UFO Newsclipping Service - 1979 12 - no 125

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. NEWS CLIPPING SERVICE, Number 125, dated December 1979, is a compilation of news reports and articles related to UFO sightings and phenomena. The cover headline, "Science fiction becomes fact after five," suggests a theme of unexplained aerial events becoming more tangible.

Articles and Reports

"Science fiction becomes fact after five" This section introduces the idea that intergalactic travel might be more feasible than previously thought, referencing concepts like suspended animation and the possibility of faster-than-light travel. It highlights Alan Holt's theoretical "propulsion" concept, which involves magnetic field line merging and hydromagnetic waves, potentially enabling travel to distant stars and galaxies in short times. Holt's theory is based on Einstein's unified field theory and the relationship between magnetic and gravitational fields. He envisions tuning into specific locations in the universe like radio stations. The article suggests that if his theory is confirmed and feasibility studies are conducted in the 1980s, a test flight could be possible by 1990. The concept involves transcending space-time through a kind of hyperspace.

Cass Deputy Sights UFO (JOURNAL, Pine River, MN - Oct. 4, 1979) A Cass County Sheriff's deputy, Melvin Dick, reported seeing a glowing red, green, and yellow object moving slowly and spinning at treetop level near Cass Lake around 9:30 p.m. The object was described as large and aircraft-type. It was headed west but made a 90-degree turn and flew north. Other witnesses also saw the object, and it was reportedly followed as far as Red Lake.

UFO is reported (POST-ATHENIAN, Athens, TN - Oct. 19, 1979) A local resident reported seeing a "perfectly round, clear" object hanging motionless in the air. Initially thought to be a weather balloon, the object then turned and was observed to be flat and "as thin as a wafer." It suddenly sped off north at an extremely high speed, faster than a jet. The witness later noticed a second craft. The witness was reluctant to report the incident due to disbelief in UFOs, and the McMinn County Sheriff's Department had received no reports that day.

Suffolk Woman Finds Few People Interested In Probing Sighting (DAILY PRESS, Newport News, VA - Oct. 22, 1979) Mrs. Eleanor R. Jones reported seeing a circular object, the size of a small house with revolving lights, flying at treetop level near Suffolk. She described it as having a light on top and rotating lights around the outer edge. The object hovered until another conventional plane approached, then moved sideways at incredible speed. Mrs. Jones contacted the FBI, NASA, and the Air Force, but found no one interested. She spoke to a service station attendant who confirmed seeing a similar object. Maj. Robert W. Nicholson of Langley Air Force Base explained the government's position, referencing Project Blue Book, which concluded that UFOs were not hostile and unlikely to be extraterrestrial. He suggested that private organizations continue to investigate, leading Mrs. Jones to contact Leon Whiting, a state investigator for the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena and MUFON.

UFO sightings spark investigation (DELAWARE STATE NEWS, Dover, DE - Oct. 24, 1979) Bob Pratt, a reporter for the National Enquirer and an advisory board member of the Center for UFO Studies, was investigating UFO sightings in Dover, Delaware. Several residents reported seeing strange objects. Steve Edward Newman reported seeing two rectangular objects with flashing lights flying at treetop level near Ellendale. Doran and Elsie McFadden reported seeing a revolving light over Delaware Bay. Pratt noted that while bright stars can appear to flash, the sightings described might be something more. The article also mentions the NASA facility at Wallop's Island, which launches weather balloons and rockets, but states their activities would not explain the sightings.

Two women report sighting of UFO (COURIER, Chatham, NJ - Nov. 15, 1979) Mrs. Marcia Cuva and her sister-in-law, Mrs. Reggie Cardella, reported seeing two white lights in the sky near Madison, NJ. The object was stationary and made no noise. It then moved toward them, appearing as a hexagonal-shaped object with green and red lights. They followed it, and it moved off toward the Exxon property. They reported the sighting to local police and an area representative of a UFO investigation organization.

UFO Sighting Latest of Sussex County Mysteries? (THE COUNTY POST, Millsboro, DE - Sept. 26, 1979) Five residents of Millsboro, Delaware, reported observing a bluish-gray, disc-shaped object that floated over a field. Donald Schultie described it as "M&M" shaped and hovering. Other witnesses, including Dorothy Gray and Mable Hough, corroborated the sighting. Patrolman Rick Chamberlain saw the object through binoculars. Officials from Georgetown and Salisbury airports and Dover Air Base had no record of aircraft in the area. The NASA facility at Wallop's Island confirmed launching a Nike-Orion rocket and weather balloons, but stated these would not be visible or match the descriptions.

