UFO Newsclipping Service - 1978 06 - no 107

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. Newsclipping Service, dated June 1978, is identified as issue number 107. It is published by the U.F.O. Newsclipping Service from Plummerville, Arkansas, USA. The co-editors are Lucius Farish and Rod B. Dyke. The magazine focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, presenting various witness accounts and some analysis.

The Thing In The Picture

The lead article, "The Thing In The Picture," details a sighting by Steve Molnar, a young soldier from Ft. Bragg, NC. Molnar claims to have photographed an unidentified object on the night of Wednesday, March 22, near the 82nd Airborne museum. He described the object as having five sides with red lights in a circle, hovering silently for four or five seconds before flying off. He compared its shape to a pizza or a discus. A spokesman for Pope Air Force Base suggested that the object might have been a reflection in the moonlit and foggy conditions. The article questions whether the sighting was a UFO or a fake, noting that the picture could be interpreted as a butterfly or a pizza painted white.

Analysis of Molnar's Sighting

In a separate section, the editors discuss Molnar's account. They assume his story is true and consider the possibility that the picture shows a "blob of moonlight." While believing Molnar saw something and took a picture, they caution that this does not necessarily make it a flying saucer.

Does UFO Like York County?

This section reports on multiple UFO sightings in York County, PA. Mrs. Norma Smith and her husband Wayne reported seeing a "big, round object" about 100 feet above the ground near Strinestown. It emitted a pulsating sound and had three red lights at the back. The object beamed a bright light down on their car. They also noted wires like antennae and small wheels on the underside. The Smiths plan to speak with other local residents who reported similar sightings.

Mild UFO Flap In York Area?

Robert D. Barry, a researcher-investigator for the 20th Century UFO Bureau, describes a "mild UFO flap" in York County, noting an unusual number of sightings. He interviewed several witnesses, including Robert S. Hake of Red Lion, who provided a sketch of a craft with a round or oval shape, winglike protrusions, and a tail structure, which he saw at close range near the York County Shopping Center. Hake described forward-shining lights and red lights on the tail. Barry mentions that many people fail to report sightings due to fear of ridicule, and that many skeptics become believers after witnessing something.

Three More Saw UFO

This article from the Daily Record in York, PA, reports on three more witnesses: Keith Oberdick, David Golden, and Terry Harris, who saw a UFO around 12:05 a.m. on Friday. They described a pair of bright lights moving south, accompanied by a humming noise. They were certain it was not an airplane or helicopter due to its speed. Oberdick was pleased to learn of other accounts, like Hake's, that corroborated their experience.

SV Boys See Possible UFO

Billy Pontbriand and Andy McVey, two 13-year-olds from Simi Valley, CA, reported seeing a glowing object with a tower and a bright light on top moving in a southwesterly direction. They observed it for about seven seconds and certified the time as 7:35 p.m. They distinguished it from a jet that had flown over earlier.

UFO Sighting's No Joke For Two Dowagiac Youths

George Florian and Chuckie Smith, along with two other youngsters, reported seeing an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) in Dowagiac, MI, at 9:12 p.m. on a Saturday night. They described two hazy lights that merged into one, moving, fading, and reappearing. They reported the incident to the Dowagiac Police Department, but by the time officials arrived, the UFO had disappeared. The boys dismissed the possibility of it being an airplane due to the lights' appearance and behavior.

Saso Debunks UFO Sighting

In contrast to other reports, Ken Saso of Morgan Hill, CA, identified a UFO sighting reported by another family as a "publicity stunt." Saso and his family saw a craft with "Datsun Saves" written on it, which they later realized was a blimp advertising for Datsun.

UFO Reported By Couple at Royal

Trudy and Vernon Vawter of Royal, AR, reported seeing a bright orange, banana or crescent-shaped object traveling northwest over Brady Mountain. Vernon Vawter, an artist, corroborated his wife's account and drew a sketch of the object, describing it as larger than a full moon and brighter. They observed it for about 30 minutes before it disappeared behind the mountain, leaving a bright glow.

Eerie Light Reported

This report from Tylertown, MS, describes an eerie bright light that emitted gray smoke and rays. Five people in the community spotted the object, which disappeared behind trees. Two similar sightings were reported in the same area the previous year.

