UFO Newsclipping Service - 1981 08 - no 145

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. News Clipping Service, dated August 1981, compiles a variety of news reports and eyewitness accounts of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena from June, July, and August of 1981. The publication covers incidents from across the United States and the United Kingdom, featuring reports from local newspapers and UFO research organizations.

Key Articles and Reports

"Mysterious Fireball Puzzles Authorities" (Times-Tri Cities Daily, Florence, AL - June 3, 1981)

This article details a sighting in Florence, Alabama, where multiple eyewitnesses reported a "ball of fire" crossing Highway 20 during a thunderstorm. Officials, including Civil Defense Director George Mangum and Florence Fire Chief Audie Hodges, were unable to identify the object, despite extensive searches for wreckage. Speculation included lightning strikes and "ball lightning," but no definitive explanation was found. The report also briefly mentions a separate mystery involving 17 women falling ill at a local manufacturing company.

"UFO Reporting Center is baffled by balls of fire" (News, Birmingham, AL - June 11, 1981)

This report focuses on the reaction of the national UFO Reporting Center in Seattle, Washington, to sightings of "balls of fire" similar to those seen in Florence. Robert Gribble, a staff member, stated that the center had few recent reports from Alabama but acknowledged occasional sightings of such phenomena. The article discusses "ball lightning" as a possible explanation, noting its scientific credibility has increased. It also includes accounts from other witnesses, such as Shirley Gean, who saw a UFO a week prior, and Cissie Benson, who reported a large, stationary object a year earlier.

"UFO sighted here" (Journal, Muscatine, IA - July 22, 1981)

This brief report from Muscatine, Iowa, describes an unidentified object seen over the riverfront early in the morning. At least three people reported the sighting to the police. Randy Reynolds described a "large orange disc" that changed shape and disappeared and reappeared. A toll taker at the Norbert F. Beckey Bridge also saw a similar object, noting a "whizzing sound." Material on these sightings was referred to the Center for UFO Studies in Evanston, Illinois.

"UFO Seen Over Marysville Skies" (Appeal-Democrat, Marysville, CA - June 9, 1981)

An unidentified flying object with red, white, and blue pulsating lights was reported over Marysville, California. The object was followed by a resident for some time before disappearing. A UFO reporting center in Seattle confirmed no other similar reports from the area that night.

"UFO Believers Will Come Here for Weekend Meeting" (Journal, Winston-Salem, NC - July 17, 1981)

This article previews the Tar Heel UFO Study Group's Fifth Annual UFO Conference in Winston-Salem. It highlights Gayle C. McBride, assistant state director for the Mutual UFO Network Inc., who discusses recent UFO sightings in the area, including one over downtown Winston-Salem on April 25th. The conference features speakers like Henry Morton, George Fawcett, Allan Hendry, and Willy Smith, discussing various aspects of UFO research and sightings.

"ARE ALIENS MINING SOLAR SYSTEM? Resident sees evidence of tall towers on moon" (News, Montebello, CA - July 8, 1981)

This feature article presents the theories of Kenith W. Templin, a UFO researcher who believes aliens are mining the solar system and the moon. Templin bases his claims on NASA photos showing "X" marks on the moon's surface, which he interprets as mining sites. He also recounts a story from Apollo 15 astronaut Jim Irwin about a potential sighting of a "400-foot tall, thin pyramid" on the moon. Templin shares other UFO encounter stories, including one involving a triangular object and a man in a jumpsuit, and a Miami photo of a light beam from a cloud.

"Resident Sight UFO, Unmoving, High Over Area; Experts Stumped For Explanation" (Independent Journal, San Rafael, CA - July 22, 1981)

This report details a sighting in Chatham Street, New Jersey, where residents observed a large, reddish-orange, elongated object that remained stationary for at least five minutes before turning white and disappearing. Witnesses, including chemical engineer Chuck Mastin, ruled out fireworks and satellites. Meteorologists and airport officials could offer no explanation. The object was described as rectangular or vase-shaped and very high in the sky.

"Camper still probing eerie alien? - encounter" (Independent Journal, San Rafael, CA - July 22, 1981)

This article follows John Clark's ongoing search for answers about an encounter he had in Sequoia National Park in 1975. Clark describes seeing a 9-foot tall, silent, non-human entity. He has consulted psychics, psychiatrists, and UFO experts, and even used a Ouija board, which he claims put him in contact with an entity named "Pozan" from Pluto. Clark has had several near-death experiences since the initial encounter, which he believes may be linked to the event.

"UFO Buffs Hear Serious Talk, Odd Tales" (Courier, Chatham, NJ - July 9, 1981)

This article discusses the upcoming 12th annual UFO symposium hosted by MUFON in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It highlights the participation of prominent figures like Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Stanton Friedman. The article also touches on the varying beliefs within MUFON, from those who believe in alien visitations to skeptics, and mentions the profound effect UFO phenomena can have on witnesses.

"UFO sighted thrice on Rte. 89" (Dartmouth, Hanover, NH - May 22, 1981)

Eugene Fucci, a retired Air Force pilot, reported sighting an equilateral triangle with lights along its edges moving at high speed on Route 89 in New Hampshire. He noted that two other women in Windsor, Vermont, and a sighting in Barnard, Vermont, occurred around the same time. Fucci contacted the FAA and Phenomenon Research regarding his sighting.

