UFO Newsclipping Service - 1978 08 - no 109

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated August 1978, number 109, published by U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE in Plummerville, Arkansas, USA, focuses on recent UFO sightings and encounters. The cover headline, "CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OVER BROOKLYN," highlights a significant event reported in The Post, New York, NY, on June 5, 1978.

Close Encounters Over Brooklyn

Reported by Richard Gooding, the article details a mass sighting of eerie lights over Brooklyn and Queens on the night of June 5, 1978. An FAA official at Kennedy Airport observed the lights for about three minutes before they vanished, stating it was "not a normal star sighting." A Brooklyn mail clerk, Steve Horvatt, also witnessed similar lights for almost two hours. While some attributed the sightings to Bernard Faraino's night-light advertisement plane for "Randazzo's Seafood Restaurant," the FAA officer and Horvatt were not convinced, noting the lights were stationary and did not match the description of the advertisement plane.

UFO Seen Here (Goochland, VA)

This section reports on a sighting by Mrs. Robert Starr and her family in Goochland, Wyoming, on July 17, 1978. They observed a "thing" that "streaked in fast" and then appeared to stop and hover for about an hour and a half. It seemed to become smaller and moved up and down, and side to side, while traveling west.

Something Happened in Kerman (California)

Reported by Steve Comus of the Herald Examiner, this article details a UFO sighting in Kerman, California, on May 13, 1978. Lisa Harrison reported a loud humming noise and vibrations, followed by seeing two lights moving southward at tree-top level. Officer Manuel Amparano reported seeing a glimmering light southwest of town, which he investigated. He later received treatment for first-degree burns on his face, neck, and hands. The town officials, including Chief James Van Cleaf and Mayor Lee Sciacqua, were reluctant to provide details, citing the officer's right to privacy and that a group in Seattle was handling the investigation. Stanton Friedman, a nuclear physicist, and Jacques Vallee, a computer scientist, commented on the case, with Vallee noting that people sometimes keep sightings quiet due to fear of harassment.

Strange Lights Puzzle Man (Enfield, NH)

Robert P. Tobin of West Lebanon, NH, reported seeing slow-moving lights over Goose Pond Road in Enfield on July 15, 1978. He described seeing two white lights and then a "big ball of light" that stopped in front of the other lights, followed by several colored lights. He stated it was "really something."

UFO may have left trace, Ayers says (St. Paul, MN)

Investigator Brad Ayers reported that a UFO may have left a "physical trace" near Square Lake in Washington County, Minnesota, following sightings on March 22, 1978. He stated that while witnesses reported the object nearly touched the ground, only one suggested a possible area of physical trace: a "generally circular spot on the ground, six to eight feet in diameter, where the snow had melted very rapidly." Ayers also noted that aviation officials were "uncooperative" in his investigation, and that the U.S. Army Reserve Aviation Support Detachment acknowledged helicopter operations in the vicinity, but claimed their aircraft had cleared the area before the sighting. Ayers stated that the helicopters landed at 9:35 p.m. on March 22, potentially placing them over the area at the time of the initial sighting reports.

UFO sightings reported (Denton, MD)

Karen Friedman reports on a sighting by Roy V.R. Grogan in Denton, Maryland, on June 24, 1978. Grogan described a huge, round object sitting perfectly still above his house, blinking red, green, blue, and white alternating lights. He also heard a noise and saw the object head towards four smaller rotating lights in a nearby field, which then disappeared. Cindy Dwyer of the National Investigatory of Common Aerial Phenomenon stated that the number of UFO sightings has increased since the release of the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."

Young photographer saw it in valley (Lewisburg, PA)

Bob Derr reports on a sighting by 15-year-old Philip Skeba in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, on January 10, 1978. Skeba photographed two objects hovering above tree-top level. He described them as "a long flat disc with a ball in the center," with various colored lights. Marilyn Schramm, a volunteer for the Pennsylvania Center for UFO Research, and Dr. Emil Polak, a professor of mathematics and astronomy, examined the photos and found them to be credible.

'Object with lights' seen in sky by two women (Silverton, OR)

Sharon Jensen reports on a sighting by Joanne Walker and Idane Osgood in Silverton, Oregon, on June 27, 1978. The two women described seeing large, bright lights and hearing a humming noise from an object that moved quickly across the sky. They could not be sure of the shape but noted "little white lights" around its perimeter, suggesting an oval or rectangular form. Control towers and meteorological stations had no records to explain the sighting.

Father, Daughter Countians Claim They Saw UFO (York, PA)

Connie Spangler and her father, Lloyd Spangler, reported seeing a UFO on July 6, 1978, near East Berlin, Pennsylvania. They described red flashing lights circling a round object about 50 to 100 feet above the ground, visible for about one minute. A spokesperson at the Pennsylvania Center for UFO Research stated they had not received other reports of UFO sightings for that date in the York area.

