UFO Newsclipping Service - 1981 05 - no 142

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Newsclipping Service, dated May 1981, features a prominent cover story titled "'Little Foot' Sighting Draws Widespread Reaction," detailing an incident in Westfield, North Carolina. The publication also includes reports from various locations across the United States, covering a range of UFO and mysterious light sightings.

'Little Foot' Sighting Draws Widespread Reaction

Published in the News, Mount Airy, NC, this article by Tom Joyce discusses a letter and drawing from a Westfield man describing a creature he encountered about two weeks prior. The man reported his dog fighting a creature about five feet tall with pink skin, a very large head, and 'small frog-like hands and feet.' The incident occurred while he was milking his cow. The next day, he found his dog dead, two cows missing, and no sign of the creature. He declined to give his name for fear of being considered crazy.

The report generated significant interest and speculation. The international Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) contacted the newspaper, indicating that the description bore the hallmarks of a 'classic close encounter.' Gail McBride of MUFON's Winston-Salem branch noted that the account, while seemingly far-fetched, was similar to other creature sightings. She stated that North Carolina ranks fourth nationally in UFO sightings and third when humanoids and close encounters are included. MUFON has documented three creature sighting accounts in Surry County in recent years.

The article recounts past incidents in the Mount Airy area: a 1973 sighting by a Copeland couple of an oval-shaped object and a three-foot tall creature in a metallic suit; a 1973 encounter by a Surry Community College student driving on U.S. 601, who saw an oval object, experienced car malfunctions, and saw a creature with 'eyes like balls of fire'; and a 1968 incident where a Mount Airy housewife saw a domed UFO and a small child-like creature with a silvery helmet.

McBride noted that creature sightings often involve small beings (around three feet tall) with gray or white skin and disproportionately large heads, often wearing 'coverall' garments. Odell Harold of Mount Airy also reported seeing a UFO on a cloudy night near the Industrial Park, describing it as slow-moving or stopped in mid-air, with three rows of lights. He also mentioned a previous sighting of a craft that plunged down at a fast speed.

The 'News Appeal' section urges the anonymous Westfield man to contact the newspaper and MUFON to provide further details, guaranteeing anonymity. Contact information for MUFON representatives Gail McBride and Ray Rheine is provided.

UFOs Reported Sighted Over the Wiregrass

This article, by Rick Thomason, is a composite of stories from several Houston County residents who claim to have seen UFOs, with most requesting anonymity. The sightings typically occur at night, sometimes accompanied by a loud whirring sound, but not always.

A young married couple reported an incident on a calm afternoon. While packing their picnic lunch, the husband noticed something at treetop level, initially dismissing it as a bird. Later, as they drove down a narrow dirt road, a dark object appeared beside their car. The wife was mesmerized, and upon inquiry, revealed her fright. The husband stopped the car and saw the object hovering nearby. He described it as 'like nothing I had ever seen,' and stated, 'It's really a UFO.'

The couple sped away, with the UFO keeping pace effortlessly. The wife noted that the object made no noise. When they were about a mile from the main road, the UFO sped ahead and disappeared around a bend. Upon rounding the last curve, they found the UFO hovering just two feet off the ground. The couple sat in stunned silence for several minutes before the object slowly lifted, shot off over their car, and vanished.

Both witnesses expressed disbelief, having previously dismissed UFO tales. They noted the object was saucer-shaped with a dome, lacked glowing lights, and was silent. The husband mentioned that people are always telling similar stories, but this UFO's shape was its only resemblance. The couple decided not to tell anyone for fear of ridicule.

Other co-workers of the husband later reported seeing a UFO in the same vicinity. The article notes a consistency in the feeling of being 'carefully examined and watched' by the UFOs.

Maybe this fell out of Mork's pocket

This piece, by Ed Beardsley, discusses a peculiar rock shown to Alida Carboneau by an unidentified man. The man claimed to be a prospector on the Mojave Desert who saw a UFO land and leave behind a glowing mass that cooled into silvery stones. Carboneau obtained a piece of the rock, which she described as metallic and porous, unlike coal. Scientists reportedly found it contained none of the 15 known trace elements, resisted cutting with a diamond saw, did not conduct electricity, and glowed when heated but did not burn. Carboneau is seeking further scientific examination of the rock.

