UFO Newsclipping Service - 1978 10 - no 111

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated October 1978, compiles various reports of unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings from across the United States during the summer of 1978. The publication aims to document these events, presenting witness accounts and some initial investigations.

Fort Gateway Guide, Waynesville, MO - August 1, 1978

Residents Report Seeing UFO

This article by Pat Farrell details sightings on Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. Juanita and Gary Love reported seeing a large, glowing, round object on July 25th. On July 26th, Barb McCoy and Peaches Farr saw a flashing red light. The most significant sighting occurred on July 27th when Pam Green and Juanita Love observed a circular, glowing mass that grew larger and brighter. Dogs reportedly howled during the sighting and fell silent when it disappeared, only to howl again when it reappeared later that night. Using a telescope, they noted black lines running horizontally and vertically through the object. A noticeable temperature change and ice-like dew were reported on parked cars where the object was thought to have descended.

Military Police initially logged the sighting as a helicopter with landing gear on. However, inquiries to Forney Airfield and the State Highway Patrol revealed no military aircraft were in the area. PFC Dan Sullivan from Forney Airfield stated that UFO sightings are reported to the airfield several times each summer.

Edmonson County News, Brownsville, KY - August 10, 1978

More UFO's Are Sighted

This report covers sightings in Edmonson County, Kentucky. On Monday night, three people saw an unidentified object in the Lincoln Community. Kelly Meredith, an 11-year-old, described seeing an orange star-like object that blinked and moved, reappearing with two objects. His grandmother, Mrs. Carl Sanders, and cousin, Brian Lindsey, corroborated the sighting. Mrs. Sanders noted the objects moved east and blinked every two or three seconds, speculating they could be metallic balloons. Separately, Mrs. Beulah Moody of Moodyville reported seeing several objects moving up and down near a security light.

Lake City News Chronicle, Two Harbors, MN - August 2, 1978

UFO sighted over North Shore

This article from the North Shore area of Minnesota reports on sightings. On July 27th, the Lake County Sheriff's office received a call about a strange falling star in Finland, followed by a report of a bright green glowing object darting silently across the sky. The man who saw it ruled out planes or weather balloons. The Biwabik-Times newspaper reported multiple sightings of glowings, multi-colored UFOs in the Biwabik-Gilbert area. MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) field investigator Eugene Lundholm discussed a past sighting in the Two Harbors area involving a craft landing and leaving a powdery substance identified as a mixture of magnesium and calcium.

Record-Eagle, Traverse City, MI - August 4, 1978

Close encounter? Seaman's 'hair stands up' as flashing object is sighted at Ludington

Seaman Don Clark reported seeing white strobe lights and a flashing red light near Ludington, Michigan, on August 3rd. The lights moved silently and erratically over Lake Michigan. Clark described the object as round, like a Frisbee flying on its edge. He stated it made his hair stand up on the back of his neck. The lights were reported to the Coast Guard Station, which confirmed seeing them. Radio contacts indicated the lights crossed Lake Michigan at an estimated speed of 250 miles per hour. The Coast Guard headquarters in Milwaukee suggested the object was a conventional aircraft, but Clark estimated its altitude much lower than typical aircraft, finding the explanation unsatisfactory.

Press Courier, Oxnard, CA - September 19, 1978

Flying Object Duck

This brief report humorously details two incidents. In Fillmore, police chased a "flying object" which turned out to be a duck. In Ventura, a policeman and a citizen reported seeing a strange object in the sky making unusual movements, described as a "bright ball with a tail."

Daily Times, St. Cloud, MN - August 9, 1978

UFO visits soybean field, some claim

Kim Cates reported seeing a silvery oval object hovering over his grandfather's soybean field near Kingston, Minnesota, on July 3rd. The next day, a 40-foot diameter circle of dead soybeans was discovered. While Cates believes it was a UFO landing site, extension agronomist Lee Hardman suggested it was likely caused by lightning, citing the wet plants and moist soil as good conductors. Hardman noted that the pattern of dead plants, with some continuing sporadically beyond the main circle, was unusual. He also mentioned that the university receives reports of similar circular patterns annually.

Times Star, Sedan, KS - August 30, 1978

UFO Sighting Reported; Just Skimming Tree Tops, Some Say

This article from Chautauqua County, Kansas, reports sightings of strange objects. Mrs. Jauanita Thomas described a diamond-shaped object with a red blinking light and white lights, making no sound but a low humming. Mrs. Russel Wemmer also saw the object, noting it seemed to barely clear treetops. The reports primarily came from the Peru and Sedan areas. The article also mentions that no one has reported a close encounter with occupants.

Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, MO - August 13, 1978

Elsberry Split On UFOs

This multi-part series from Elsberry, Missouri, delves into UFO sightings and a related phenomenon: animal mutilations. A housewife reported seeing a large object with reflectors forming a cross shape. City Marshal Jon Livengood confirmed numerous UFO sightings in the area over the years. Barbara Becker noted that in areas where mutilated animals were found, there was usually high UFO activity. Six cows and calves were found mutilated with missing eyes, ears, tongues, or rectums. While some suggested devil cults or predators, Ms. Becker, a member of the National Committee on Animal Mutilation, theorized a link to UFOs. Marshal Livengood did not support the devil cult or predator explanation but also didn't explicitly link mutilations to UFOs. He mentioned that August is typically peak month for animal mutilations. Veterinarian William Newberry investigated some cases, suggesting natural deaths and predator activity, explaining the lack of blood and post-mortem changes. Sheriff Cliston Hilton scoffed at UFO involvement, attributing sightings to planes and suggesting people might be on medication. He recounted an incident where a woman claimed to see an amber light land, which he determined was likely a house light. He also noted frequent sightings of planes, especially near Lambert Field. Deputy Charles Colbert confirmed seeing planes entering Lambert Field. The article also mentions the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" being shown locally.

Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, MO - August 13, 1978 (continued)

This continuation of the Elsberry report details more witness accounts. The housewife logging sightings noted TV interference and a tower light being off. She described seeing more red and orange lights, some appearing to move like stars. She also noted unusual air traffic. Lillian Vitro reported her son and a neighbor boy found a dead calf with its right shoulder missing and part of its leg found elsewhere. The calf was found in a difficult-to-access pasture. Mrs. Vitro mentioned that a relative heard cattle making noises on the night of August 4th but did not investigate. The calf's tail was reportedly missing when first discovered. Farmer Robert Taylor noted the tail was intact when he saw it Monday, but later saw signs of animal feeding. He also mentioned a cow that died months prior, with its rectum missing, which a veterinarian attributed to lightning and animal feeding.

Advocate, Spooner, WI - August 31, 1978

Strange Smears On Grass Appear

Charles Larson reported strange black smudges on his lawn in Beaver Brook, Wisconsin. The smudges, about a foot wide, were composed of tiny black beads that felt like graphite. Ten of these smudges appeared in a ring forming a circle about 18 feet in diameter. The sheriff's office took samples, and the County Agent's office suggested it might be spores of a fungus, while not ruling out UFO landing tracks or soot.

Herald-Times-Reporter, Manitowoc-Two Rivers, WI - August 11, 1978

Guardsman claims UFO sighted near Two Rivers

Sgt. Tom Gordon of the National Guard reported seeing an unidentified flying object near Two Rivers, Wisconsin, on Wednesday night. He described it as a "spooky feeling" and unlike anything he had seen before. Gordon, a Kentuckian stationed in Two Rivers for two years, saw lights of red, blue, and green. The object was roundish, turned sideways and upside down, and moved back and forth three times. He estimated it to be about eight miles away. Gordon, who has eight years in the Air Force, stated it was not any kind of aircraft he recognized. Other witnesses, Gary Randall and Doug Wangen, also reported sightings. Randall photographed the object but could not release the photos. The article mentions a television crew from Green Bay interviewed the individuals. Wangen described the feeling of being watched and a sense of insecurity. Randall estimated the object's speed at 800 mph, while Wangen thought it was closer to 1000 mph. The object was described as larger than a B-52 or 747. Gordon viewed the object through binoculars, describing it as a "fantastic view." The police report indicated the object was barely visible with the naked eye but clear with binoculars.

Times, Rawlins, WY - August 25, 1978

Local residents spot possible UFO

Jess and Bea Bartlett, along with neighbors, reported seeing a bright yellow light with an intermittent flashing red light over Rawlins, Wyoming, on Wednesday night. Mrs. Lynnell Corsi also saw a bright yellow object with a flashing red light moving northwesterly. The object appeared to separate into two parts and had a circle of light surrounding it. At least three people observed the object through field glasses, noting it was steady and did not move like a plane or helicopter. Mrs. Bartlett recalled seeing a similar object the previous year. She also observed a plane with red and green lights near the UFO.