'She has a saucer' (Los Angeles, CA)

This brief report mentions Sue McMahon, who claims to have entered a competition to produce a flying saucer. She states a UFO landed through her hotel room ceiling in Sacramento and took her to another planet.

U.F.O. Driver Checking Out Movie? (McComb, MS)

Two projectionists at the Ren Drive-in Theater in McComb, Mississippi, reported seeing an oblong object with two bright white lights and red and green lights hovering over the screen on July 13, 1978. Police also reported seeing the object. FAA officials confirmed that a light plane was practicing night landings at the county airport until 9:38 p.m., but stated that sometimes planes fly without contacting the station.

Unidentified Flying Objects Seen When Cows Mutilated (Goochland, VA)

Woody Greenberg reports on UFO sightings in Goochland, Virginia, that parallel reports from other states associated with cattle mutilations. Two corrections officers, Ben Eldridge and Corporal R.W. Sluss, independently reported seeing bright lights in the sky on April 10, 1978. Eldridge described a round, red object with a flaming tail, while Sluss described an object that appeared from the northeast and disappeared southwest, bursting into a white light. The report links these sightings to a federal agency's report on an occult group possibly responsible for the mutilations, mentioning the use of helicopters and drugs in rituals.

Sleuths to film movie on visitors from outer space (Phoenix, AZ)

Bill McClellan reports on film producer John Stefanelli's plan to create a docu-drama about UFO sleuths investigating claims of extraterrestrial visitors. The project involves a one-armed man from Switzerland who claims repeated contacts with "pretty girls from the distant galaxy of Pleiades," a retired Air Force colonel, and a soldier of fortune. The investigation includes over 300 photographs, notes, and alleged spacecraft metal scraps. The film aims for an "honest, scientific investigation."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of UFO sightings across diverse geographical locations and the consistent pattern of witness testimony, often involving unusual lights, sounds, and object behaviors. There is a recurring element of official reticence or perceived cover-ups by authorities, particularly aviation and local law enforcement agencies, which fuels speculation among the public and UFO investigators. The publication appears to present these accounts without overt skepticism, allowing the witness testimonies to speak for themselves, while also including commentary from UFO researchers and experts who lend credibility to the phenomena. The editorial stance seems to be one of documenting and disseminating these reports, suggesting that UFOs are a subject worthy of serious investigation and public awareness.

This issue of NEWS, dated July 24, 1978, focuses heavily on reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena from various locations.

Unidentified City Sees Most UFOs

This article, datelined Denver and attributed to UPI, features Leo Sprinkle, a psychology professor at the University of Wyoming. Sprinkle claims there is a town, which he calls 'calls Clearview' to protect its residents' anonymity, that has experienced an unusually high number of UFO sightings, cattle mutilations, and humanoid encounters. He has interviewed hundreds of people who genuinely believe they have communicated with aliens. Sprinkle himself has observed UFOs, recounting his first sighting as a college student 27 years prior. He uses hypnosis and polygraph tests to determine the truthfulness of witnesses, finding most to be sincere. He notes that some individuals report being asked about nuclear energy by alien beings, with warnings about pollution. One hunter's account describes a bullet stopping mid-air and an invitation aboard a spaceship, where he was told he was 'not what we're looking for.'

Lincoln County UFO Sighting

This report from TIMES, Maiden, NC, dated August 16, 1978, details a UFO sighting by Terry Mayo. While driving home, Mayo reported a strange flying object, described as 'looked like a cup inverted on top of a saucer,' passed him. The object hovered nearby, causing his motorcycle's lights and motor to fail. UFO investigator George D. Fawcett, who has studied UFOs for three decades, investigated the case. Mayo described the object as being about the size of a four or five room farm house, domed on top, flat on the bottom, and emitting a yellowish-white light. When the UFO left, Mayo's motorcycle lights returned, but the starter did not work. Fawcett notes that the electromagnetic (E-M) effect is well-documented worldwide and is seeking additional witnesses.

Boys report "space battle"

This article from BLADE-EMPIRE, Concordia, KS, dated July 31, 1978, reports on a sighting by two youths, Curtis Sullivan and Eddie Burton. They claim to have witnessed a "space battle" early in the morning, with red and green lights shooting back and forth, producing explosions of light. When they reported it to City Hall, they were referred to the newspaper. A meteorological technician suggested a meteor shower might be responsible, but the boys' description suggests something more.

UFO reports move to Fort Wood area

This Globe-Democrat article by Charles J. Oswald, dated July 29-30, 1978, covers UFO sightings near Union, Missouri, and Fort Leonard Wood. Residents and soldiers reported seeing bright, star-shaped objects. Spec. 5 Gary Love described a light that appeared to come at them and vibrate. Mrs. Clora Winscher reported the back end of her car being lifted by a bright ball of light. Police examined her car and found two unusual dents. Waitress Jeannie Carter saw an orange ball. Other residents, like Ralph Lee and B.R. Branson, expressed open-mindedness. Mrs. William J. Stieffermann, wife of Union's mayor, also reported seeing an unusually bright light.