Mysterious orange lights common sight in Yoncalla

This article by Ed Beardsley features 'Grandma Taylor' (74 years old) from Yoncalla, Oregon, who claims to have seen mysterious orange lights for the past three years. She describes them as 'about 20 times the size of a star' and resembling wheels, with rainbow colors. She states they come in from the coast and have been seen by friends and family. Grandma Taylor claims to have been burned by rays from these lights, showing spots on her hand and body. She also mentions seeing nine of them over the valley floor and one hovering over train tracks. She believes they are not from other planets but are a strange phenomenon.

It's a bird? Or a plane? It's a UFO

This report from Beaverton, OR, details calls received by police about an unidentified flying object. Officer Dick Stein described a bright yellowish-orange object, the size of a commercial airliner, between 4,000 and 7,000 feet in the air. It appeared to be 'on fire' with burning debris falling from it. The object vanished after about five minutes. Stein, a former commercial pilot, ruled out common explanations and noted similarities to another sighting by a state trooper near St. Helens.

Was it a UFO? Some think so

This article by Carol Mason reports on Terry Kohlstrand's sighting of two glowing lights near Orient, Oregon. He described them as orange lights, three or four times the size of the largest star, which hovered and then disappeared. Kohlstrand and his financee believe UFOs come from other civilizations and mean no harm. Local authorities and the Federal Aviation Administration had no explanations, and the National UFO Reporting Center in Seattle received numerous calls about similar sightings.

UFO Cruises Windsor

This report from White River Junction, VT, describes sightings of mysterious lights over Windsor. Linda Kingsbury and Lucy Slothower reported seeing two bright lights, one very white and luminous, the other dimmer. As the object approached, it took on a triangular shape with lights on its underside and emitted a heavy humming sound. Jane Libby also reported seeing a large object with red lights on the side, described as a cylinder turning slowly. The sightings were referred to the Plattsburgh Air Force Base and the Center for UFO Studies.

2 deputies see a UFO

This brief report from Ypsilanti, MI, states that two Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department deputies spotted an unidentified flying object. Sgt. Ronald Ritter described it as large, round, dull red, pulsating, and slow-flying at about 15,000 feet. Area airports and the National Weather Service reported nothing unusual.

UFOs cross Hudson

This report from Newburgh, NY, mentions residents seeing UFOs. Henry Schipp reported a close encounter with a round object, about 20 feet wide, with flashing blue lights, that disappeared quickly, leaving him feeling weak.

Meteor Shower Observers Mystified By Flash in the Sky

This article from West Palm Beach, FL, discusses a spectacular meteor shower that startled pilots and observers. Veteran airline pilot Richard Houghton described the flash as 'a Saturn rocket lifting off except pointing down at the Earth.' Other pilots reported similar phenomena. The Coast Guard identified it as the 'Lyrid's Meteor Phenomenon.' However, some witnesses, like Houghton, remained unconvinced it was a natural event, describing it as 'gigantic' and bursting into flames.

UFO probers claim sightings

This article by Jack Pyle discusses the work of UFO investigators Dan and Aileen Edwards, who believe that missing time and unusual experiences are often due to 'abductions' by alien beings. They use hypnosis to help individuals recall these events. The Edwardses have investigated over 50 cases, primarily in the Seattle area, involving alleged abductions by beings described as having octopus tentacles, large eyes, and wearing one-piece suits.

Encounter With UFO Reported

This brief report from Port Lavaca, TX, states that Mrs. Carroll Hartzog reported an encounter with a UFO on her recent trip to Atlanta. She and her daughter saw a 'very large, brightly lighted object' that alternated red and white lights and emitted a loud humming noise.

Evening Chat

This compiled report mentions several UFO sightings in the Shelbyville and Columbus, Indiana, areas, including an object described as 'blinding in its brilliancy' that sped off rapidly.

UFOs Said Seen In Lindale Area

This report from Hide-A-Way Lake describes the sighting of five unidentified flying objects (UFOs) observed for about 20 minutes. The objects were described as round and 'bright-like,' moving in a southerly direction.

Large 'red ball' is cited on West Corydon

This report from Bradford, PA, mentions a local field investigator seeking information about a sighting of a 'large red ball' in the sky.