Observer, Charlotte, NC - August 15, 1978

Indiana Looking Up After UFO Reports

This article from Lowell, Indiana, compiles reports of UFO sightings. Anna Wheeler described "peculiar, flashing lights" seen for 40 to 45 minutes, stating it was not an aircraft, lightning, or storm. Two police officers and other residents also reported sightings. Mrs. Wheeler called it "a large white light that jumped from it, like sparks." She also reported the light appeared to hang in the sky, then suddenly went up and disappeared. Another caller, Doug Mitchell, described a glowing football-shaped object. Dr. Allen Hendry of the Center for UFO Studies suggested that some reports might be aircraft with lighted advertising or electrically charged "dust devils."

Journal-Opinion, Woodsville, NH - August 17, 1978

UFO's sighted in Bradford

Jeff Thurston, Cindy Thurston, and Rowan Thurston reported seeing unidentified flying objects over Bradford, Vermont, on August 14th. Richard and Gloria Fox also witnessed the objects. They described them as light sources rather than shapes, appearing in the northeast sky. Three objects were sighted, with two showing movement. The objects appeared to group together and move closer, becoming more brilliant. Richard Fox, who has an engineering background, stated they were not jet planes. The objects turned east, accelerated rapidly, and disappeared. They reappeared later and followed the same course. The report mentions four youngsters from Fairlee also reported strange objects in the sky. Professor Mook from Dartmouth College's Physics Department stated they do not keep records of UFO sightings.

Reporter, Fond du Lac, WI - September 12, 1978

Couple now 'believe in UFOs...'

Mr. and Mrs. Harland Olsen of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, reported seeing a "fiery orange-red colored circular-shaped object with little flashing red lights" hovering above telephone lines on Sunday night. They watched it for 10 to 15 minutes before it moved southwest and disappeared. They stated they had never seen anything like it before and now believe in UFOs.

Morning Star, Rockford, IL - August 24, 1978

Officers watch UFO in Stockton night sky

Stockton, Illinois, police officer Dennis Jagodzinski and about 20 residents of Wade East Apartments reported seeing two unidentified flying objects on Tuesday night. Jagodzinski described the object as round with a red pulsating light and blue, green, yellowish-orange, and white lights. He stated it was not a star or aircraft and had been observed for about 45 minutes. Another officer, Steve Allendorf, confirmed seeing the same thing. The Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center reported no aircraft or meteorological equipment in the area at that time. Unconfirmed reports of similar sightings had occurred for about two weeks.

Millville Daily, Millville, NJ - August 23, 1978

Millville Policeman, Residents Report Sighting UFO

Officer Samuel Rivera and about 20 residents of Wade East Apartments in Millville, New Jersey, reported seeing two unidentified flying objects. Mrs. Neida Berrios described two large bright objects in the sky joining together. Rivera observed one object motionless, then it disappeared. Later, he and the residents saw the object again, hovering over Shiloh or Salem. It then moved towards Atlantic City. A second UFO appeared beneath the first and circled it before vanishing. Rivera stated he had seen a similar object a month prior near Dorchester. He was certain it was not a star.

Post Register, Idaho Falls, ID - August 29, 1978

Taking hay samples? Possible UFO landing pad in Mud Lake field

Nile Wilding, a farmer from Mud Lake, Idaho, believes an unidentified flying object landed in his hay field. He discovered a large flattened oval-shaped area, about 24 by 234 feet, with four circular indentations, suggesting landing gear. The hay was pressed in a northeasterly direction. Jefferson County Deputy Sheriff Terrall Hanson investigated but found no proof it was a UFO.

Telescope, Belleville, KS - September 7, 1978

UFO Sighting Report By Norton Woman 27th

Abbie Davenport of Norton, Kansas, reported seeing a large lighted object on August 27th. She described it as "wierd" and the "wierdest thing I ever saw." The object had ragged edges and moved slowly, then shot up near a tree before disappearing. She watched it for about 20 minutes.

Evening Citizen, Laconia, NH - September 1, 1978

Youngsters Report UFO Sighting

Danny Wylie and Jeff Hawkins reported seeing a "glob of light" near the Wingate Apartments in Laconia, New Hampshire. They described it as a bright white light moving up in the air, estimated to be about 500 feet up. They believed a plane was trying to follow it. They found a depression in the asphalt pavement behind the apartments, speculating it was caused by the object.

