UFO Newsclipping Service - 1979 06 - no 119

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, dated June 1979 (Number 119), is a compilation of UFO sightings and related news from various newspapers across the United States and the United Kingdom. The publication is co-edited by Lucius Farish and Rod B. Dyke.

Selinsgrove man hunts clue (DAILY ITEM, Sunbury, PA - Apr. 5, 1979)

Stephen H. Kurtz of Selinsgrove reported seeing a bright, oval, white light on the northern end of the Rts. 11-15 bypass around 12:20 a.m. He initially thought it was an airplane but noticed it didn't move. He described the light as oval and white, about as big as his car. As he passed an exit, the object suddenly darted south at a speed he described as faster than any airplane. Kurtz, who previously didn't believe in flying saucers, expressed uncertainty about his experience.

Patrolman reports UFO sighting (PRESS, Pascagoula, MS - Apr. 9, 1979)

Patrolman Robert Rachuba reported seeing a "dome looking object with fire spurting from it" at 3:05 a.m. while transporting a Biloxi police reserve officer. He stated that they spotted the UFO twice while crossing the Biloxi-Ocean Springs bridge.

Pair sight UFO (DAILY AMERICAN, Somerset, PA - Apr. 13, 1979)

Two county employees reported seeing a diamond-shaped object flying in a westerly direction over Somerset Borough at 8 p.m. They described it as off-yellow in color, with lights in the front, middle, and rear sections, making no noise. The object disappeared from view after 30 seconds and was estimated to be at an altitude of 10,000 feet. This was reported as the first sighting of an unidentified craft in that area that year.

County family spots UFOs Monday evening (GAZETTE, New Albany, MS - Apr. 22, 1979)

Ernie Fuller, his wife Kathryn, and daughter Lynn reported seeing three large, round discs in the western sky near Cornersville and Macedonia. They described the objects as black or dark colored, hovering lower than an airplane but still high, and resembling a blimp. The objects ascended rapidly and disappeared out of sight within three to four minutes.

Okay, what was it? (PRESS, Blairstown, NJ - Apr. 19, 1979)

Three families in Blairstown reported seeing an unidentified flying object on Sunday, April 8. The object was described as a bright light that hung in the sky long enough for witnesses to observe it. It looked like a gigantic headlight and seemed to emanate sparks before disappearing. Chief Bedell of the Blairstown police was baffled by the descriptions.

Fiery ball sighted over Brunswick (STAR, Wilmington, NC - Apr. 20, 1979)

Several residents in the Boiling Spring Lakes-Sunny Point area of Brunswick County reported seeing an object that looked like a big ball of fire moving slowly toward the ground. The object was described as about the size of an automobile with red beams extending outward. A search by local police and sheriff's deputies found nothing unusual.

UFO's over Randolph? Some persons say yes! (EVENING ENTERPRISE AND TIMES, Brockton, MA - Apr. 9, 1979)

This article discusses multiple UFO sightings reported in Randolph, MA. Nancy Abramson provides an artist's conception of a UFO based on reports. Jerry Lopes, a radio newsman, described seeing a light that moved and shot sparks. Other reports included a silver cylinder moving at moderate speed with a light beam, and a large red light with a yellow ball of lights circling it. Randolph police received numerous calls about UFO sightings.

Odd lights again seen near PCC (NEWS-CHIEF, Winter Haven, FL - Apr. 25, 1979)

A PCC counselor and student reported seeing two bright lights, described as headlights, fly past them at high speed. The student also reported her car would only go about 30 miles per hour during the sighting. The same lights were seen again later that night. The report also mentions a sighting by News-Chief Production Manager Chuck Jesse's son.

UFO sighting near Lake Marion (HERALD, Haines City, FL - Apr. 26, 1972)

This article reports on two UFO sightings near Lake Marion. One involved a big blue light that headed northwest then zigged west. Another sighting involved two strange lights that came up out of an orange grove.

Fishermen land with tale of possible close encounter (STANDARD-TIMES, New Bedford, MA - Apr. 12, 1979)

Fishermen Francisco Marreiros and Manuel Pateiro reported seeing a bright, circular flying object fixed stationary above the water. They described its flashing lights changing color from white to green to redish orange, and it appeared to have an antenna. The object's presence reportedly disabled their vessel's Loran system for about 15 minutes.

