UFO Newsclipping Service - 1977 04 - no 96

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. Newsclipping Service, number 96, dated April 1977, focuses on a variety of UFO sightings and related phenomena reported across the United States. The cover story highlights a sighting in Joppa, Maryland, where four 'flying saucers' were observed by residents, accompanied by a distinct humming sound.

Key Articles and Reports

'Non-Believers' Watch 4 UFO's In The Night (Joppa, MD)

Norman Turner and his wife reported seeing four flying saucers in the Joppa area. Norman described them as one red light with three white ones, moving slowly at tree-top level. He noted a humming sound, distinct from airplane noise. His wife, initially a non-believer, became convinced after witnessing the event. The report was made to the Maryland State Police, who suggested it might have been lights from a helicopter responding to an accident, an explanation Turner rejected.

Frightened Five Report Seeing UFO (Hawesville, KY)

Five individuals, including Mrs. Dennis Bickett and Linda Atwood, reported seeing a large, intensely bright light surrounded by smaller lights hovering over the John Puckett Subdivision. The object gained altitude and then moved slowly. Mrs. Bickett followed the object, which veered towards the Carl Rearden residence and hovered over a dog-pen. The witnesses described the craft as having a triangular inverted bowl shape with a large light and smaller lights around the perimeter. Mrs. Bickett described it as appearing pentagonal with smooth, rounded edges. The sound was soft but powerful. The group estimated its altitude at around 200 feet and its distance at 200-300 feet. They created drawings of the object.

Boy Says He Saw UFO; His Camera Offers Proof (Indianapolis, IN)

Thirteen-year-old Ricky Brandenburg claims to have photographed a silver disc-shaped object with a clear plastic-like dome circling his neighborhood. He took six pictures before the object disappeared. His father, Morce H. Brandenburg, was initially skeptical but was convinced after seeing the developed photos. The Indianapolis Star reported that police received calls about UFOs that night, but authorities attributed them to a meteorite shower.

UFO like 'lit cigar' reported at March (Edgemont, CA)

Deputy Jim Evans and his partner Bob Boytor reported seeing a 'cigar with a light on each end' at 3:30 a.m. near Edgemont. Similar sightings were reported by two California Highway Patrol officers and seven March Air Force Base security guards. Descriptions varied, but some mentioned 'diamond-shaped objects glowing silver with a blue stream trailing behind.' A scientist at Griffith Park Observatory suggested it might have been a double meteor.

Hypnotist's View of That UFO Sighting (Pleasanton, CA)

A Pleasanton woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, reportedly lost track of time during a UFO encounter. Hypnotist Mr. Allen suggested that it's typical for individuals contacted by UFO aliens to forget parts of their experience, which can be recovered through hypnosis. The woman described seeing flashing red, green, and white lights and feeling strange, as if hypnotized.

Sky Scanners Report Spotting UFO (Williston, ND)

Two Williston men, a local police officer, and airline pilots reported seeing an unidentified flying object. Loye Ashton and George Atol described it as big, bright, oval-shaped with a long tail. An FAA rangefinder tracked an object at an altitude of 16,000 feet. Northwest and North Central airlines pilots reported seeing the object between Jamestown and Bismarck. Bureau of Indian Affairs officials also saw a similar object. The official explanation given was a meteorite.

Object In Sky Was Spotted (Minot, ND)

Citizens reported an unidentified flying object to the Ward County sheriff's office. It was described as having blinking lights and flames at the rear. Three Ward County officers confirmed the sighting. Northwest and North Central airlines pilots also reported seeing the object. The Air Force had previously concluded that UFOs were not a threat to national security and did not represent technological advancements beyond current capabilities.

Was The Mysterious 'Ball Of Fire' A UFO? (Fawn Grove, PA)

Eyewitnesses reported a large 'ball of fire' illuminating the night sky for several minutes. Captain Douglas Winward suggested it was a meteor, but this was disputed due to the duration and stationary nature of the object. Robert D. Barry of the 20th Century UFO Bureau indicated strong indications of a UFO landing, citing three small holes found in the ground. The area is also near the Peach Bottom Nuclear Power Plant.

Casey Woman Fears 'Creatures' Might Want Her to Keep Quiet (Liberty, KY)

This article details the alleged abduction of three Casey County women, Louise Smith, Mona Stafford, and Elaine Thomas, by 'creatures' from an unknown origin aboard a UFO near Stanford in 1976. Under hypnosis, they described experiencing pain, a hazy air, and losing consciousness. They reported seeing beings with large, slanted eyes and described being restrained and having molds made of them. They also reported fresh burn-like marks on their necks. The women underwent lie detector tests, which reportedly showed no indications of deception. They later appeared on the 'Tomorrow' program on NBC.