UFO reports have police spaced out

This Globe-Democrat article by Rick Stoff, dated July 28, 1978, details how UFO reports kept Union, MO, police busy. The article reiterates Mrs. Winscher's account of her car being lifted. Union Police Chief Don Fowler stated that police have been too busy to investigate the initial sightings. Mrs. Velma Clines reported seeing two orange objects. Mrs. Ruth Stieffermann and her family saw a bright light. The article notes that the individuals reporting the sightings were considered reliable.

FOREIGN NEWS: A UFO 'sausage' and green glow

This article from NORTH WALES CHRONICLE, dated June 1, 1978, reports on UFO sightings in Anglesey and Arfon, Wales. Six schoolgirls at Rhiwlas Primary School described a 'sausage-like' object with a U-shaped top, colored silver, red, and white. It reappeared with flashing lights. Other pupils also reported sightings. People in the village of Bethesda saw a strange object break into pieces. In Anglesey, a resident saw a white cigar-like object, and another reported a huge green ball of fire. RAF Valley received no other reports, but mainland residents reported a large green glow.

Is Cape Town a UFO base?

This CAPE TIMES article from July 20, 1978, suggests Cape Town may be a UFO stopover. Three women reported seeing a silver saucer-shaped object twice in a week, which later seemed to explode and disappear at high speed. Other UFO sightings and strange lights have been reported in the area.

Couple's fear of mentioning UFO

This NORTH WALES CHRONICLE article, dated June 8, 1978, details a couple's experience with a UFO. Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Cornish of Llanfachraeth saw a large, saucer-shaped object with a brilliant light hovering over the woods. They were so upset they locked themselves in their house. Mr. Cornish described it as having a smooth outer hull and no sound. Other sightings in Bangor are also mentioned.

Housewives see 'shining gold' object in sky

This HAYES reporter article from the BECKENHAM JOURNAL, dated June 22, 1978, describes an encounter by housewives Mrs. Augusta Pierce and Mrs. Claire Payne. They saw a 'shining gold' object hovering in the sky, described as door-shaped with a halo of light. The object remained stationary. UFO researcher Timothy Good commented that it sounds like a UFO and is difficult to explain away.

Schoolboy tells of baffling skywatch encounter

This YORKSHIRE POST article, dated June 22, 1978, reports on Brian Fittorini, a 12-year-old schoolboy, who saw a bright silvery speck moving in the sky. His sighting was one of 17 reported to the British UFO Society on their 'skywatch' day that could not be explained. Other sightings in Sheffield and the North York Moors are also mentioned.

Yet another UFO sighting

This NORTH WALES CHRONICLE article, dated June 22, 1978, details a sighting by a woman in Beaumaris. She described a 'huge, round, brilliant light' moving across the Menai Straits. Through a telescope, she saw 'slits' with 'brilliant goldy copper lights shining.' The object disappeared suddenly.

US pact on UFOs

This article from the PRESS-COURIER, Oxnard, CA, dated August 18, 1978, discusses a claim by an Italian aviation expert that America and Russia signed a pact in 1971 to swap information about UFOs and keep it secret from the rest of the world. The pact was allegedly to prevent mistaking UFOs for atomic missiles and to discredit the idea of UFO existence.

'FLYING WEDGE' RIDDLE: What was the 'thing' zooming over forest?

This EAST GRINSTEAD COURIER article, dated June 22, 1978, features Peter Franklin's report of seeing a 'flying wedge' object over Ashdown Forest. Franklin, who doesn't typically believe in UFOs, described the object as red on top and light colored underneath, moving at high speed and low altitude. He estimated it covered four miles in three to four seconds. His mate confirmed it had no wings.

COMMON'S UFO SCARES THREE SCHOOLBOYS

This STREATHAM NEWS article, dated June 16, 1978, reports on three schoolboys from Furzedown Secondary School who saw a UFO over Streatham Common. They described it as an oblong shape ball of fire, moving in a controlled way. A UFO expert suggested it might relate to scorch marks found on the common.

Too close for comfort

This EVENING TELEGRAPH article, dated July 5, 1978, details the Kirk family's experience with a UFO. They reported seeing two white lights in a field, which turned out to be an oval-shaped object with colored lights that followed their car for about 50 minutes. They submitted a detailed report to the police.

Report of three more UFOs

This EVENING COURIER article, dated June 21, 1978, discusses three more mysterious objects sighted over Calderdale. Mr. Tom Taylor saw a blue, star-like object moving at varying speeds. Two other sightings are mentioned, one involving a white light with colored lights. The article notes that many sightings turn out to be satellites or planes.