No Trace Of UFO (NEWS REPORTER, Whiteville, NC - Apr. 19, 1979)

Deputy James Coleman reported seeing a V-shaped object, about 10 feet wide, with a rope hanging from it, approximately 300 to 400 feet in the air. It was initially believed to be a weather balloon or hang glider.

Mysterious Lights (HERALD, Hermiston, OR - May 9, 1979)

A letter to the editor describes seeing a moving beam of red light, a jagged red line, a dim red flash, a long narrow whitish light, a large white flash, and another dimmer light over a 20-minute period. The writer wonders if other readers saw the same sights and can provide an explanation.

Strange orange lights reported in the skies over Lowell, Dracut (SUN, Lowell, MA - May 9, 1979)

Numerous callers reported seeing groups of yellowish-orange lights in the sky over Lowell and Dracut. Descriptions varied, with some counting 13 or 14 lights, others seeing 30 large balls of light moving slowly. Theories included Air National Guard planes, high atmospheric tests, or meteors. Military personnel suggested C130 transport planes dropping equipment with illuminated parachutes.

Close Encounters Of Some Kind (TIMES, Dunedin, FL - May 10, 1979)

Judy Kozak and her family reported seeing an oval diagonal shape with a colorless metallic light hovering for four hours. They described it as sparkly and saw it again the next day. They ruled out conventional aircraft and blimps. The Dunedin Police Department reportedly dismissed the report. The article also mentions a follow-up piece in The Dunedin Times and The Clearwater Sun.

The Kozaks Are Not Alone (TIMES, Dunedin, FL - May 17, 1979)

This article follows up on the Kozak family's sighting, reporting that other residents have also seen similar objects. It mentions a pilot's account in Omni magazine describing a glowing cylindrical shape similar to the Kozak's sighting.

What Was It? Well – It Came From the Sky (CONTRA COSTA TIMES, Walnut Creek, CA - May 15, 1979)

Two Concord men reported seeing a saucer-like object with pulsating and rotating lights that changed colors. The object hovered for about 50 minutes, then moved in a northwesterly direction. The California Highway Patrol and County Sheriff's office had not received calls about the sighting.

2 UFO Sightings in Atwater (SUN-STAR, Merced, CA - May 14, 1979)

Two unidentified flying objects were reported in Atwater. One was described as disc-shaped, three feet wide, seven feet long, metallic, hovering, and making a humming noise. The second object was described as shiny blue, with an odd tail, and was seen by a pilot who thought it might be a weather balloon.

Researchers say local UFO sightings unexplainable (ENQUIRER-JOURNAL, Monroe, NC - May 10, 1979)

This article discusses a panel of researchers who believe seven out of 12 reported UFO sightings in the Metrolina area in March 1979 cannot be explained. It details several sightings from March 9, including objects described as triangular, V-shaped, and blimp-like, with various light patterns and behaviors. The article also mentions a sighting attributed to military helicopters.

Valley UFO Sightings of March 22, 1978, Described (THE DALLES VISITOR, Taylors Falls, MN - May 1979)

This extensive report by Robert E. Engberg details a significant UFO flap over the Minnesota-Wisconsin border on March 22, 1978. It describes multiple sightings of red and blue lights, and large objects, with detailed flight paths and witness testimonies. The report analyzes weather data and radar information, noting the lack of radar detection for the large craft. It also discusses the potential involvement of Army Reserve helicopters and the difficulty in explaining the varied descriptions of the objects.

Group seeking to apply UFO phenomena (POST, Houston, TX - May 20, 1979)

This article introduces VISIT (Vehicle Internal Systems Investigative Team), a group seeking to study UFO phenomena to understand advanced propulsion systems. Alan C. Holt, a scientist at the Johnson Space Center, is quoted saying the group is not interested in proving UFOs exist but in analyzing data from credible sightings to advance space flight technology theories.

Streakers and UFOs Back in the News (TOWN TOPICS, Princeton, NJ - May 16, 1979)

This brief article mentions two unrelated incidents: police responding to streakers on Witherspoon Street and an employee of Princeton Medical Center reporting a triangular object with red and green lights suspended in the air above Rosedale Road.

Sighting In Charlotte Named Best UFO Case (OBSERVER, Charlotte, NC - May 23, 1979)

This article reports that a UFO sighting by two Charlotte police officers in December 1978 was named the "best case reported during 1978" by a National Enquirer scientific panel. The sighting involved what looked like light bulbs hanging from parachutes. The panel concluded that the case provided "the most scientifically valuable evidence that UFOs do exist."