UFOs Spotted Over West Side

A group of unidentified flying objects, described as 13 small, "black, round objects," was spotted over the West Side of St. Paul, MN, by several citizens and three police officers. The objects were viewed with the naked eye and binoculars and made no sound.

Councilman: UFO Wasn't Helicopters

Fritz Werdouschegg, a New Brighton councilman, reported seeing an unexplained object in the sky over New Brighton or Shoreview. He stated that it was not helicopters, describing it as having 14 or 16 yellow lights and a center red light, with no noise. He believes the object was too slow for a jet and its lights did not resemble those of any plane he's seen.

Another UFO Sighting Reported

Marie Schmidt of Rockwood, MI, reported seeing a "gigantic gray machine" with a "serolled tail" flying past her home. She described it as being very large and close to the ground, with many individual lights on the bottom and a large flood light on the back. She speculated it was from another planet.

UFO sighted on Hi-way 13 near Ralph White Lake

In Moffat County, CO, Steve Bourdette, a jailer, received a call about a UFO sighting. He and two deputies, Wes Hodges and Bruce Johnson, went with the caller, Mr. James Wehunt, and all three spotted a large, bright, round object that changed colors and disappeared in a vapor mist.

Vermonters Encounters Of The First Kind

A group of Vermonters in West Arlington reported seeing a triangular configuration of lights hovering and moving in the sky. Mrs. Sandy Wright and Peter Johnson observed the object, which they described as having bright lights and a hue of pastel colors. They reported the sightings to various authorities but received no explanation.

UFO being warns doc of nuclear disaster

This article details an interview by San Antonio radio newsman Michael Packer with Dr. Leopoldo Diaz, a Mexican doctor. Dr. Diaz claims to have been visited by a "spaceman" who warned that the world was heading for a speedy end due to its increasing reliance on nuclear energy. The "spaceman" described "static electricity" as a clean energy source and warned against nuclear power. He also claimed that extraterrestrial beings have been visiting Earth and communicating with governments, who are withholding this information from the public.

Another belated UFO sighting told to J-T

A longtime citizen reported a sighting from May 1967. He described a silver or light gray vehicle, longer than a football field, with protrusions underneath and blue and white flashing lights. He heard no noise as it moved southeast. He also noted an open portion behind transparent material, possibly a room with a light green gas. He has watched the skies ever since.

Have You Ever Stopped to Think About

This piece reflects on the "Marshall-ating gate" events and a sighting of seven UFOs in a line moving at high speed over Searcy County. The author, Lisa Breckenridge, describes the objects as pale yellow with a red glow pulsating at the rear, and "utterly, unbelievably huge in size."

UFO was 'brightest thing I'd ever seen'

Sally Stoddart of Eden Prairie, MN, reported seeing a triangular craft with red lights and bright beams of light. She described it as the "brightest thing I'd ever seen" and noted it sounded like a helicopter but was not one. She and her husband, along with occupants of another car, chased the object.

Bucks men report UFO encounter

Steven Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" is referenced in this report about Gene H. Epstein, a Bucks County businessman, and his friend John E. Karpac. They reported seeing four extremely bright, white lights hovering overhead that accelerated rapidly and disappeared. A NICAP investigator was scheduled to meet with Epstein.

Claim UFO Sighted in This Area

Gail Brady of Bruce Crossing, MI, reported being followed by a low-flying, blinking UFO. Police observed a cylindrical object flying low in the area. The report mentions the possibility of northern lights creating the illusion.

Family Spots UFO In Area

Harold Pyle and his son, Jefferey, reported seeing a bright orange light hovering near the Laurel Mountains. They described it as a "big oval-shaped orange light" that flashed. They pursued the object in their car.

Cat 'Crazy' As UFO Is Sighted

Mavis McBride of Estral Beach, MI, reported seeing a UFO that was long, with two big bright lights and a reddish-orange light underneath. Her cat reportedly acted "crazy" before and during the sighting. She believes there must be "something out there we don't know about."

UFO reported over Moorhead

An unidentified flying object was spotted hovering over a south Moorhead, ND, apartment building. Witnesses described it as a huge object with flashing lights that moved up and down before taking off, leaving a cloud of fog.