'Mysterious Light' Again on the Prowl (Regan area, ND)

Residents in the Regan area reported being followed by a hovering bright light for about two years. Mrs. Barney Strand Jr. and her daughter Sindy described the light as farm yard light-sized, hovering behind and above their truck. Mrs. Strand observed it through binoculars, describing it as yellow with shimmering orange hues, appearing to twirl slowly. She stated the experience was frightening. The light reportedly kept pace with their vehicle at speeds up to 50 miles per hour.

Young Sabetha Men Claim UFO Sighting (Sabetha, KS)

Darrell Schuette and Gary Hartter reported seeing a bright light approximately 300 feet high that moved abruptly, skimming over Sabetha. They described it as neither a star, barnyard light, nor a plane, but an unidentified flying object.

UFO sightings reported (Jonesville, LA)

Two UFO sightings were reported in Catahoula Parish. Mrs. Joe Reed saw a red object with blinking lights hovering over her house. The object was described as oval-shaped, quivering, and about the size of a car. It made a hissing sound before disappearing. Sheriff's departments and private pilots searched the area after a report of an airplane or object falling.

UFO seen over lake (Manistique, MI)

Reports of an unidentified flying object hovering over Lake Michigan were filed with the Michigan State Police. Craig Gogola described the object as having flashing lights. City police officers and other state police officers also reported sightings. One theory suggested it could be a light reflected off a satellite.

'UFO's shouldn't remain mystery' (Lehighton, PA)

This article discusses a survey of American Astronomical Society members, where 80 percent felt UFOs deserved further study. Sixty-two respondents had witnessed or recorded events they couldn't identify. The article also touches on the skepticism surrounding UFO reports and calls for government agencies to release classified information.

Six UFO Reports (Yuba City, CA)

Six reports of an unidentified flying object were received by Yuba City police. Wayne Dahling described a circular, honeycombed object with a red light flashing, drifting west and then returning. Spokesmen at Beale Air Force Base and Yuba County Airport had no explanation.

Residents Report Light In Sky (Browntown, KY)

Edmonson County residents reported seeing an unusual light in the sky, described as a quick flash like the approach of a storm. It was generally believed to be the explosion of a meteorite. State Police Trooper Joe McDonald described it as looking like a giant flare.

UFO skepticism (Lehighton, PA)

This piece argues that skepticism and laughter towards UFO reports, even from reputable sources, are no longer acceptable. It highlights the numerous books, articles, and astronaut reports on the subject, questioning why explanations are limited to weather balloons or swamp gas. It calls for the release of classified government information regarding UFOs.

UFO sighted (Greenville, TX)

A letter to the editor describes a sighting of two circular, cigar-shaped objects connected together, with a flashing red light. The writer compares it to historical reports of 'huge airships' seen since 1897.

Local Scouts Spot UFO's (Eustis, FL)

Robby Tanner and Ken Spears, two cub scouts, reported seeing a cone or diamond-shaped object with red, green, and blue lights over Lake Eustis. They described it as silent and bright, disappearing rapidly. They drew a picture of the object.

Residents In Wolfe City Report UFO (Wolfe City, TX)

Reports of a bright, shiny object appearing regularly in the Wolfe City area were investigated by Patrolman David Wright, who concluded it was likely a helicopter landing and taking off from a nearby field.

South Euclid women tell of watching UFO (South Euclid, OH)

Rose Melega and Dorothy Barkan reported seeing a bright, blinking object in the western sky. Mrs. Melega described it as disc-shaped with an antenna on top, growing brighter and dimmer, and descending. She stated it was not a star or planet.

UFOs Reported In Henderson Twp. Skies (Sykesville, PA)

Numerous reports of UFOs were received in the Anthony's Crossing, Troutville, Luthersburg, and I-80 area. State Police Trooper Phillip Dale reported seeing a cream-colored object that turned red and emitted flashes of light. It was described as very low and the size of a basketball.

Deputy saw it, but what was it? (Sevierville, TN)

Sevier County Deputy Luther Gilbert Jr. reported seeing a round, glowing object with a constant red light. He noted that Jefferson County authorities also saw the object, which descended to treetop level and then rose straight up. Gilbert confessed he didn't know what it was.