'Object' appears in sky (THE TIMES-HERALD, Newport News, VA - Nov. 17, 1979) Micki Cochran and Maynard Trull reported seeing strange lights and objects in the skies over Newport News. Cochran described a light that rose from roof-top level to about 1,500 feet, then nose-dived and exploded. Trull saw what looked like a home-made rocket with a light in the bottom float slowly from roof-top level to about 1,500 feet before rising straight up. Officials at Langley Air Force Base and Fort Eustis reported no unusual activity.

Lab Tests: No UFO Evidence At Lake City (POST-BULLETIN, Rochester, MN - Nov. 29, 1979) Laboratory tests on plant and soil samples from the Curtis Olson farm in West Albany Township, MN, where two large circles of downed field corn were found, produced no evidence of a UFO landing. The Center for UFO Studies in Evanston, Ill., conducted the tests, which included checks of chemical components, magnetism, radioactivity, biological factors, and thermoluminescence. None of the tests indicated UFO activity.

Evening Chat (NEWS-EXAMINER, Connersville, IN - Nov. 28, 1979) A Shelby County couple reported a glowing, egg-shaped object followed their car for about six miles and then hovered outside their house before soaring eastward. The object was described as 10 to 12 feet tall and 25 feet long, noiseless, and pulsating with a brilliant white light, with two dim yellow lights at the front. The investigating deputy was convinced the couple was serious.

Memories of UFO still vivid (MISSISSIPPI PRESS, Pascagoula, MS - Oct. 30, 1979) Charles Hickson, a 47-year-old shipyard worker, recounts his alleged abduction by UFO occupants five years prior. He describes a cigar-shaped or round craft hovering above a pier, from which robot-like creatures emerged. He and Calvin Parker were taken aboard, examined with a football-shaped instrument, and returned. Hickson describes the experience as terrifying and life-changing, leading him to believe in a broader cosmic control. The article mentions other UFO sightings in the Pascagoula area around the same time and the subsequent interviews with Hickson and Parker by Dr. James Harder and Dr. Allen Hynek, who concluded that "there was definitely something here that was not terrestial."

UFO Unit Formed-Local Team Learning to Stalk Life from the Stars (GAZETTE, Schenectady, NY - Nov. 19, 1979) Dan L. Lowenski, chief investigator for the Scientific Bureau of Investigation (SBI), led a seminar to train new investigators in researching UFO phenomena. The seminar covered classifications of UFO encounters (CE-1 to CE-4), including abduction cases. Demonstrations included a miniature UFO scene mock-up for reconstructing encounters and methods for taking core samples and magnetic mapping. The training emphasized distinguishing UFOs from identifiable flying objects.

FROM OUTER SPACE TO INNER REALITY: UFO aliens step into the limelight of probing minds (TRIBUNE, San Diego, CA - Nov. 19, 1979) Walter H. Andrus, Jr., director of MUFON, stated at a UFO symposium that doctors in the U.S. are performing autopsies on 30 bodies of space aliens whose ships crashed since the 1950s. These bodies are preserved in medical centers, and doctors involved have shared information confidentially. The aliens are described as dwarf-like humanoids with specific physical characteristics. Andrus also discussed MUFON's research into four types of aliens and an ongoing investigation of a Spanish airline pilot forced down by UFOs. Dr. James A. Harder discussed communication with aliens, suggesting mental telepathy or synthesized speech. Cleve Backster advised using polygraph tests for abductees. Stanton T. Friedman commented on the U.S. capability for advanced propulsion systems and the political will required for space travel. The article notes that a 1979 Gallup Poll indicated a high public acceptance of UFO reality.

Letters from Lodi: A strange light (ENTERPRISE, Lodi, WI - Nov. 21, 1979) Dave Skoloda recounts an experience from the summer of 1979 where he and his friend Jay saw a greenish light at the end of a dock on Leech Lake, Minnesota. The light suddenly rose out of the water, streaked across the beach, and into the trees. Skoloda initially dismissed it as bioluminescence but now considers it a possible Unidentified Flying Object, noting the increasing number of UFO reports.