Man Reports Sighting UFO

A man in Gering, NE, reported seeing a "very bright light" flying in a zigzag pattern between Mitchell and Scottsbluff. The object stopped, then ascended vertically at high speed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and the ongoing mystery surrounding these phenomena. The publication presents a variety of accounts, ranging from detailed descriptions of craft and their movements to more ambiguous sightings of lights. There is an acknowledgment of skepticism and the possibility of misidentification or hoaxes, as seen in the "Saso Debunks UFO Sighting" article. However, the overall stance appears to be one of documenting these reports and encouraging further investigation, as evidenced by the involvement of UFO research groups like NICAP and the 20th Century UFO Bureau. The issue also touches upon the potential implications of UFOs, including warnings about nuclear energy and the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence.

Title: STAR-BANNER
Issue Date: May 16, 1978
Content Type: Magazine Issue

Main Cover Story: Close Encounters In Ocala Forest

The main headline of this issue is "Close Encounters In Ocala Forest," with a sub-headline "Eerie Lights, UFO Sighted On SR 19." The article details a UFO sighting that occurred on Sunday, May 14, 1978, around 10:05 PM, in the Ocala National Forest, Florida. The incident began with a phone call to Duty Officer Robert J. Clark at the Pinecastle Electronic Warfare Range from a woman reporting eerie lights.

Shortly after, Clark received a second call from a man who, along with seven others, reported seeing a UFO on SR 19 near Silver Glen Springs. The object was described as approximately 50 to 60 feet in diameter with flashing lights, flying directly over their vehicle. The caller stated they got a good look at it before it disappeared.

Clark contacted the Jacksonville Naval Air Station to inquire about any known aircraft in the area, but none were reported. He then proceeded with other personnel to observe the sky. Using binoculars, they located an object due north, about 1,500 feet above the trees, which appeared stationary for 15 to 20 minutes.

When the object did not appear on Pinecastle's radar, they brought the radar in, which then tracked the object. TD-2 Timothy Collins, the radar scope operator, described the object's movement as abnormal, stating it moved south and then north in a split second, with a turning radius that planes do not possess. Collins, a self-proclaimed skeptic, was puzzled by the event.

Lt. Commander John Sullivan, who arrived later, noted that the computer could not handle the object's speed. Collins stated he had never seen anything move like that on the radar screen before.

Another witness, TD-AA Carol Snyder, described the experience as memorable. She and about 12 others watched the object for about 30 minutes. They saw "three very blurry lights - red, white and green" and noted that the lights appeared to be bouncing. Snyder expressed uncertainty about believing in UFOs.

Clark, Collins, and others recalled three separate instances of viewing the lights, with the radar being used for about 15 to 20 minutes. The first sighting was due north of Pinecastle, where the object appeared to hover before moving erratically. A second object was seen in the eastern sky, tracked only by radar. The last sighting occurred between 11 PM and midnight.

Sullivan mentioned contacting the Forestry Service to inquire about helicopters, but none were in the area. He stated that this was his first encounter with such a situation and that he was open to the possibility that the sightings were not easily explainable.

Other Articles and Content

Page 2: Policeman: 'Illumination' Burns Him Then Turns Blue, Vanishes Into Sky
This article reports on a Kerman, California police officer who sought treatment for minor first-degree burns on his face and neck. He claimed the burns were sustained while witnessing a "reddish glow in the sky" that turned into a large, circular, glowing illumination, which then turned blue and disappeared. He reported the incident to the U.S. Air Force. The officer is seeking workmen's compensation for his burns, claiming he was burned while watching a UFO.

Page 2: Government agencies give no explanations for UFO sighting here
This article details a sighting by 13-year-old Alan Trudel in Green River, Wyoming. Trudel described an unidentified cylindrical object, egg-shaped and greyish-blue, moving faster and faster into the clouds, with an orange light on the bottom. Government agencies, including the weather bureau and the FAA, had no information on weather balloons or aircraft in the area at the time. The UFO Reporting Center had not received the report by Tuesday.

Page 3: Majority of Americans believe UFOs real
This article, based on a Gallup survey, reports that 57% of Americans aware of UFOs believe they are real, an increase from 1966. It also states that 11% of Americans have had a "close encounter." The survey also indicates that younger and college-educated individuals are more likely to believe in UFOs. A breakdown of beliefs includes UFOs, angels, ESP, devils, precognition, deja vu, astrology, Sasquatch, the Loch Ness Monster, ghosts, and witches.