Deaths Cause Concern

This NEWS article, dated July 11, 1978, reports on the deaths of two calves in Prairie Grove, AR, which residents fear are caused by deliberate killings, possibly by a satanic cult. Sheriff Herb Marshall is investigating but has not confirmed human involvement. The circumstances differ from Benton County mutilation cases. One calf had a 'smooth round hole,' while the other had ribs missing and a triangle cut from its tongue. Marshall theorizes sickness as a possible cause.

Youth Sees Hairy 'Bigfoot', Eight Feet Tall

This HERALD article, dated July 30, 1978, covers a report by Jeffery Gelner in Milam County, TX, who claims to have seen an eight-foot-tall, hairy creature. Sheriff Broadus is skeptical and believes the story might be a hoax, though he acknowledges Gelner may have seen something. The Milam County Sheriff doubts the Big Foot monster story.

Milam Sheriff doubts Big Foot monster story

This NEWS article, dated August 2, 1978, from Paris, TX, elaborates on the Milam County 'Bigfoot' sighting. Sheriff Broadus is investigating a report from the Big Foot Research Society of Dallas, which concluded the evidence was manufactured. Broadus believes Gelner saw something but may file criminal charges if a hoax is proven.

Vidor 'Werewolf' Search Continues

This LEADER article, dated June 21, 1978, details a search for a 'werewolf' in Vidor, TX. Sheriff's deputies investigated reports of a 6-foot-2-inch figure with long shaggy hair and large frame. The figure was seen howling and growling before retreating into the woods. The Bussinger couple, who reported the prowler, had their property disturbed. The search is ongoing.

Mutilated mare seen

This OPTIC article, dated June 12, 1978, reports on the mutilation of a five-year-old mare in Gallinas Canyon, NM. The horse was found with its uterus, udders, and rectum removed by 'perfectly round' incisions. There were no signs of struggle or blood. This is believed to be the first horse mutilation case in the state.

A Space Oddity?

This HERALD article, dated June 24, 1978, discusses cattle mutilations in Elsberry, MO. Farmers have found carcasses with the right eye, ear, tongue, sexual organs, and rectum removed. Residents have also reported seeing mysterious lights in the sky. The article notes that scavengers avoid the carcasses and that dead flies were found 'glued' to tree branches. A veterinarian suggested the animals died from natural causes, but the frequency and nature of the mutilations remain puzzling.

'Nessie' Lives On

This FORTEANA NEWS article, dated June 24, 1978, revisits the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. Bill Wright of Falkirk, Scotland, claims to have seen 'Nessie' early one Saturday morning. He described a large, arch-shaped body, a round brown head, and a long brown neck. He believes the creature is massive and lives in deep caves. The article also touches on the possibility of lake monsters being related to Sasquatch and flying serpents, and mentions theories involving sturgeon or gas bubbles.

'Bigthing' spotted near Mason

This STATE JOURNAL article, dated July 2, 1978, reports on a sighting by James Jenks in Mason, MI. Jenks claims to have seen a large, hairy creature about nine feet tall. Wayne King of the Michigan Bigfoot Information Center believes Jenks saw Bigfoot. Jenks initially dismissed the sighting but was contacted by King, who cited torn bags of salt, missing chickens, and unusual tracks as evidence. A second sighting by three youths in Mason's Rayner Park is also mentioned.

Forteans in Convention

This POST article, dated August 7, 1978, covers a convention of the International Fortean Organization (INFO). Speakers discussed UFO investigations, the 'Phantom Aircraft of 1915,' the Bermuda Triangle, and poltergeists. Bruce Maccabee claims FBI files show extensive UFO investigations in the 1940s and 50s. The article notes the Forteans' spirit of keeping an open mind to unexplained phenomena.

Serpent Seen In U.S. Bay?

This PRESS-COURIER article, dated August 18, 1978, reports on sightings of a sea serpent in the Chesapeake Bay, VA. Witnesses described creatures resembling 'Nessie' of Loch Ness fame. Donald Kyker reported seeing a creature about 25 to 30 feet long. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science plans to investigate. Other sightings involved multiple creatures described as 'self-propelled logs.'

Officials probe horse mutilation

This DAILY NEWS article, dated August 3, 1978, details a horse mutilation case in Hereford, TX. A four-year-old mare was found dead with its teats and rectum removed by 'perfectly round' incisions. There were no traces of blood or struggle. The sheriff is investigating and sending samples for analysis. The article notes the similarity to previous livestock mutilations in the area.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained phenomena, and creature reports from around the world. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these events with a degree of open-mindedness, often quoting investigators and eyewitnesses, while also including skeptical viewpoints or official investigations that offer alternative explanations (e.g., sickness, hoaxes, misidentification). The Forteans' philosophy of documenting the unexplained is implicitly present.