Stanley housewife and policeman report seeing UFO (GAZETTE, Gastonia, NC - Nov. 28, 1979) A Stanley, NC housewife and a police officer reported seeing a strange light moving through the sky between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. The object appeared to change size and brightness, moving up, down, and sideways. It was described as similar to a star but brighter and larger. Aviation officials at Charlotte's Douglas Airport monitored nothing unusual. UFO investigator George Fawcett noted that while the sighting wasn't spectacular, it wasn't easily dismissed.

Unexplained night lights near Baldwin part of increasing UFO activity in area (LEADER-TELEGRAM, Eau Claire, WI - Oct. 31, 1979) Scott Sieracki reported seeing two shining lights hovering above a pasture near Baldwin, WI. The lights appeared to pivot and cast beams. His mother, Mrs. Sieracki, reported that Scott's sighting was not the first from their farm, recalling a similar sighting in 1974. Bradley E. Ayers, a field investigator for the Center for UFO Studies, decided to investigate personally due to the high UFO activity in the area. Ayers collected vegetation samples from the site where the lights were seen, which appeared slightly browner in a circular pattern.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the increasing number of UFO sightings being reported and investigated, the scientific and theoretical approaches to understanding these phenomena, and the public's and government's evolving perceptions of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious reporting and investigation, presenting witness accounts, scientific theories, and the findings of organizations like MUFON and the Center for UFO Studies, while also acknowledging the historical skepticism and government disinterest.

This issue of "Foreign News," dated October 2, 1979, is primarily dedicated to reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena, with a significant secondary focus on Bigfoot sightings. The publication appears to be a compilation of news articles from various regional newspapers, covering incidents from the UK, Europe, Australia, and North America.

Mother in bid for UFO information

The lead story on the cover, "Mother in bid for UFO information," details Mrs. Marion Sunderland's appeal to anyone in North Wales who may have witnessed UFOs or other unexplained psychic phenomena. Her daughter, Gaynor, claims to have seen a spacecraft and two silver-suited figures. Gaynor recounted her experience under hypnosis, and a similar figure was reportedly seen by others in the area. Two men, a researcher and a psychologist, have started a magazine called "Strange Phenomena" and are interested in Gaynor's sighting, seeking similar accounts from the region.

Russians set their sights on flying saucers

This article discusses the Russian perspective on UFOs, contrasting the atheistic stance of cosmonauts like Yuri Gagarin with the ongoing research within the Soviet Union. Cosmonauts Aleksandr Ivanchenko and Vladimir Kovalyonok stated that no Soviet cosmonaut has observed flying saucers in space, dismissing them as illusions. However, a brochure titled "Anomalous Phenomena in the Atmosphere," with the official imprimatur of the Academy of Sciences, details 256 sightings over the USSR and notes similarities with observations in France and elsewhere. The Russians are reportedly analyzing these phenomena and plan to present a report at the next International Astronautical Congress. The article also touches on Russia's pursuit of extraterrestrial life through radiotelescopic searches and plans for future space platforms equipped with radiotelescopes. Future Russian research includes launching a series of platform-based radiotelescopes and synchronizing their recordings, with the US scheduled to begin similar research next year. The Russians are also developing a reusable "space shuttle" and have confirmed plans for manned flights to planets and orbital manufacturing.

Who Saw This UFO?

This section reports on a UFO sighting in daylight from Clifton, England, and seeks further witnesses. The object was described as ball-shaped and silver. Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Beck of Clifton reported seeing the object moving from east to west in an erratic manner. Mr. Beck observed it "fluttering" through binoculars, showing a black lower section and a silver upper section. An aircraft approached from the opposite direction and passed the object. Another couple joined the Becks and thought the object looked like "a dark ball."

'Spinning top' seen in sky!

This article from the Ipswich Evening Star details a UFO sighting by Mrs. Nora Squire and Mrs. Gail Dersley in Westbourne, England. They described the object as a "spinning top" shape with red and green lights and a glow. It was observed hovering and moving slowly towards the town without making any noise.

Man speaks of UFO 'terror in the sky'

This piece from the Fenland Advertiser recounts the experience of Ken Crowson from March, England, who claims to have been "paralysed with fear" when an unidentified flying object flew alongside his car and hovered above him. He described it as a "very large aircraft" that was obviously not a plane. His wife also expressed extreme fear. Crowson reported the incident to the police, stating he now believes in flying saucers.

