UFO Newsclipping Service - 1980 08 - no 133

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated August 1980, compiles a variety of UFO reports from different locations, including the United States and Australia. The cover headline highlights "UFO's Reported Over Cheboygan."

Waitresses Report UFO's (Greenwood, SC)

Two waitresses, Jan Harrison and Phyllis Cook, reported seeing a UFO at 5:50 a.m. on a Thursday near the Union Carbide plant. They described a bright red round light with another bright white light to its right, and a dome-shaped light with another above it. They initially thought it was a helicopter but noted the absence of noise. A regular customer suggested it was a UFO, theorizing that craft land in reservoirs and lakes. He mentioned that similar sightings had been reported in the area and that craft might be interested in gold mines. He also stated that UFOs sometimes emit a hum like a turbine engine when spotted up close, but are otherwise quiet and fast-moving.

U.F.O. Mystifies Indian Valley Couple (Floyd, VA)

Cicero and Bessie Cox, aged 94 and 83, reported seeing a white object in their meadow at 7:30 a.m. on Father's Day, June 15. Initially mistaken for a dog, the object changed colors to sky blue and moved around in the grass. Cicero Cox went to get his gun but changed his mind. The object then ascended slowly, returned, and hovered before flying higher and heading towards Roanoke. Cicero Cox discovered a flattened area of grass about the size of his tractor where the object had been. Bessie Cox described the object as round with things sticking out, like a little rack, and having orange, green, and blue lights. She noted it moved slowly and turned around, with one side appearing dark before the lights shone. She stated it sailed as if light as a feather. Cicero Cox concluded it was a UFO.

UFO's Reported Over Cheboygan (Cheboygan, MI)

Several Cheboygan residents reported seeing three red UFOs in the sky. The Cheboygan Sheriff Department received reports from four people. Kathleen Balbaugh reported hearing engine noise from the objects around 10:15 p.m. A former schoolteacher, Melanie Doan, reported that five objects with flashing lights followed her car as she drove north on I-75 near Petoskey. She described them as egg-shaped with red and blue-green lights flashing periodically and being absolutely silent. The objects moved in a zig-zag pattern and kept pace with her car, even when she accelerated to 85 mph. Two other similar objects appeared to the left. After about 15 minutes, the objects left when a second car approached. Doan stated it was not the northern lights and that no aircraft could travel as silently.

UFO follows young Long Beach woman to Ilwaco (Long Beach, WA)

A young woman from Long Beach reported that an Unidentified Flying Object apparently followed her vehicle to Ilwaco before sunrise. She described a bright white round source of light directly in front of her vehicle, hovering just above the treetops. She noted an oval ring of blackness beyond the bright light. The object stopped when she stopped and traveled with her. She heard a low humming sound. The object was observed by her and others at her workplace from about 4 to 6 a.m. It appeared higher in the sky and seemed to hover and dance, becoming a bright pinpoint of light with a red light seen every 15 minutes. Ilwaco police and the Coast Guard were notified.

UFO sighted in Kennebunkport (Kennebunkport, ME)

Jonathan Bennett and Bryce Young reported seeing two bright orange lights over the water that moved towards Kennebunkport at a constant speed. The lights stopped, hovering offshore, described as a large, pulsating light of an electric orange color. They reported no engine noise and no visible craft outline. The lights then turned red and moved towards St. Ann's Church, startling a passing car. They then turned green and moved away over the land. Bennett stated he never believed in these things before but was convinced it was a UFO.

Close Encounters Of Strange Kind Puzzle Viewers (Pontiac, MI)

Mark Saly reported seeing a "flying saucer" about 12:45 a.m. Saturday. Oakland-Pontiac Airport received at least 16 phone calls from people describing a similar object. Jerry Goit, operations manager, stated callers described the UFO as bright orange and white, with blue lights, flying over the Fisher Body plant and heading towards the Silverdome. Three security officers at the Silverdome and the Pontiac Police reported seeing nothing. The National Weather Service in Detroit reported nothing on its screen.

City Cop Spots UFO (Lincolnton, NC)

Patrolman Danny Hallman and James Gilbert reported seeing a cone-shaped object hovering low over Lincolnton at 1:05 a.m. The object was described as "huge" and cone-shaped, seen for only a few seconds before disappearing. UFO investigator George Fawcett was notified. Fawcett also received reports of a UFO in Forest City at 1:07 a.m. by a police officer and a fireman. They described the object as shaped like an ice cream cone, about 25 to 30 feet in size with a tail that was red, orange, and yellow. It was about 200 to 300 feet high, had no sound or smell. Fawcett is hesitant to call it a meteor due to the lack of sound and smell, which are typical of meteors.