2 UFOs spotted by A.F. pilots (Fontana, CA)

Seven March Air Force Base airmen spotted two gold and silver diamond-shaped objects leaving a blue stream. The objects were visible for 15 seconds before disappearing. The Air Force stated it no longer investigates UFO reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across diverse locations and the consistent descriptions of objects with unusual lights, shapes, and behaviors. There's a clear editorial stance favoring the serious investigation of these phenomena, challenging skepticism, and advocating for the release of government information. The publication acts as a clearinghouse for these reports, presenting witness accounts with an underlying implication that these events warrant attention and further study, rather than dismissal.

Title: UFO
Issue Date: March 11, 1977
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "UFO" magazine from March 1977 is packed with reports of unidentified flying objects and related phenomena from across the United States and beyond. The cover story, "UFO Spotting Focuses On Deputy Creel," highlights a sighting by a Mississippi Sheriff's Deputy. The main headline on the cover suggests a possible identification of a UFO as the planet Venus.

Articles and Reports

U.F.O. SIGHTING NEAR HAWARDEN (Iowa, March 11, 1977)
Doug Wilkens, a 16-year-old student, reported seeing a bright, reddish glow without flashing lights on Sunday evening. The object moved erratically, speeding up, slowing down, and following curves. It was described as like a big spotlight, brighter at the center, dimming before disappearing. His parents and sister corroborated that something unusual was sighted. The report notes a similar sighting four years prior south of Akron, which could not have been a plane due to its movement and lack of flashing lights.

UFO? No, It Was Merely a Test (Herald, Grand Forks, IND, Feb 17, 1977)
Bob Dunnweber reported seeing a white object hovering over Boise Cascade for about five minutes. He described it as metallic, revolving and changing from flat to dish-shaped. He estimated its size at 35-40 feet across and believed it was machine-powered. The object came from Canada and headed east. His daughter's class also reportedly saw it.

Air Force Experiment Prompts UFO Sightings (Herald, Miami, FLA, Mar 8, 1977)
The Air Force's fourth barium-loaded experimental rocket launch over the Gulf of Mexico on Monday night led to numerous UFO sightings and calls to authorities. A spokesman stated the experiment was to test the effect of ionized atmosphere on communications between aircraft and satellites. The U.S. Defense Nuclear Agency planned two more tests.

Residents In Wolfe City Report UFO (Banner, Greenville, TX, Feb 22, 1977)
Reports indicate an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) was seen in the Wolfe City area over the past weekend, appearing between 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. It was described as a bright, shiny object hovering for long periods before rapidly descending. One couple reported being followed home by the object. However, Wolfe City Patrolman David Wright stated the UFO was likely a helicopter landing and taking off from a nearby field. He noted that people had flagged him down to observe the object, which landed and departed, with a car also leaving the site shortly after.

It's a UFO; It's a star; It's . . . Venus (Herald Staff Writer Greg Dawson)
This article suggests that the UFO Thomas Kluzak saw was likely the planet Venus. Kluzak described an amber light following him from work to home. Seshagiri Rao, an associate professor of physics, confirmed that Venus is very bright at this time of year and sets around 9:30 p.m., matching Kluzak's timeline. Encyclopedia Britannica describes Venus's dazzling luster due to its atmosphere. Despite evidence pointing to Venus, Kluzak remains convinced it was something else, noting its brightness and movement. Polk County Sheriff's deputies reported seeing only a bright star. Grand Forks Air Force Base reported no unusual sightings.

UFO Spotting Focuses On Deputy Creel (Madison County Herald, Canton, Miss., Feb 17, 1977)
Deputy Kenneth Creel reported an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) while on patrol. He described it as looking like an evening star that became brighter and bigger. He contacted the Mississippi Highway Patrol. The object hovered about 20-30 feet up for over a minute, making a whirring noise. Highway Patrolman Louis Younger corroborated the sighting. Other residents also reported seeing lights from an unidentified craft. Creel expressed a desire not to have the attention.

Years Haven't Dimmed Mystery Lights in Jones (News & Observer, Raleigh, NC, Mar 7, 1977)
This article discusses mysterious lights seen in Jones County, North Carolina, over many years. Residents have reported seeing orange and red lights, sometimes merging into one or moving at treetop level. A folklore class at Lenoir Community College has been interviewing witnesses. A field investigator suggested attempting communication by flashing lights. Descriptions of size vary, and as many as nine lights have been reported in triangles. Some witnesses claim to have been chased by these lights. Explanations range from "big bugs" and "swamp gas" to aircraft, but skeptics point to the lights' movement and behavior as uncharacteristic of these phenomena.