Experts Baffled Over Rash Of UFO Sightings In Europe

This article from the Daily Telegraph discusses the scientific world's difficulty in explaining a recent rash of UFO sightings over Western Europe. Meteorological phenomena are considered unlikely explanations, and the presence of excess dust from North Africa is also deemed insufficient. Electrical storms, ball lightning, or St. Elmo's fire are mentioned as possible explanations for dancing lights. Incidents reported include an object over Madrid seen by hundreds and a claimed landing near Paris where a young Frenchman allegedly disappeared. A cigar-shaped object was reported by Hertfordshire police, and in Spain, an aircraft made an emergency landing after allegedly being pursued by two unidentified objects. The possibility of survivors from large weather balloons used in a World Meteorological Organization investigation is also raised. The Ministry of Defence investigates sightings for national defense purposes.

'Big Foot' in the area?

This article from the Public Opinion reports on a sighting of a "strange ape-like creature" near Rauville, South Dakota, described as being between four-and-a-half and five feet tall and dark black. Witnesses reported strange sounds and a strong odor emanating from an abandoned barn. The creature was described as having dark red eyes and moving on four legs, with a stride that suggested it was much larger than a deer.

Bigfoot believer

This article from the Journal in Flint, Michigan, focuses on Wayne King, who claims to be Michigan's authority on Bigfoot. King operates the Michigan Bigfoot Information Center and has collected numerous accounts and physical evidence, including alleged Bigfoot feces. He describes Bigfoot as an ape, specifically giganto pithecus, and estimates 300-500 in Michigan and 1,000 in the United States. King has made regular forays into the bush and claims to have seen a female sasquatch tending her young. He also mentions a case where a Bigfoot carcass was reportedly found in Northern California. King insists on relying on evidence and not speculation, and controversially states his intention to shoot the next Bigfoot he meets to provide a specimen.

Scientists Dismiss 'Ape-Man' Report By Russ Explorers

This article reports on claims by amateur Soviet explorers who found a large human footprint in a mountain snowfield in Soviet Tajikistan. Dr. Nikolai Vereshchagin, a biologist, dismisses these claims, stating that "abominable snowmen" are myths and that no scientific institution is ready to tackle such a job. He suggests that the tracks could have been formed naturally or made by animals. The article also mentions previous searches for the Yeti in the Himalayas and North America, which yielded no conclusive evidence.

'Big Foot' spotter tells of sighting

This piece from the Freeman-Journal details a sighting by Bryon Davis, who claims to have seen Bigfoot about 18 feet away in the woods north of Webster City, Iowa. Davis described the creature as about seven feet tall with reddish-brown hair and long arms. He also reported hearing branches breaking the next day in the area where he saw the creature. Sheriff's deputies and an Iowa Bigfoot Association representative investigated the site.

Convinced Davis saw 'something'

This article follows up on the Bryon Davis sighting, with Irwin Alpert, Director of Research for the Sasquatch Research Group, and freelance writer Turner Lake investigating the area. They found broken branches and other signs consistent with Bigfoot encounters. Alpert notes that the creature's diet is thought to include wild berries and tree bark, and that it avoids human contact. The article also mentions a characteristic odor associated with Bigfoot, which is believed to be a defense mechanism.

Is Bigfoot making tracks back into Iowa terrain?

This article from the Sunday Register discusses the Bigfoot sightings in Ottosen, Iowa, from the previous year. Sheriff Marvin Andersen recalls the fear in the community, with residents gathering their children at sundown. Reports included weird screams, broken fences, stampeded cattle, and injured animals. Sightings were reported by various individuals, including a woman who claimed "it" stared at her through a kitchen window, and a group of students who saw two creatures. Kevin Cook, who established a "Bigfoot Information Center," theorizes that the creatures may have been migrating from South Dakota to the Mississippi River.

Australian Town Has Its Own UFO

This article from the Australian Illustrated Features reports on persistent UFO sightings in St. George, Queensland, Australia, over a 10-year period. Residents have complained to various authorities, but the sightings continue. The article details an incident involving three youths who reported a bright orange shape descending and following their car. Max Pringle, editor of the Balonne Beacon, also recounts his experiences, including seeing an orange-red glow and a "painfully bright white light" illuminating a van.