Herald-Tribune, Sarasota, FL - August 30, 1978

Charlotte Residents Describe Strange Occurrence In The Sky

The Stanley Gomiela family and a neighbor in Port Charlotte, Florida, reported seeing a bright object in the northwestern sky on Monday night. They described it as being about as bright and large as a streetlight, moving in a pattern of loops. They also observed several small planes or helicopters that appeared to be following the object. A check with local authorities and UFO research centers did not yield explanations. The family's daughter described the shape as "an 10 with a circle around it." Lt. Dan Scherer of the Coast Guard stated that UFO reports are infrequent in Florida, with most sightings occurring in Southern California and Pennsylvania. Ron Vargo of Bishop Planetarium suggested the object could not have been a satellite and that the planet Venus might appear to move due to atmospheric heat.

Southwest Times Record, Ft. Smith, AR - August 30, 1978

Experts believe UFO tales

This article discusses a report presented at the American Psychological Association's convention. Psychologists who used hypnosis on individuals claiming to have been abducted by aliens believe the witnesses were telling the truth, though not necessarily that the events were "real." Dr. W.C. McCall and Alvin Lawson cautioned about the merging of fantasy and reality under hypnosis. Dr. Leo Sprinkle suggested that "out of body" experiences could explain some claims. The psychologists concluded that the "psychosis hypothesis" that only "kooks" see UFOs is not supported by their findings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme throughout this issue is the widespread nature of UFO sightings across different regions of the United States during the summer of 1978. Many reports emphasize the unusual characteristics of the objects, such as their silent movement, strange lights, and non-conventional flight patterns. The presence of multiple witnesses, including law enforcement officers and military personnel, lends credibility to some accounts. The issue also touches upon the challenges of official investigation and the skepticism faced by witnesses. The connection between UFO sightings and animal mutilations in the Elsberry, Missouri, case is a significant recurring element, highlighting a more disturbing aspect of the phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of documentation and presentation of evidence, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also acknowledging the scientific and psychological perspectives on UFO phenomena.

This issue of the Daily Telegram, dated August 31, 1978, prominently features the headline "Norton residents report close encounter with UFO." The publication also includes a section on "Young wife's UFO terror" and a report titled "Bright object descended into my garden, says housewife," suggesting a strong focus on UFO and unexplained aerial phenomena reports.

Norton Residents Report Close Encounter with UFO

The main article details multiple sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in Norton, Kansas, during late August 1978. John Rojas, 19, and his sister Sylvia Rojas, 22, reported seeing a brilliantly illuminated object in their front yard shortly after 1:30 AM on Sunday, August 27. John Rojas went outside to observe the object, describing an extremely bright, oval light, orange-yellow in color, that seemed to focus on their dog. He described the light as being "really bright, like someone shining a large flashlight in your eyes." The object, estimated to be about 20 feet in length and hovering about 100 feet in the air, suddenly moved northward at a high speed. The noise associated with the object stopped before it disappeared.

Mrs. Abbie Davenport, living across the street, had reported a similar sighting earlier that morning. John and Sylvia Rojas decided to share their experience after seeing Mrs. Davenport's story in the newspaper, fearing they would be considered "bananas" if they spoke out otherwise.

A third sighting involving the Rojas family occurred on the evening of August 28, when Sylvia, her father Raymond, and a friend Kelvin Wright spotted a large, round orange light at Norton Lake. Raymond described it as looking like the moon when it first appears.

The article also reveals a past sighting by the Rojas family about seven or eight years prior, involving a saucer-shaped object hovering over their garage. The family had not spoken about these experiences publicly due to disbelief.

Other UFO Reports

Michigan Sighting: The "Officials Report UFOs" section, from the Gazette Telegraph (Colorado Springs, CO, Oct. 13, 1978), details reports of five brightly lighted, fast-moving unidentified flying objects over Lake Michigan in the preceding 10 days. Deputy Sheriff Dave Waller described a "dazzling green, white and red lights" from an object he observed for 30 minutes. The Ludington Coast Guard Station confirmed seeing the object and reported three other sightings in the same area. A Coast Guard spokesman mentioned reports from July 28 of sightings near Benton Harbor, Ludington, and Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. One report described a cylindrical object with strong red and white lights that hovered for 30 minutes then shot westward across Lake Michigan at about 1,200 miles an hour. A photograph taken by a Coast Guard officer reportedly showed only a row of six colored lights.

England Reports:

• Bridgwater, England (August 1, 1978): Mrs. Marchella Gentile reported a "bright, fiery object" descending into her back garden, accompanied by a "terrible, horrible noise" similar to a radio tuning. She and her son Marco found pieces of a black, hard substance covering part of the garden, which reportedly changed appearance overnight.
• Newcastle, England (August 28, 1978): Marjorie Staanthorpe reported a terrifying drive home after seeing a "blue and green ball of light" trailing her car.