Page 3: Are you ready for another close encounter?
This piece features an interview with Richard Palacioz, who collects eyewitness accounts of UFO encounters. It recounts the experience of "Luke," who claims to have seen a bright silver saucer-shaped craft hover near Hillsboro, Oregon, in November 1971. A hatch opened, and two beings about 4 feet 6 inches tall emerged. Luke communicated with them and was invited inside the ship, describing its interior. Luke claims to have made contact with other beings through astral projection since then.

Page 4: FOREIGN NEWS - Poachers volunteer more information on UFO
This article from Runcorn, England, discusses poachers who claimed to have seen a UFO in Frodsham. UFO investigators from Manchester and Chester are seeking to trace these individuals. The poachers described a "silver balloon with flashing lights" standing on a tail or stand, about ten feet off the ground. It had a skirt and windows that glowed blue-green. They reported humming sounds and a breeze-like sound. The object was described as a frame of aluminum or silvery metal with bars around a cow, and men inside the windows.

Page 4: FOREIGN NEWS - Our Nigel captures a UFO-the proof
This report from Welwyn, England, features a photograph taken by Nigel Willoughby of the Welwyn Times, which appears to show a saucer-shaped object with a bright shaft of light. The photograph was taken over Campus West.

Page 4: FOREIGN NEWS - UFO over Brighouse puts police in a jam
This article from Huddersfield, England, describes Astonished policemen witnessing a UFO hovering over Brighouse. At least six officers saw a "giant glowing globe" hover over the town before flying south. The object was described as shaped like a giant egg, glowing white, and changing colors to red, blue, and green. It moved slowly at first, then quickened its speed. Police experienced radio interference when trying to report the sighting.

Page 5: Mystery lights in sky - Gary's film baffles astronomy experts
This article from Newcastle, England, discusses a 60-second movie film taken by 15-year-old Gary Colgate through his bedroom window, which he believes shows a UFO. The film reportedly shows a bright, semi-circular light moving swiftly across the sky, followed by a smaller green light not visible to the naked eye. Dr. Michael Scarrott, an astronomy authority, found it difficult to explain, initially suggesting it might be the moon with camera movement, but admitting that if the light moved, there was no known explanation. Gary's friend and father also saw the light and confirmed its movement.

Page 5: FOREIGN NEWS - Schoolgirl claims she saw Streatham UFO
This report from London, England, features schoolgirl Susan Gardner, who claims to have seen an unidentified flying object above Streatham. She described it as shaped like an upright cone with a red light on top and flashing lights on the bottom. She stated the craft was moving very fast.

Page 5: FOREIGN NEWS - POLICE TAKE 'UFO' SERIOUSLY
This article from London, England, details two police constables, Louis Bennett and Stewart Funnell, who became convinced of a UFO sighting after watching a "distinct yellow glow, six times brighter than a star" over Lewisham. They checked with Heathrow Airport, which reported no radar traffic at the time. A resident, Peter Knight, also reported seeing a "large object with a variety of lights making a low hum."

Page 6: IS THIS THE TRUE ANSWER TO THE FLYING SAUCER MYSTERY? GREAT BALLS OF FIRE!
This article discusses a film showing a formation of four glowing UFOs over Stonehenge, which is suggested to be "ball lightning." The film, shot by an amateur cameraman from Cheshire, reportedly shows pulsating golden-orange balls. Other reports from the area confirm strange occurrences. A member of one family was burned after approaching one of the objects and spent two weeks in the hospital. The article explains that ball lightning is an electrical atmospheric phenomenon and that modern UFO research is moving away from the "little green men" theory towards explanations like ball lightning.

Page 7: Flying saucers DO exist. What I saw convinced me
This is an eyewitness account from Joan Amos, a patient at Tavistock hospital in England. She describes seeing a bright white light in the sky that resolved into a saucer-shaped craft hovering motionless. She noted its brilliance and an elongated halo. The object tilted and moved towards the northeast, appearing longer as it faded. Amos is convinced that flying saucers exist and that the experience was real, not an airplane or balloon.

Page 7: Fly with me says Saucer Sue
This brief item mentions that the sponsors of a £1 million prize for genuine flying saucer evidence have received their first claim from Sue McMahon in California, who offers to take people for a ride in a flying saucer to a new planet.