UFO: Eerie glow at night (Record, Greensboro, NC, Feb 19, 1977)
Barbara Rhoades vividly recalls seeing an orange-red light near Sauratown Mountain, which reappeared nightly. Richard Austin, a microwave technician and founder of the Tar Heel UFO Study Group, investigated. The object was described as orange-red and elliptically shaped. The intensity of the light changed, making it difficult to determine if it was moving. The explanation eventually proposed was that the light was the exhaust from jet aircraft using the area as a flight corridor, with the Rhoadeses having a direct line of sight to the exhaust pipes.

Area residents report flaming light in sky (News, Bowling Green, KY, Feb 26, 1977)
Residents in Barren, Hart, Edmonson, and Grayson counties reported seeing a mid-air explosion or a round, glowing object hovering low in the sky. State police observed a bright flash that spread from east to west and faded. No sound was heard. Reports described a "comet with a tail" that exploded into a fireball. Some reports mentioned chunks of falling debris. A couple in Clarkson reported seeing a round object with lights all around it moving down the road. Sheriff Lonnie Swift described a "big ball of fire" that came within 18 feet of the ground before disappearing without a trace.

Mysterious light seen in area (Ledger, Canton, IL, Mar 11, 1977)
Area persons traveling east to west reported seeing a greenish-tinted light. Explanations included a comet, meteor shower, fireball, helicopter, or atmospheric conditions. A Canton man reported multi-colored lights. A dispatcher noted similar calls in the past two months. Dr. John Sathoff, professor of physics, suggested it was likely a helicopter using a bright search light. He also noted Venus and Jupiter were visible and could have caused illusions due to cloud cover.

UFO sightings reported here (Daily Press, Escanaba, MI, Feb 16, 1977)
Several residents in Manistique reported witnessing a UFO Monday night. Craig Gogola described a light brighter than a star with alternating red and green lights, moving in unusual ways. He called the State Police, and Sgt. Ronald Koski and troopers admitted seeing the object. Air Force bases reported no planes in the area. Gabriel Wessley of the FAA noted UFO sightings from Minneapolis-St. Paul but no radar confirmation. He theorized the reports stemmed from sightings of Venus, Jupiter, and Mars, though Gogola's sighting was in the northeast, contradicting the western visibility of planets.

UFOs Real, Extra-Terrestrial, Scientist States (Playground News, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Feb 13, 1977)
Nuclear physicist Stanton Friedman stated that UFOs are real, intelligently controlled vehicles from off Earth. He cited the appearance and behavior of UFOs (round, symmetrical, silent, capable of hovering and high speeds) as evidence of physical constructions. Friedman mentioned contradictions in official UFO studies, noting that better quality sightings were more likely to remain unidentified. He attributed skepticism to ignorance and suggested that governments keep UFO data secret for reasons of military study, intelligence concerns, and to avoid upsetting the sociological status quo.

'UFO's and Big Foot creatures may be intertwined.' (Page 6)
This section discusses the possibility of a link between UFOs and Bigfoot creatures. Robert L. Cowell, director of the Pennsylvania Center for UFO Research, stated that UFOs come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Joan L. Jeffers, director of administration, suggested that "time travellers" might be responsible. She also noted that Bigfoot creatures and UFO sightings often occur in proximity, suggesting a possible connection, perhaps with extra-terrestrials examining life on Earth.

Wild-Hared Scheme Kept Police Hopping (Page 6)
A "Get the Rabbit Habit" campaign by an aircraft blinking a lighted message caused confusion with UFO reports in Wyoming. The aircraft's flight was legal and approved.

UFO TAKES A LOOK AT HELMSHORE, CLAIMS RESIDENT (England Observer, Haslingden, Lancs, Mar 5, 1977)
Mrs Hilda Rogals reported seeing a strange unidentified flying object in the Haslingden area. She described it as a big white light that changed to a red shape with a red flashing light and a green light on top. It hovered and moved rapidly. She is sending reports to the Northern Network for UFOs and the British UFO Research Organisation.

Strange light sighted (Australia Herald, Melbourne, Vic, Mar 4, 1977)
A Broadmarsh family reported a second sighting of a strange orange light in the sky. The object, about eight kilometers away, looked oval in shape and moved up and down. Three weeks prior, a similar object was reported near Brighton Army Camp.

