomenon was of a tangible, electrical nature. The group is part of Vestigia, and the effort involved $35,000 worth of equipment. The 'spook light' has been reported for many years and is known by other names.

UFOs: Part II

This article discusses ongoing UFO reports in Gaston County, North Carolina. Wayne Laporte of APRO and Pat Rose of Charlotte are investigating claims. They suggest that bright lights seen over Crowders Mountain could be landing lights of jets approaching Douglas Municipal Airport in Charlotte. Laporte explained that atmospheric conditions can make these lights appear to 'loob up and down or disappear.' While not dismissing the possibility of actual UFOs, their tentative findings point to Venus or jet landing lights for the majority of sightings.

UFO Sighted In Sp. Valley

Mrs. Elmer Leslie of Newport, WA, spotted an object with a reddish light on November 10th, heading northeasterly. The object moved slowly and stopped at times. The Poly Lears also spotted a UFO near Diamond Lake.

UFO Reportedly Knocks Lights Out

An Alexandria, LA, man reported seeing a blue-green streak behind a blue-green ball that caused all the lights in the area, including a traffic light, to go out. The object reportedly traveled horizontally at high speed and disappeared in a second. When it vanished, the lights came back on.

Woman Spots Strange Object in the Sky

Mrs. Janice Colby of Plainville, KS, described a large, oval, very bright object with glowing tentacles. She stated it wasn't the moon or an aircraft due to the lack of motor noise. The object appeared to turn over and had five tentacles with colored lights. She became frightened and stayed inside.

Night Passes Without UFO Report

Clark County Sheriff Loftis Messer reported no calls about UFOs on Friday night, attributing this to the high school football playoff game. The origin of the mysterious multi-colored flashing lights remains unknown, though speculation included military aircraft.

UFO Report -Bright, Egg-Shaped

A Tuolumne, CA, man, Dan Nelson, reported sighting a bright, egg-shaped object hovering above a lumber company property. He also described a similar object following his vehicle the previous year. Other residents reported seeing an aerial object with pulsating lights. Nelson described the object as looking like a large jet without wings, or a star that was very close.

Blinking Airship Puzzles Bucks

Cpl. Lamar Slemmer reported seeing what appeared to be a blimp covered with electronic advertising. Others in Lower Bucks reported flashing lights and engine sounds. Regina Gold described an unidentified object flying back and forth. Township police and State Police received no reports. A pilot mentioned a plane with an electronic message board flying around the area, possibly for political advertising.

UFO Reported

A report of a UFO sighting over Deep Creek, FL, prompted a check by the sheriff's department. A CB radio operator named 'Astroboy' advised the Putnam County Sheriff's Department of the sighting. Deputies checked the area but found nothing. The area has produced previous UFO reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include eyewitness accounts of unidentified flying objects, often described as bright lights or unusual craft. There is a consistent pattern of official skepticism or denial from government and military sources, contrasted with the persistent reports from civilians. Explanations offered range from misidentifications (Venus, aircraft) to faulty equipment. The publication appears to present these reports without explicit endorsement but provides a platform for documenting these phenomena and the official responses, suggesting an underlying interest in the unexplained aspects of these sightings. The editorial stance leans towards documenting the reports and the official reactions, leaving the interpretation to the reader.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated November 11, 1976, features a cover story titled "UFO Makes a Rare Visit Here," detailing a sighting by Fairfax County police officer Jesse Meekins. The magazine explores various unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings, Bigfoot reports, and the Loch Ness Monster mystery, with contributions from multiple international news sources.

UFO Sightings and Explanations

The lead article recounts Officer Jesse Meekins' encounter with a fast-moving, glowing craft on Route 495. Despite initial skepticism and teasing from colleagues, Meekins maintains the object was "tremendous" and unlike any aircraft he had seen. The article also mentions a Fairfax County employment counselor's report of a craft landing and burning foliage, though this individual could not be located. Reports from Vienna residents about a nail-shaped object are also noted.