3 Tell of Ball of Light After Disappearance, Return of Teen-ager

This report from Arkansas details the disappearance and reappearance of Frank Fontaine, 19, who vanished after seeing a luminous cloud. He reappeared a week later in the exact spot he disappeared from, with no memory of the intervening time. His friends, Jean-Pierre Prevot and Salomon N'Diaye, also reported seeing the luminous cloud. Police remain skeptical, but have called in experts from the Group for the Study of Non-Identified Aerospace Phenomena.

Pilot's UFO sighting supported

This article from the Evening Tribune reports on a UFO sighting in Spanish airspace involving a pilot who diverted his plane with 109 passengers to make an emergency landing. Pilot Francisco Lerdo de Tejada claimed unidentified flying objects were buzzing him. An airport director and others reportedly saw the objects, and air force jets were sent to film them. Spain's transport minister stated, "It is clear that UFOs exist." Technicians declared the aircraft in "perfect condition" after landing.

Police In England Join UFO Spotters

This report from the Otago Daily Times describes four police officers in Hertfordshire, England, chasing a cigar-shaped, lighted object. The object was observed hovering and moving silently. The police asked air traffic control if there were any aircraft in the area, but the answer was negative. A spokesman for the British UFO Society expressed delight at the police sighting, noting that members of the society have often been branded as cranks.

UFO sighted in Taipei

A report from the China Post details a UFO sighting by a woman named Miss Hsu in Taipei, Taiwan. She described the object as brighter than the moon and moving towards Taoyuan. The observatory noted that the object would have to be flying lower than 1,500 meters to be sighted. The observatory has recorded Miss Hsu's account, and earlier reports of similar sightings in the area are also mentioned.

Calf is latest of 5 mutilated in Alberta area

This brief report from the Globe and Mail indicates a dead calf found near Airdrie, Alberta, is the fifth cattle mutilation discovered since Saturday. Veterinarian Dr. David Green confirmed the Airdrie case as a classic mutilation, while others were called "copy-cat mutilations."

Rains wash away evidence of Bigfoot

This article from the Record-Eagle reports that attempts to investigate Bigfoot footprints near Beulah, Michigan, were foiled by heavy rains. Wayne King, a Bigfoot authority, discussed recent activities with Benzie sheriff Zane Gray. Nine witnesses reported hearing piercing whistles and the sound of breaking branches. Gray confirmed that the cries were similar to previously recorded sounds and stated he has kept an open mind on Bigfoot stories.

Immanuel Velikovsky, Controversial Scientist

This obituary from the Chronicle announces the death of Immanuel Velikovsky, author of "Worlds in Collision." Velikovsky developed unorthodox theories about colliding planets and their impact on Earth. His work, though popular with the public, was often rejected by the scientific community. However, some of his theories, such as Venus being hotter than generally conceded, were later supported by space exploration.

FOOTPRINT FOUND

This section contains several brief reports on UFO and Bigfoot sightings:

• UFOs OVER POLAND: Several people reported observing unidentified flying objects on August 20th, 1979, described as ten balls of light leaving a whitish trail. An air force officer sketched the objects.
• MY EXPERIENCE WITH A FLYING SAUCER: A detailed account from Knysna, South Africa, describing a terrifying object with changing colors and lights observed for about 1.5 hours.
• UFO MANIFESTATION STILL UNEXPLAINED: Two points of light were observed above Landvetter airport in Sweden, moving rapidly and then fading. A pilot reported something flashing upon him.
• Cattle killers tracked: Reports of cattle killings and mutilations in Alberta, Canada, with five cases discovered since Saturday.
• Cattle killings hit 15: Another report on cattle mutilations in Alberta, with the heart of a cow possibly removed in one case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and Bigfoot encounters, presented through a collection of news reports from various sources. The publication appears to give credence to these phenomena, featuring detailed witness accounts and the perspectives of individuals actively investigating them, such as Wayne King and the Nottingham UFO Investigation Society. While acknowledging the skepticism of the scientific community, the articles often highlight the conviction of witnesses and the persistence of these unexplained events. The overall stance seems to be one of reporting on these phenomena as significant occurrences worthy of public attention, rather than dismissing them outright.