A close encounter at the Silverdome? (Pontiac, MI)

Mark Saly and another witness reported seeing a "flying saucer" over Pontiac. Saly described it as bright orange and white with blue lights, making a "weird computer noise." Jerry Goit, operations manager at Oakland-Pontiac Airport, confirmed receiving multiple calls describing a similar object. The National Weather Service in Detroit reported no radar anomalies at the time.

Keokuk couple puzzled by mysterious circles in yard (Keokuk, IA)

Donald and Peggy Printy found two large circular impressions in their backyard. The first was about 10 feet in diameter and surrounded by a border of grass that had sprouted two inches higher. The second impression had a bluish tint. The Printys reported hearing two loud knocks at their door the night before, and their puppy acted scared. Donald Printy also heard a "whoosh" sound and saw trees bending as if in a strong wind, though there was no storm at the time. The grass in the circles was described as "not scorched, it was fertilized."

UFOs seen over Warrnambool (Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia)

Five people in Warrnambool and three outside the city reported seeing a red, bright, flat, round, saucer-shaped object between 5:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Department of Transport and RAAF officials stated there were no aircraft in the area. The object traveled north and then east for about 20 minutes before disappearing. Witnesses described it as saucer-shaped, with a tail that was red, orange, and yellow. It was described as having a black dot on the front and back and turning around. One witness described it as a yellow glow that turned into a black dot with a tail.

Sighting may be clue on missing pilot (Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia)

The Victorian UFO Research Society appealed to fishermen who reported seeing a strange object under the sea near Cape Otway in 1978 to contact them. Vice-president Paul Norman believes this sighting could be a lead in the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich and linked to photographs of a strange object taken near Cape Otway shortly before Valentich reported being buzzed by a UFO. Computer analysis of the photographs suggested a "bona fide" unknown flying object, apparently surfacing from the water.

Help sought over UFO encounter (Whalan, Australia)

David Reneke of UFO Research (NSW) is seeking information about a "close encounter of the first kind" reported nine years ago in Whalan. A woman described seeing an egg-shaped craft shoot a beam of light to the road. Reneke is looking for anyone who might have picked up something unusual in the area or seen the same craft. He believes that some UFOs fly in an anti-clockwise direction and leave scorch marks.

PILOT REPORTS SEEING A UFO (Sydney, Australia)

A pilot, Tom Ladkani, reported sighting a hovering bright light in the air near Marulan, about 200 km south of Sydney, for three minutes. Flight controllers in Sydney were unable to identify any other aircraft in the vicinity.

UFO clue in pilot puzzle (Cape Otway, Australia)

Investigators believe photographs taken in 1978 show a UFO off Cape Otway 20 minutes before pilot Frederick Valentich flew overhead. The photographs, analyzed by the Civilian Aerial Phenomena Research Organisation in Phoenix, Arizona, suggest a metallic object "surfacing" from the water. The object was described as a "bona fide UFO, of moderate dimensions, apparently surrounded by a cloud-like vapor-exhaust residue."

UFO sighting to be probed (Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia)

The Victorian UFO Research Society began investigating an unidentified object seen near Warrnambool. Photographs of the object were sent to America for analysis. The object was described as saucer-shaped, cigar-shaped, rocket-like, red, bright, flat, and round.

Iranian Sky Filled With U.S. Threats (Tehran, Iran)

Iranian officials claimed the United States was sending flying saucers, remote-controlled helicopters, and weather balloons over Iran as part of a psychological warfare operation. An "expert" cited by the Islamic Revolution newspaper stated that these objects were launched from U.S. naval vessels and remotely controlled. The Iranian air force had reportedly chased and fired on these objects.

'Alien wreck' found (Perth, Australia)

A WA farmer, Eric Parker, believes mystery marks on his property were left by a UFO. Four circular marks, 1.3m in diameter and 10 cm deep, were found in a barley paddock. Parker described them as "rock hard" and stated that whatever made them would have to weigh over 100 tons. He believes they are not man-made and now believes in UFOs.

Woman tells of flying saucer (Bradford, England)

Mrs. Christina Harris reported seeing a metallic silver and black flying saucer hovering above Lister's Mill, Manningham, Bradford. She described it as moving smoothly towards Bradford city centre. She noted it was the wrong shape for a kite.

Eight report UFO (Wellington, New Zealand)

Eight people reported seeing a huge, grey UFO over Wellington early on Saturday morning. The UFO Studies Centre is appealing for more witnesses. One witness described the object as egg-shaped and zig-zagging across the sky.

Zap and UFO laser sets all afire (Port Klang, Malaysia)

Three people reported seeing a luminous object, described as bluish-red and spinning, hovering above oil installations. They claimed it shot a laser beam onto a squatter house, starting a fire that destroyed two houses and a sundry shop. One witness stated that the airport's radar control centre detected a UFO on its screen around the same time.