Two report UFO sightings in Zion

This report from Waukegan, IL, details two motorists reporting five bright, large red lights flying tree-top level over Zion, IL. The lights were described as 'too big and bright' to be an airplane's.

Is Air Force covering up UFO information?

This article discusses the ongoing debate about UFOs, referencing reports of sightings and the Air Force's stance. It mentions a book by Dr. Robert W. Lowes titled 'The UFO Handbook,' which suggests that the Air Force may be withholding information. The article also touches on the idea that UFOs could be advanced aircraft developed by the US.

English Scientist Backed

This article reports that Dr. Clyde Tombaugh, the discoverer of Pluto, admitted to being the scientist quoted by British expert Arthur C. Clarke as having seen a 'flying saucer.' Tombaugh clarified that he saw an object in the sky in 1948 that moved silently, too fast for a plane and too slow for a meteor, and stated he was humble about its identity.

'Saucers' Seen at Atom Site

This report from Nevada describes five individuals, including an Air Force technical sergeant, who saw eighteen circular objects flying an easterly course near the Nevada test site. The objects were estimated to be at 40,000 feet and traveling at least 1,200 miles per hour.

'Flying Saucers? Now I Believe!

This personal account by Deyle Kline describes seeing at least 10 luminous objects pass over Albuquerque. Kline, initially skeptical, became a believer after witnessing the objects shift formations with precision. He notes they were unlike rockets or meteors and exhibited 'intelligence or co-ordination.'

A Whole Flock of Disks Starts Discussion Here

This article from San Francisco reports numerous sightings of 'flying disks,' which were later revealed to be cardboard disks dropped from a plane by the San Francisco News as a publicity stunt.

Flying Saucers Baffle Senators Just Like They Do People

This report discusses how US Senators are baffled by flying saucer reports, with some suggesting the possibility of Martian origin while others dismiss them as 'Fair Deal' pie in the sky or US experiments.

Looking Back

This section compiles historical UFO reports from various newspapers dating back to 1949. It includes claims of 'Space Ship Raids,' Air Corps doubts, UC scientists baffled by saucer reports, Air Force radar reports, sightings near Sacramento, farmer's pictures of a flying saucer, and odd objects seen in the sky. It also touches on the debate about whether flying saucers are real US aircraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and mysterious aerial phenomena across the United States. There is a clear emphasis on witness accounts, often from ordinary citizens, law enforcement, and even pilots, detailing sightings of unusual craft with varying shapes, sizes, colors, and behaviors. The articles highlight the public's fascination and confusion regarding these events, with some seeking scientific explanations and others embracing the possibility of extraterrestrial origins. The publication appears to present these reports without overt skepticism, allowing the accounts to speak for themselves, while also including some official statements and alternative explanations. The overall stance is one of documenting and disseminating information about UFO phenomena, reflecting a continued public interest in the subject during the early 1980s.

This issue of FOREIGN NEWS, dated February 27, 1981, published by the HARLOW CITIZEN in England, focuses on a variety of unexplained phenomena, primarily UFO sightings and other mysterious creatures reported globally. The cover headline, "An ex-bobby spots flying object," highlights a key story.

Key Articles and Reports

UFO Sightings:

