UFO Newsclipping Service - 1978 07 - no 108

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated July 1978, presents a collection of reports and articles detailing various unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings and related phenomena. The publication aims to document and disseminate information about these events, drawing from newspaper clippings and witness testimonies.

Cover Story: Did A UFO Buzz Carter's 'Copter?

The lead story, by Susan Liang Hall, reports on an incident involving Linda Arosemena, a Visual Information Officer with the Inter American Geodetic Survey (IAGS) at Fort Clayton, Panama. While photographing President Carter's departure on June 17, 1978, Arosemena took a picture that, upon development, revealed a "blip" or unidentified flying object. The object was described as having a black inner oval with a dull grey metal-like outer oval, similar to a photograph taken by Mrs. Velma Reilly's daughter, Brenda. Arosemena contacted the FAA, but no radar information was available. The incident occurred around 1:20 p.m. The day before, Brenda Reilly had witnessed a similar object spinning and disappearing.

Other Sightings and Incidents

Richland County, USA: At least 14 residents on Franklin Church Road reported seeing a strange, bright yellow light hovering over a farm for about 30 minutes.

North Platte, Nebraska, USA: Local authorities and weather forecasters were baffled by a strange hovering light with a blue haze, seen briefly by two patrolmen.

Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA: Rhoda Haas reported seeing an "oval-shaped and very, very bright" object moving rapidly less than 100 feet off the ground. Detective Les Bridger interviewed her and was convinced she saw something. Separately, four children reported seeing a round object with red and blue lights hovering in a wooded area.

Ocala National Forest, Florida, USA: Rocky Morgan and seven other residents witnessed strange lights in the sky for about an hour. The object was described as about 50 feet in diameter, oblong, with a pulsating light. The U.S. Navy's Pinecastle Electronic Warfare Range referred to such objects as "unidentified flying objects."

Apalachicola River, USA: The captain and deckhand of a tugboat spotted a "bright, glowing object with spotlights underneath" that looked like it could light up New York City.

Richlands, Virginia, USA: Troy Proffit and his sister-in-law reported seeing two silver objects, about 400-500 feet above the ground, circling each other.

Simi Valley, California, USA: Twelve-year-old David Tucker has reported numerous UFO sightings, including a "fleet" of three red lights that assembled and flew east.

Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA: Stephan M. Vuchetich reported seeing two flashing lights that moved in a zig-zag pattern and joined together before disappearing.

Oklahoma, USA: A police officer reported watching an unidentified flying object for about two hours. The object was described as large and circular, with red, blue, and white lights.

Chula Vista, California, USA: Seven calls described an unidentified flying object with red lights and a diamond shape, moving silently and hovering.

Powers-Spalding, Michigan, USA: Seven youths reported seeing an object with large bright white lights and a large red flashing light in the center, moving low over the area.

Charleston, South Carolina, USA: William James Herrmann wrote a letter detailing seven UFO sightings he has had, including photographic evidence, and questioned what kind of physical evidence Dr. Boxer would require.

Shevlin, Minnesota, USA: Gladys Swanson reported seeing a "so strange and beautiful" UFO that appeared to come out of the earth, described as two inverted saucers with lights.

Discussion on UFO Flaps and Public Perception

An article titled "No Encounters of the UFO Kind" discusses the predicted "Great UFO Flap of 1978" following the release of the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Philip Klass, an avionics editor, hypothesized that UFO flaps are psychologically induced. However, UFO investigators like Raymond E. Fowler of MUFON and Dr. J. Allen Hynek's Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) report no significant increase in sightings. They suggest that the movie has made people less afraid to talk about their experiences, leading to more reports of older sightings being revealed. Klass attributes the lack of a flap to a cold winter and less visible celestial bodies, while also expressing disappointment with the movie.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent reports of unidentified flying objects across various locations, the descriptions of these objects (shapes, lights, behaviors), and the ongoing efforts by individuals and organizations to investigate and document these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these reports without necessarily endorsing any specific explanation, while also acknowledging the skepticism and the need for scientific study. The publication highlights the variety of witness backgrounds, from ordinary citizens to law enforcement officers and military personnel, suggesting that these sightings are not limited to a specific demographic.