Evidence indicates spacemen visited Earth (Kingston, Ontario, Canada)

This article details the Betty and Barney Hill abduction case from 1961. Under hypnosis, they recounted being taken aboard a spacecraft, examined by "grey" beings, and shown a star map. The map, analyzed by Marjorie Fish, is interpreted as representing travel routes between stars. The article discusses the scientific debate surrounding the interpretation of the map, with critics like Carl Sagan questioning its validity while others, like Stanton T. Friedman, support it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, close encounters, and the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these phenomena with a degree of seriousness, presenting witness accounts and investigator analyses without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for scientific scrutiny. The inclusion of detailed accounts like the Betty and Barney Hill case and the analysis of photographic evidence suggests an interest in exploring the more profound implications of UFO phenomena.

This issue of UFO Magazine, Volume 12, No. 131, dated June 1980, delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, primarily focusing on UFO sightings, alleged encounters, and related mysteries. The content spans incidents from Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States, featuring witness testimonies, official reports, and investigative efforts.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

Argentina

The magazine details a terrifying experience of Angel Morassi, a farm worker from Arequito, Santa Fe, who claims to have been burned by a UFO. He reported seeing a blinding light with multi-colored flashes that was practically landing on his head. Doctors verified lesions on his back and forearm, describing them as erythematous and of an uncertain, strange character, ruling out usual causes. His dogs also exhibited similar lesions.

Another incident from Rosario involves Juan Jorge Gómez, a carpenter, who claims to have traveled in an extraterrestrial ship. He reported being visited at home by four short beings in yellow clothes and helmets, who emitted unintelligible humming noises. Later, he was allegedly 'sucked up by a light' and remembers sitting in a large armchair while observed by the same beings. He awoke 15 hours later near a cemetery, with a black spot on his index finger.

Ignacio Fernández, a pilot with 22 years of experience, recounted an encounter at Aeroparque. While requesting authorization to taxi, the tower informed him of a 'flying saucer' on the runway. He described it as a sphere, like a full moon, with an intense periphery and a translucid interior, moving slowly. He also reported a similar sighting years prior near Mendoza.

Correctional Judge Dr. Ernesto Giacomini questioned Angel Germán Morassi regarding his UFO experience and stated that the farmer appeared perfectly well and showed no signs of fabrication.

Chile

An incident in Osorno, Chile, describes a UFO attacking a car with laser rays, nearly destroying it. The driver, Yolanda Torres de Bahamondes, reported a blinding light and a thunderous sound after the UFO shot what she described as laser rays that perforated the windshield twice.

New Zealand

The magazine reports on 'monster hunter' Rex Gilroy's planned investigation in Lake Taupo, New Zealand. Gilroy, director of the Australian Strange Animals Investigation Centre, is following up on sightings of large, reptilian creatures resembling the Loch Ness monster or Plesiosaurus.

Canada

In Alberta, Canada, farmers in the Medicine Hat area reported cattle losses due to 'weird mutilators' characterized by surgeon-like precision. Farmers Vincent Chrusciel and Frank Spath expressed concern, with Spath noting that the RCMP confirmed his cow was mutilated. Police are investigating the possibility of a cult being involved.

United States

Several Bigfoot-related reports are featured. In Jackson, Wyoming, two men, Robert Goodrich and Glenn Towner, reported being chased by a 12-foot tall, hairy, Bigfoot-like creature. They described it as having long arms, a semi-human face, and being hunchbacked.

In Scotts Valley, California, the Wolters family recounted sightings of a 'Bigfoot' in an orchard between 1971 and 1972, finding large, three-toed footprints. They also heard unusual sounds and noted their horses becoming agitated.

A report from Rainier, Oregon, details Bill Leon Buol's encounter with a 400-600 pound creature behind his barn, which he believed to be Bigfoot.

Idaho

In the Blackfoot Reservoir vicinity, Idaho, a farm family discovered three distinct sets of unusual footprints, believed to be from a Bigfoot family. Investigator Marcia Crane, associated with Project Bigfoot, is examining these tracks, which differ in size and toe count. The tracks are described as wedge-shaped, with five toes (16 inches) and four toes (12 inches), and the stride of the smaller prints was measured at 64 inches.

Animal Mutilations

The $50,000 Report

This section critically examines former FBI agent Kenneth Rommel Jr.'s $50,000 report on cattle mutilations. Rommel, funded by a Law Enforcement Assistance Administration grant, concluded that animal scavengers (coyotes, ravens, eagles, etc.) are responsible for the alleged mutilations, dismissing theories involving cults or aliens. He contends that the press has perpetuated the 'Myth of the Mutilated Cow.' The report is supported by a study comparing believers and skeptics, which Rommel found significant, suggesting that education and direct knowledge play a role in susceptibility to 'delusionary behavior.' The author of this section expresses skepticism towards Rommel's findings, questioning his understanding of ranching and his dismissal of UFO-related reports.