Page 7: Mystery 'balls' in the sky
This article from Cheshire, England, discusses a film shot by John Flattley showing hovering spherical objects described as "balls of fire" near Stonehenge. Scientists are puzzled, and part of the film has been sent to NASA for examination. Flattley's observations included 18 sightings over three days. He ruled out reflections, flares, and ball lightning as explanations due to the duration of the sightings.

Page 8: FORTEANA NEWS - Mutilated Cow Is Discovered In Dulce Area
This report from Albuquerque, NM, details the discovery of a mutilated cow, the seventh in the Dulce area. State Police officer Gabe Valdez believes cattle are being transported elsewhere for mutilation and then returned. The cow's udder and rectum were severed, and its legs were fractured, with evidence of clamps. Valdez theorizes the mutilations occur elsewhere.

Page 8: FORTEANA NEWS - Possible cattle mutilation cases under investigation
This article from Little River, KS, reports on two steers found dead with their ears and sex organs removed. The cause of death is unknown, with no visible wounds or tracks found. The incident was reported to the sheriff, who indicated that distinguishing knife from animal lacerations is difficult.

Page 8: FORTEANA NEWS - 'Nessie' has reared her head again
This report from Peterborough, England, describes the mysterious Loch Ness Monster appearing to two local families. They saw "three black lumps" on the surface and a "black outline" with a whirlpool around it.

Page 8: FORTEANA NEWS - Cynic Ponders 'Bigfoot' Evidence
This article from Kansas City, MO, discusses an expert who believes samples of hair from purported "Bigfoot" creatures are neither human nor animal. Further examination is needed to determine if they prove the existence of sasquatch.

Page 9: Soviet Scholars Believe in Bigfoot
This article from San Francisco, CA, reports that Soviet researchers are convinced of Bigfoot's existence based on a 10-year-old California film. They analyzed the creature's gait and anatomical differences. Russian scientists have reportedly been researching humanoid remains for over two decades. They also discussed the "Almastra," a Neanderthal believed to roam the Caucasus mountains. Unusual vocalizations recorded in a High Sierra camp were analyzed, suggesting a speaker of large physical size.

Page 9: Planets Are Orbiting Stars in Milky Way, Astronomers Report
This article from Little Rock, AR, reports that astronomers estimate 10-20% of stars in the Milky Way galaxy likely have planets. This suggests a larger number of habitable planets beyond our solar system. The presence of planets is inferred from the motion of stars shedding companion bodies.

Page 9: 'Bigfoot' spotted in Louisiana
This report from Roseburg, OR, details a man in Krotz Springs, Louisiana, who claims to have seen a Bigfoot-like creature for the second time. Authorities made a plaster mold of a footprint measuring 19 inches long.

Page 10: Many Americans believe in occult, supernatural
This article from Little Rock, AR, presents findings from a Gallup survey indicating a significant number of Americans believe in paranormal phenomena, including UFOs, angels, ESP, devils, precognition, deja vu, astrology, Sasquatch, the Loch Ness Monster, ghosts, and witches. The belief in UFOs is strong among those aware of them.

Page 10: Explorers Hope To Find Atlantis In Bahamas
This article from New York reports on a group of explorers who believe they may have found evidence of Atlantis in the Bahamas. They filmed what appears to be a submerged pyramid-like structure. The expedition is being organized by Greek industrialist Ari Marshall.

Page 10: It was raining dead ducks!
This brief report from Cedar Rapids, IA, describes a puzzling incident where nine ducks were found dead within 500 feet of a farmyard. The owner, Clarence Williams, suspects an airplane may have been involved.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, paranormal phenomena, and unexplained events. The magazine presents a variety of reports from different locations, including the United States and England, detailing eyewitness accounts, photographic evidence, and scientific or official investigations (or lack thereof). There is a clear interest in UFOs, Bigfoot, and other mysterious occurrences, with a willingness to report on these topics and explore potential explanations, even if they are unconventional. The articles often highlight the skepticism of some authorities while presenting the experiences of believers and witnesses. The Gallup poll on page 3 explicitly shows a significant portion of the American public believes in these phenomena, suggesting the magazine is catering to a readership interested in these subjects. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness, presenting the information and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also acknowledging the scientific and official perspectives.