RED LIGHT HOVERS (Australia Mercury, Hobart, Tasmania, Mar 22, 1977)
A farm couple reported seeing a bright red light hovering over a paddock near Kersbrook, which slowly moved towards the ground. The Bureau of Meteorology could not explain the light.

Strike a light, it's a UFO! (Australia Sun, Melbourne, Vic, Mar 5, 1977)
Mrs D. Sheehan described an object as being like a half-moon with lights sticking out, yellow in color, and three or four times the size of a normal star. It was low and light. She believes it was a UFO, though locals were skeptical.

Knysna residents puzzled by UFO (Own Correspondent)
Reports of an unidentified flying object trailing smoke and plunging into the sea near Knysna Heads remain unsolved. The object was described as long and grey. The NSRI and police conducted a search but found nothing. The object could be part of a satellite or "space junk."

Bigfoot Hunters find huge print at Stanley (Gazette, Gastonia, NC, Feb 19, 1977)
Hunters discovered a large footprint, 14.5 inches long and 4.5 inches wide, in the snow near Stanley. UFO investigator Wayne Laporte believes it may be from an extraterrestrial humanoid. Similar prints were found in Saluda County, South Carolina.

'Fouke Monster' reports continue (Democrat, Little Rock, Ark, Mar 12, 1977)
Reports of attacks on hogs, attributed to the "Fouke Monster," continue in Miller County. The legend gained strength after a movie was made. While authorities investigate, they have found no definitive proof of a monster.

Mutilated cow found near Fort Worth (AP)
A Holstein cow was found killed and mutilated in a Fort Worth pasture, with its sex organs and one teat severed. The owner believes the cow was tranquilized before the mutilation, which left no signs of struggle or significant blood loss. The absence of other cattle hoof prints suggests they avoided the area. The mutilation is similar to others reported in Texas in 1973 and 1975.

Bigfoot Take Look At Print And Decide Yourself (News, Charlotte, NC, Mar 1, 1977)
The York County Nature Museum will display a plaster cast of a large footprint found in Fort Mill. While some theorized it was a geological anomaly, the casting suggests it might be from a "Bigfoot" or Sasquatch. Similar prints have been found in other areas.

Animal that eats ears off hogs has Jasper Countains nervous (American, Hattiesburg, Miss., Mar 21, 1977)
A strange animal has been attacking hogs in Jasper County, eating their ears. The animal is described as larger than a German shepherd and capable of jumping fences. Several hogs died or had to be destroyed. The animal has also attacked a dog, causing severe injury.

The Terror Of 'Bigfoot' (Post Intelligencer, Seattle, WA, Mar 24, 1977)
A serviceman at Ft. Lewis reported seeing a "big hairy thing" near the Northwest Trek wild game preserve, which sent him into shock. A doctor stated the man was "too unstable" to discuss the incident but was sure he saw Bigfoot. A Madigan ambulance driver reported finding footprints measuring about 18 inches long and eight inches wide near the preserve.

Mutilated cow baffles rancher (News, San Antonio, TX, Mar 7, 1977)
This is a duplicate report of the Fort Worth mutilated cow incident, detailing the animal's organs being severed and the lack of blood. The owner suspects tranquilization and human hands were involved.

A New Hunt For Nessie (Tribune, Irontown, Ohio, Mar 16, 1977)
This article discusses a renewed scientific effort to find the Loch Ness Monster, led by Dr. Robert Rines. The expedition aims to find evidence of a large creature dwelling in the lake, potentially a descendant of ancient reptiles.

Probe of fatal accident under way (Times, Seattle, WA, Mar 22, 1977)
The Coast Guard is investigating the breakup of a fishing boat, the "Compromise," which resulted in the deaths of two men. The boat was found in pieces, and investigators are determining if it was hit by a larger vessel.

Attack of the amorous toads! (London Reuter)
Experts have determined that goldfish in garden ponds are being "loved to death" by romantic toads due to a shortage of female toads.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents reports of UFO sightings and related phenomena, often with a tone of serious investigation rather than outright dismissal. While some articles offer potential explanations like the planet Venus or aircraft, others highlight the persistent mystery and the possibility of extraterrestrial or unknown origins. The inclusion of Bigfoot reports and the "Fouke Monster" suggests a broader interest in unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging readers to consider the evidence presented.