Further afield, the "The View of Others" section highlights sightings in Rockland and Putnam counties, New York, involving businessmen, policemen, school teachers, and housewives. Lawyer Warren Berbit described an object he couldn't explain as natural. The article contrasts these with explanations offered by Jack Acuff of the National Investigation Committee on Aerial Phenomena, who attributes 80% of sightings to normal activities like advertising planes, and notes that a Russian satellite breakup might have been mistaken for UFOs.

International sightings are also covered. A report from Ardmore, Oklahoma, identifies a "flying saucer" as a 30-foot blimp that had broken free. News from England details sightings over Thurrock and mentions a UFO over Rushden's Skew Bridge Ski Club. South Africa reports mysterious glowing objects seen over coastal towns, investigated by an Air Force helicopter. Soviet discussions on extraterrestrial beings are mentioned, with a critique of a lecture by Professor Alexei Zolotov who suggested a 1908 Siberian explosion was caused by an extraterrestrial vehicle.

UFO Abduction and Personal Accounts

Travis Walton recounts his alleged abduction experience, but his story is marred by contradictions, particularly regarding his memory of events and the lack of explanation for a drug test that did not reveal any substances despite his reported blackout.

Bigfoot and Other Cryptids

The magazine features several articles on Bigfoot. A report from Jackson, Wyoming, discusses a "Bigfoot in Jackson Hole?" with photos of an unidentified dark object, humorously identified as "Tarzan's ma" or "Smokey the Bear, Jr." The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reportedly investigating the possibility of "critical Bigfoot habitat" in Grand Teton National Park.

Another article, "Hunters are warned 'Bigfoot' not game," details the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU) seeking help from hunters to report sightings without shooting the creature. SITU emphasizes the value of capturing Bigfoot alive for scientific evidence.

"Big Foot: Is It Real?" by Jerry LeBlanc explores the growing belief in Bigfoot, citing reports dating back 160 years and physical evidence like 14-to-17-inch footprints. Peter Byrne, an adventurer leading the Big Foot search, aims to disprove or verify its existence. Reports from the Pacific Northwest, Florida, and the Everglades are discussed, with Byrne giving more credibility to Pacific Northwest accounts due to historical references.

"Police call Big Foot a joke but others wonder" covers an incident in Agawam, Massachusetts, where 27-inch footprints were found. Local police and an expert, Lee Frank, attributed them to a hoax or prank, possibly related to a local haunted house event. However, local residents like Marianne Cascio and George Earley expressed lingering doubts, suggesting a connection between Bigfoot and UFOs.

Loch Ness Monster and Other Mysteries

"Seekers of Loch Ness Monster Disappointed, Not Discouraged" reports on the 1976 expedition's lack of conclusive findings. Despite extensive use of sonar and underwater cameras, no definitive evidence of the monster was found. However, sonar did detect large objects, shipwrecks, downed airplanes, stones in circles, and a "carcasslike shape" in Urquhart Bay and other areas of Loch Ness, warranting further investigation. Plans for future searches are underway.

"Have scientists found Nessie?" discusses a sonar detection of a sizable object on the bottom of Loch Ness, potentially the remains of a dinosaur or monster, though sonar expert Martin Klein remains cautious. The article also touches on Dr. A.I. Yelkin's hypothesis for the Bermuda Triangle, linking disappearances to lunar and solar forces affecting oceanic magma.

Unusual animal phenomena are also featured, including "Huge Bird Is Shot by Rancher" in Texas, where a rancher wounded a large, tall bird with a significant wingspan, and "Mystery shark is captured" in San Francisco, describing a 12-foot shark with a glowing mouth of unknown species. "Squid deaths" reports on millions of squid washing ashore on Cape Cod, with biologists investigating the cause, possibly related to a decline in fish populations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, presenting various sightings and theories with a degree of open-mindedness, while also acknowledging skeptical viewpoints and potential hoaxes. There's a recurring theme of scientific investigation into phenomena that defy conventional explanation, from UFOs and cryptids to geological and marine mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging further research and questioning the limits of current understanding, rather than outright dismissal of unusual reports.