• Retired Policeman Spots Flying Object: A retired policeman, Ken Ettle, reported seeing a square-shaped UFO with colored lights moving eastwards at about 1,500 feet near Harlow, England. He described it as neither an aircraft nor a satellite and noted its lack of noise.
• Pupil's UFO Shock: Three pupils from Goyt Bank School in Offerton, England, reported seeing a round object with orange lights and protrusions that disappeared into nothing after a few minutes. The sighting is being investigated.
• Billboard Plane Mistaken for UFO: In Metro Toronto, Canada, a small plane with an electronic billboard under its wings triggered reports of a UFO. Henry McKay of the Mutual UFO Network stated that the plane, a Cessna-172, is impressive if one doesn't know what it is. Police also received calls about a new plane.
• Mystery Picture of UFO: A teenager, Lee Williams, reported seeing a lampshade-shaped object making an engine-like noise over Hanningfield reservoir, England. He claims it dropped into the water and flew off, but water board officials stated they fished out a weather balloon.
• Lights in the Sky: A woman in Welton, England, reported seeing a large circle of bright lights reflecting a dome shape, emitting a tremendous noise. RAF Scampton reported no unusual air traffic, and a hot air balloon was suggested as a possible explanation.
• UFO on Dunes: Three school friends in Aberffraw, Wales, believe they saw an oval-shaped object with a dome emitting flashing yellow lights land on the sand dunes. They drew the object, which made no noise and circled twice before landing vertically.
• Elgin Villagers Still Talking: In Elgin, Ontario, Canada, villagers are discussing a mid-day sighting by Marg Jackson of a grey oval object about half the size of a barn. Authorities suggested it might have been a weather balloon.
• UFO Fright at Manor: A greenish-coloured object was spotted over Sheffield, England, leaving residents with an "close encounter" feeling. Police investigated and suggested it was likely a high-flying helicopter or a comet.
• International UFO Reports: The issue includes numerous short reports from various countries:
• Mexico: Three UFOs with elongated shapes and strange lights landed in Santiago Tianguistengo.
• Argentina: Sightings were reported in Salta Province (a ball of light), San Juan Province (a UFO fleet described as two saucers together), Mar del Plata and Necochea (a fireball-like object photographed), and Tucumán and Santiago del Estero Provinces (a UFO with multi-colored lights).
• Spain: A Spanish Air Force fighter reportedly pursued a "flying saucer" in Cáceres.
• Peru: It was claimed that Peruvian Air Force planes shot down a flying saucer.
• United Arab Emirates: Two UFOs were sighted, both appearing to police officers.
• Turkey: A shiny-bright flying object reportedly landed on a forested mountain near Safranbolu.
• Uruguay: The Uruguayan Air Force investigated traces and testimonies of a UFO sighting in Las Lomas.
• Canada: Fermin Albornoz reported seeing two small beings emerge from a bluish light in Manzano Amargo, Neuquén Province.
• United States: A concert of lights from a UFO was witnessed by car drivers in Santa Rosa, La Pampa Province.

Other Mysteries:

• China's 'Ape-man': A team of Chinese scientists has found evidence, including preserved hands and feet, suggesting the existence of an "ape-man" in central and eastern China, similar to Bigfoot or Sasquatch. Reports of encounters have occurred for centuries.
• Bigfoot Prowling Again: In Rocky Boy, Montana, large, four-toed footprints and reddish hairs were found outside Jimmy Eagleman's house, leading to speculation about Bigfoot.
• Mother Earth's Flying Saucers: An article explores the theory that "earthquake lights" and UFOs might be products of seismic activity on Earth, where rock cracks can produce luminous phenomena. This theory is linked to sightings near fault lines.
• Cattle Deaths: A presentation by Mike Lewis, a UFO investigator, focused on cattle mutilations, highlighting common features like the removal of specific body parts and the lack of tracks. He discussed theories including government agencies, predators, cults, and UFOs, suggesting the latter is attractive because it cannot be disproven.
• 'Puma' Sighting: A "puma" was reportedly seen leaping from a house window in Perton, England, marking its first reappearance in months.
• Lake Monsters: The issue features discussions on lake monsters:
• Save the Chesapeake Monster: An opinion piece advocates for legal protection for "Chessie," the Chesapeake Bay monster, drawing parallels to protections for Bigfoot and "Champ" of Lake Champlain.
• Lake's Camera-Shy Monster Spotted Again: "Champ," the Lake Champlain monster, was reportedly sighted again by at least 10 residents. Testimonies appeared on national news, and the creature is gaining national attention.
• 'Champ' reported at Bulwagga: Residents of Port Henry reported seeing a dark, long, snakelike creature in Bulwagga Bay, described as having a head the size of a human head.
• New Bigfoot Photo: A man claiming to have seen Bigfoot on two occasions offered a photograph of the elusive creature, stating his next step is to capture it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and diversity of unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, cryptids (ape-men, lake monsters, Bigfoot), and mysterious events like cattle mutilations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various reports and theories without necessarily endorsing any single explanation, while also advocating for the protection of potentially undiscovered creatures. The inclusion of scientific theories, such as the one linking seismic activity to UFOs, alongside anecdotal eyewitness accounts, suggests an attempt to bridge the gap between the empirical and the extraordinary.