Italian Sightings: Reports from Italy (August 1978) mention unidentified flying objects sighted over Italy for consecutive days. A man in Florence reported a cigar-shaped metallic object with red lights. Railway workers in Bolzano saw a triangular-shaped object emitting two beams of light. A "flying saucer" reportedly visited Rome for the third successive day, described as a bright, triangular object beaming green and yellow lights.

Chilean Reports:

• Santiago, Chile (August 13, 1978): A graphic reporter from "El Mercurio" claimed to have photographed a UFO over the city, which later descended over the cordillera sector.
• Various Chilean Locations (August 1978): Reports from La Serena describe a young man hospitalized with a nervous breakdown after allegedly seeing two extraterrestrials descend from a spaceship. Drivers reported seeing figures with helmets similar to miners'. In the Rivadavia department, people participating in a procession saw a "clear circular shape the size of the full moon, white but without lights." Other sightings in the same region described a "disc with a dark center" emitting whitish light. In La Paz department, a "luminosity coming from an object in the shape of a disc" was observed.

Argentinian Reports:

• Santa Fe province, Argentina (August 10, 1978): A policeman reported a "close encounter" with an object shaped like a mushroom with flashes of light, which remained static for about 10 minutes.
• Neuquén, Argentina (August 18, 1978): A UFO with multicolored lights, described as tire-shaped, was seen moving at high speed. One of the witnesses, a 15-year-old daughter, experienced unexplained physical discomfort after the sighting.
• Río Negro and Neuquén provinces, Argentina (August 22, 1978): Multiple testimonies of luminous objects, including a craft that stopped a car and a leaden oval object, were reported. Tens of people camped out to observe these phenomena, creating a "collective psychosis."
• General Roca, Argentina (August 22-23, 1978): A "craft" reportedly ruined a barbecue, with witnesses describing a circular object with a black center and bluish reflections. The car they were in then moved inexplicably.
• Saldungaray and Necochea, Argentina (August 1978): Strange traces, possibly left by a UFO, were discovered. In Necochea, residents reported "two small lights descended from strange craft."
• Tacuarembó, Uruguay (Date not specified): Approximately 200 people reportedly chased a presumed UFO for over an hour and a half, describing it as an oval shape with rings of lights and emitting various colors.

Other Reports:

• Athens, Alabama (August 8, 1978): Three youths reported seeing a "Bigfoot" creature described as "big, hairy and smelly with long drooping arms and pink eyes" near the "Blue Hole" creek.
• Benton County, Arkansas (August 31, 1978): Four mutilated cows were found near Dulce, with their sex organs severed and rectums cored. Evidence of a hovering aircraft was found.
• Benton County, Arkansas (August 18, 1978): Reports of calf mutilations in Benton County, with the animal drained of blood and organs removed. Theories ranged from witchcraft to UFOs.
• Rogers, Arkansas (August 18, 1978): Dr. Jacques Vallee investigated livestock mutilations in Benton County, seeking to understand the phenomenon.
• Washington D.C. (August 26, 1978): Reports of a "Potomac Monster" or "Chessie" creature, with no new sightings reported, but earlier sightings recalled.
• Aberdeen, Scotland (August 30, 1978): Roger Parker, a specialist in investigating river and seabeds, was preparing an expedition to search for the Loch Ness Monster.
• Durango, Colorado (September 1, 1978): An investigator and veterinarian examined a steer calf with surgically removed parts, with no signs of struggle or blood.
• Fredonia, Kansas (September 25, 1978): A report of a cow mutilation was received, but the carcass had already been disposed of.
• Paulding, Michigan (August 21, 1978): A mysterious light appearing nightly above Paulding has attracted the interest of seismologists who plan an on-the-spot investigation. The light has been observed for years, with various explanations proposed, including reflections from cars and potential links to earthquakes.
• Mendoza, Argentina (September 18, 1978): A "lost city" was reportedly discovered, coinciding with sightings of unidentified flying objects over the area.
• Lake Worth, Florida (September 12, 1978): Residents reported cocktail-sized ice cubes falling from a clear blue sky onto their aluminum porch roof.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, close encounters, and unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these events with a degree of seriousness, presenting witness accounts and details of the phenomena. The inclusion of scientific investigations (seismologists, researchers) and expert opinions suggests an attempt to explore these occurrences beyond mere folklore. The variety of locations and types of sightings indicates a global interest in UFOs during this period. The article on animal mutilations also connects these events to potential extraterrestrial involvement or other mysterious causes. The overall tone is informative, aiming to document these unusual events as reported by individuals and authorities.