Cattle Mutilations Not So Mysterious, Ex-Agent Says

This article summarizes Kenneth Rommel Jr.'s conclusion that animal scavengers, not human or alien perpetrators, are responsible for cattle mutilations. Rommel's 297-page report, based on a year of investigation, includes reports from veterinarians and photographs. He argues that the 'surgical precision' of cuts can be made by scavengers and that missing body parts are those typically targeted by predators. He also suggests that chemicals found in cattle are from medicated feed or plants, not from alien experiments. Rommel dismisses the 'most popular theory' of a sophisticated group performing biological and environmental testing, citing a lack of evidence and unclaimed rewards for information.

'Mutilation' Investigated

State police in El Rito, New Mexico, are investigating a suspected cattle mutilation. Officer Gabe Valdez stated that the calf's death appeared to be a mutilation, with missing sex organs and no blood on the hide, but also showed indications of predator damage. Valdez took samples for laboratory testing. He disagreed with Rommel's predator theory, suggesting that many mutilation investigators believe otherwise. The report notes that Rommel's critics claim his investigation was funded by a grant and that he viewed 15 cow carcasses, finding only one to be a genuine mutilation.

Bigfoot and Other Mysteries

'Bigfoot' hanging out near Snow King Inn?

Two men in Jackson, Wyoming, reported seeing a 12-foot tall, hairy, Bigfoot-like creature that chased them. They described its appearance and behavior, noting it followed them to a street light near the Snow King Inn.

Believe it or not... they saw Bigfoot here, too

A Boulder Creek, California family claims to have seen a 'Bigfoot' feeding in their orchard in 1971-1972. They found large, three-toed footprints and heard unusual noises. Neighbors also reported sightings.

Bigfoot reported seen

In Rainier, Oregon, a man encountered a large, heavy creature behind his barn, which he believed to be Bigfoot. Authorities investigated but found no definitive evidence, though they acknowledged the man was terrified.

History says elusive Bigfoot could have lived in Northwest for years

This article explores the history of Bigfoot sightings, dating back to Indian tribes and a 1884 account of a creature named 'Jacko' captured near Yale, British Columbia. It discusses the recent findings of unusual tracks near the Blackfoot Reservoir in Idaho, investigated by Marcia Crane of Project Bigfoot. While some officials and a tracker believe the tracks were made by a bear, Crane and other Project Bigfoot members dispute this. The article also mentions other Bigfoot-related phenomena, such as strange noises on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation and hair samples found in other areas.

Strange Tracks Found in Reservoir Vicinity

This piece focuses on the unusual footprints found near the Blackfoot Reservoir in Idaho. A farm family discovered three sets of prints, believed to be from a Bigfoot family, with varying sizes and toe counts. Investigator Marcia Crane is examining the evidence. The article notes that while some authorities suspect bear tracks, others, including Project Bigfoot, find them compelling. It also touches upon the typical behavior of Bigfoot, such as nocturnal habits and avoidance of humans.

The Big HUMMMM

This section discusses the 'Big Hum,' a low, rhythmic throbbing sound heard globally, which has become an international mystery. The World Health Organisation is conducting studies in over 20 countries. Experts in Britain are concentrating research in the West Country. The hum has been heard in various locations worldwide, including Australia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, the Arctic, and even detected by NASA spacecraft. Possible explanations range from oceanic and atmospheric phenomena to jet stream noise or even intelligent beings from deep space. The hum is described as intensely irritating and, in some cases, diagnosed as tinnitus, although most instances are audible to everyone.

Wallowa Lake 'residents report on appearance of legendary monster...

Residents of Wallowa Lake, Oregon, reported seeing a large, black, serpent-like form in the lake, described as about twenty feet long. This sighting is linked to the legend of the 'Monster of Wallowa Lake,' which has surfaced occasionally over the years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Magazine consistently explores phenomena that defy conventional scientific explanation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation into UFOs, Bigfoot, and other unexplained events, presenting witness testimonies and investigative findings without necessarily endorsing any single theory. There is a clear emphasis on presenting diverse accounts, from the physical effects of alleged UFO encounters to the behavioral patterns of cryptids and the ongoing mystery of the 'Big Hum.' The magazine seems to lean towards validating the experiences of individuals who report these phenomena, even when official investigations or established scientific views offer alternative explanations, as seen in the critical examination of the cattle mutilation report.