UFO SEEN IN NEWLANDS (INDEPENDENT HERALD, New Zealand - Apr. 11, 1979)

A Newlands resident reported seeing a metallic, bluey-grey object moving north very fast and climbing steeply. The object slowed down and disappeared into the cloud. The report includes a photograph of the object and notes that Air Traffic Control at Wellington airport reported no UFO sightings on that date.

UNIDENTIFIED FLYING EGG... (EVENING ECHO, Watford, England - Apr. 14, 1979)

Kathy Cayford and her son reported seeing an egg-shaped UFO hovering behind houses in North Watford before floating away towards Hunton Bridge.

Girls report UFO sighting from West Harrow street (WEMBLEY OBSERVER, Middlesex, England - Apr. 20, 1979)

Wendy Fuggle and Hilary Smith reported seeing a dome-shaped object with flat sides, red lights at the bottom, and larger white lights above, hovering and turning slightly in West Harrow. They stated it made no noise and was not a plane or helicopter.

UFO has strange effect on family (HERTFORDSHIRE MERCURY, Hertford, England - Apr. 6, 1979)

A family reported seeing a round yellow ball of light with red and blue lights over Hertford. The object hovered for five minutes and emitted a vapor cloud. The family and their car experienced dimming headlights, fading music, and feelings of sickness and heaviness, attributed to electro-magnetic energy.

Strictly Swetman: UFOs - Are They Fact, Fiction Or Fantasy? (CITRUS COUNTY CHRONICLE, Inverness, FL - May 12, 1979)

This article explores the history of UFO sightings, starting with Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. It discusses government investigations like Project Sign, Grudge, and Blue Book, and the role of Dr. J. Allen Hynek in debunking and later acknowledging UFOs. The author shares personal encounters and discusses the skepticism surrounding UFOs, contrasting it with the persistence of sightings and the possibility of advanced technology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of UFO sightings across different geographical locations and the persistent mystery surrounding their origin and purpose. Many articles highlight the inability of authorities and scientific bodies to provide definitive explanations for these phenomena. There is a consistent emphasis on witness testimony, ranging from ordinary citizens to law enforcement officers and pilots. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these events and encouraging open-mindedness, while acknowledging the skepticism that often accompanies such reports. The publication serves as a collection of evidence and accounts for those interested in the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of "Forteana News" from the Northshore Citizen, dated April 18, 1979, focuses on two primary mysterious phenomena: Bigfoot and a creature in Siberia.

Bigfoot?

The main article, titled "Bigfoot?", reports on the ongoing efforts of Bigfoot tracker Cliff Crook. Crook has received new photographic evidence, which he believes are the clearest photos of Bigfoot ever taken. These photos, sent by an anonymous source, allegedly show a blond, ape-like creature in a swampy area near Monte Cristo in the Cascade foothills. Crook plans an expedition to investigate the location. The article also touches upon Crook's personal history of searching for Bigfoot since his youth and his conviction that the creature exists, citing evidence such as large tracks, droppings, and hair samples found at various sighting locations. He expresses frustration with the ridicule often associated with his pursuit but remains positive about eventually proving Bigfoot's existence.

Snake-headed, animal-eating monster mystifies Soviets

Another report details a "snake-headed, animal-eating creature" said to inhabit Lake Labinkir in the USSR. This creature is described as gliding through the frigid waters and has been the subject of local sightings for years. The article references a best-selling book about the Oymyakon region, which documents these sightings. Early reports from the 1950s describe a long-necked creature with a snake's head rising from the lake. Geologists and hunters have reported encounters, including seeing a long, grayish animal under the ice and a creature emerging to catch a goose and a dog. Despite numerous expeditions, no concrete evidence has been found. Some biologists speculate the creature could be a descendant of prehistoric dinosaurs. The report also briefly mentions the Loch Ness Monster and a 1976 expedition that found something sizeable in its waters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue highlights the persistent human fascination with cryptids and unexplained phenomena. The articles present anecdotal evidence, witness testimonies, and the ongoing efforts of individuals dedicated to finding proof of these elusive creatures. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena with a degree of seriousness, acknowledging the skepticism but also presenting the claims and evidence put forth by those involved in the investigations.