The issue emphasizes that UFO sightings continue to occur and baffle authorities, with many witnesses expressing conviction in what they saw. The publication also touches upon the psychological impact of these sightings and the societal reluctance to discuss them openly, as evidenced by the letter from William James Herrmann and the comments from Joyce Smith.

The articles collectively suggest that the UFO phenomenon remains an active area of interest and investigation, with numerous unexplained events being reported and documented.

Title: FORTEANA NEWS
Issue Date: May 25, 1978
Publisher: GAZETTE
Country: USA
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Cover Story: Cow Deaths Linked with UFOs

The cover story of this issue of FORTEANA NEWS, dated May 25, 1978, focuses on a series of mysterious cattle mutilations in Virginia and their alleged connection to UFO sightings. Nine white-faced cows were found dead and mutilated over a three-week period in late March and early April at the State Farm. Autopsy reports were inconclusive, revealing no typical causes of death such as wounds, bullet holes, or poison. The mutilations were characterized by the precise removal of sensory organs (ears), reproductive organs, or anal tracts, with a notable absence of footprints or signs of struggle. The carcasses also showed unusually rapid deterioration.

According to the report, guards at the State Farm reported sightings of unidentified lights in the sky—UFOs—on the nights the mutilations occurred. These reports were made independently and without prior collaboration, suggesting a consistent observation.

Bill Moseley, in an article for The National Lampoon, is cited as strongly implicating either extraterrestrial beings or clandestine experiments by the U.S. Government in chemical/biological warfare via helicopter. The mystery remains unsolved across 23 states where similar incidents have been reported.

A veterinarian, Dr. William E. Newberry, who performed an autopsy on a cow found dead on the Henry Hagenmeier farm, suggested that the cow died of natural causes during childbirth. He attributed the clean, surgical-like cuts to wild dogs or coyotes, explaining that the swelling of tissue after death could give the appearance of clean cuts. He also noted that the cow's blood had settled and coagulated, explaining the lack of bleeding.

However, the Hagenmeiers and other farmers in the Elsberry area disagree with the animal-scavenger theory. They point out that scavengers typically return to feed, which did not happen in these cases. They also noted that the carcasses were left undisturbed. Mrs. Hagenmeier expressed doubt that animals could have caused such precise cuts and suggested the possibility of a government operation or a cult group, though she found the latter unlikely due to the secrecy involved.

Despite the official explanations, many residents of the Elsberry area are linking the mutilations to UFO sightings. The town has become a focal point for UFO enthusiasts, with people gathering to watch the skies, hoping to witness similar phenomena.

Other Related Reports

Mutilated Animal Found in Las Vegas, N.M.

An Associated Press report from June 22, 1978, details the discovery of a badly decomposed mutilated cow near Las Vegas, New Mexico. This incident was similar to a previous mutilation of a mare in the same area. Autopsies on other mutilated animals showed no traces of drugs, and no signs of struggle, tracks, or blood were found. Cattle Inspector Carlos Lovato noted that the incisions were "perfectly round."

'Nessie' Makes an 'Appearance'

A brief report from London, England, dated June 25, 1978, mentions that Scotland's Loch Ness Monster, "Nessie," reportedly made its first public "appearance" of the year to fisherman Bill Wright. Wright described the creature as having a black body shaped like an upturned row boat and a neck at least 12 feet long.

Sasquatch Spotted At Logy Falls By Yakima Nation Tribal Member

An account from Yakima, Washington, dated June 8, 1978, describes a male tribal member's encounter with a Sasquatch at Logy Creek. The witness described the creature as being about seven feet tall with a face similar to an ape's and long, claw-like fingers. The Sasquatch allegedly let out a blood-curdling screech and shook a sapling, prompting the witness to flee.

First Horse Found Dead, Mutilated in Las Vegas, N.M.

Another report from Las Vegas, New Mexico, dated June 15, 1978, details the discovery of a mutilated brown mare. This is believed to be the first horse victim of the mysterious animal deaths in the state. Similar to cow mutilations, the uterus, udders, and rectum were removed with "perfectly round" incisions. There were no clues, bullet holes, tracks, or signs of struggle, and no blood was left. The left eye and ear were also removed.

Calf's Death Unknown in Lincoln County, AR

A report from Lincoln County, Arkansas, dated July 12, 1978, describes the death of a two-month-old calf. The animal's intestines appeared to have been removed and laid on the ground, with some parts missing. The manner of death was not established, but the Washington County Sheriff's office suggested the calf possibly died from blackleg. The incident was under investigation.

Killer Creature Stalks Vidor Area

A report from Vidor, Texas, dated June 20, 1978, details residents' concerns about a "werewolf" or "killer creature" stalking the area. A 20-year-old man, Bobby Bussinger, confronted a creature described as taller than 6 feet, with long, shaggy hair and a muscular body. The creature allegedly attacked dogs, clawed at window screens, and made eerie noises. The incident is described as "extremely serious" with property destruction.

Police Draw No Conclusions In Cattle Mutilation Inquiry

St. Louis Post-Dispatch, June 24, 1978, reports that St. Charles County sheriff's deputies are keeping an open mind regarding cattle mutilations. The fifth incident in two months involved a badly decomposed cow. The farmer reported the cow was lying unnaturally on its stomach. While the death was not considered natural, the body was too decomposed for an autopsy. The incidents have been linked by some to reported UFO sightings.

Buckeye Dateline: Bighead Causes Stir In Butler Vicinity

A report from Butler, Ohio, dated July 11, 1978, describes sightings of a mysterious creature dubbed "Bighead." This creature is described as having a head larger than its body, bulging red eyes, and standing over seven feet tall. It has not physically harmed anyone but has caused fear among residents. Footprints and unusual hair have been found. Sightings have occurred at night, and some residents believe it might be a deer or other regular inhabitant of the woods, while others are more concerned.

Monster Seen- in Butler Vicinity

Another report from Butler, Ohio, dated July 13, 1978, states that the "creature" has been sighted again. A teen-age girl reported seeing a "large, dark mass with a head much bigger than its body" lurking in a wooded area. Large prints were found in the grass, indicating something heavy had stopped there. The creature was described as standing nearly 7 to 9 feet tall with red bulging eyes and a head as wide as a tractor tire.

Cattle Mutilations, Flying Lights Puzzle Missouri Town

A Globe-Democrat report from June 21, 1978, discusses the mysterious mutilations of five head of cattle in Elsberry, Missouri, since April 26, alongside reports of strange lights in the sky. Authorities and residents are perplexed, with theories ranging from cult activity to extraterrestrial visitors. The precise nature of the cuts on the animals has led some to believe surgical instruments were used. While a veterinarian suggested wild animals as the cause, many residents remain convinced of UFO involvement.

Elsberry Residents Looking to the Skies for Answer to Cattle Mutilation Mystery

A Globe-Democrat article from June 24-25, 1978, revisits the cattle mutilation mystery in Elsberry, Missouri. Residents are actively seeking answers, with some believing in "close encounters" with alien beings. The town has become a gathering place for UFO enthusiasts. Reports of strange lights, including orange balls and blinking lights, have been frequent. While authorities and some experts lean towards explanations like wild dogs or coyotes, many residents maintain their belief in UFOs as the cause.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of FORTEANA NEWS are cattle mutilations and UFO sightings, often presented as interconnected phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events and the various theories surrounding them, without definitively endorsing any single explanation. The magazine presents accounts from witnesses, law enforcement, and experts, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. There is a clear interest in unexplained phenomena and the possibility of extraterrestrial involvement, as evidenced by the coverage of UFOs, Sasquatch, and the Loch Ness Monster.