"Letter: Strange sight" (Eagle-Times, Claremont, NH - May 25, 1981)

A letter to the editor describes a sighting of a large, reddish-orange, oval object over Charlestown, New Hampshire, on March 10th. The object appeared to sparkle and hovered before disappearing and reappearing. The writer, a believer in UFOs, notes the government's likely secrecy on the subject.

"Trio have close encounter with UFO" (Northern Echo, Darlington, England - May 30, 1981)

This report details a sighting by a farmer, his wife, and a visitor in Arkengarthdale, England, of a shiny silver disc, about two feet across, hovering near a fence. The object lifted and moved smoothly at about 5 mph before disappearing into the clouds. The witnesses, including a scientific officer who drew a picture, were baffled.

"Unexplained sky lights" (Pacific Stars and Stripes, Tokyo, Japan - June 14, 1981)

Unexplained bright dots were observed over Taipei, Taiwan, classified by the Taipei Observatory as unidentified flying objects. More than 10 dots hovered motionless for about an hour.

"It was a UFO - really!" (South Wales Echo, Cardiff, Wales - July 1, 1981)

Three boys in Cardiff, Wales, reported seeing a "plane without wings" that was black, low-flying, and moved very fast. They described it as a UFO and drew a picture of it. The sighting was reported to the police.

"UFO seen in Southland" (Herald, Timaru, New Zealand - June 13, 1981)

The Civil Aviation Division in New Zealand is investigating reported sightings of an unidentified flying object near Wyndham, Southland. Reports came from a light aircraft pilot and a forest service ranger. The object was described as a bright light.

"The ones that got away!" (Daily Star, London, England - June 18, 1981)

Three fishermen reported seeing a convoy of over 100 unidentified flying objects, described as triangles with lights, over Leicester, England. They noted that the objects were not planes, as a jet passed beneath them.

"Ian's UFO is no bedtime story..." (Lancashire Evening Telegraph, Blackburn, England - June 29, 1981)

Ian Snape reported seeing an unusual egg-shaped object with revolving red, orange, green, and white lights hovering above Revidge, Blackburn, England. He is convinced it was a UFO and is seeking others who may have witnessed it.

"NEW U.F.O. ALERT FOR COUNTY" (RN Telegraph, Haverfordwest, England - June 25, 1981)

A Pembroke Dock family reported seeing a "saucer-like" object, shiny on top and dark underneath with flashing red lights around the edge, hovering above their home. They watched it for nine minutes before it disappeared.

"Orange glow a mystery" (Sunday News, Tauranga, New Zealand - August 2, 1981)

Several people in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, reported seeing a mysterious hovering orange light, which changed color from white to orange. Witnesses included Mr. and Mrs. Laurie Newton, who described it as definitely not an aeroplane.

"Matthew spots a UFO" (Staines & Chertsey News, Middlesex, England - June 26, 1981)

Matthew Higgins, a 10-year-old boy, reported seeing a UFO while bird-watching in Chertsey, England. He took three pictures of the round object before it disappeared.

"Shieldhill girls sure they saw a 'flying saucer'" (Falkirk Herald, Stirling, Scotland - July 3, 1981)

Six primary school girls in Shieldhill, Scotland, claimed to have seen a black-domed "flying saucer" with light beams emanating from its bottom. They described it as a frightening experience, and the object reportedly "exploded" after disappearing into a cloud.

"UFO makes Frank see red!" (Lancashire Evening Telegraph, Blackburn, England - June 27, 1981)

Frank Westell of Accrington, England, reported seeing a red flashing light hovering over the moors above Darwen for over half an hour. He is convinced it was a UFO and not a conventional aircraft.

"What did Walter see?" (Evening Tribune, Nuneaton, England - June 27, 1981)

Walter Brown of Hinckley, England, reported seeing a bright light shaped like a rugby football that travelled alongside his car, emitting green beams. He is satisfied it was not a normal aircraft and believes there must be a logical explanation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of unexplained aerial phenomena, the difficulty authorities and experts have in providing explanations, and the impact of these sightings on ordinary people. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these events objectively, presenting eyewitness accounts and the reactions of various organizations, while acknowledging the mystery and the skepticism that often surrounds such reports. The publication serves as a compilation of UFO-related news, suggesting a belief in the significance of these phenomena and the need for documentation and investigation.

This issue of SUNRAYSIA DAILY, dated August 11, 1981, features a prominent cover story titled "Disappearance of pilot is still a mystery," focusing on the unresolved case of Frederick Valentich. The magazine also includes articles on UFO investigations, animal mutilations, and cryptozoology, drawing from various international and local news sources.

The Valentich Disappearance and UFO Investigations

The lead article highlights UFO investigator Paul Norman's assertion that Australian authorities have been suppressing information about UFO sightings, likening it to sweeping them under a carpet that is about to burst. Norman, the Victorian UFO Research Society's only full-time investigator, arrived in Mildura to investigate recent reports of flashing lights in the Renmark and Werrimull areas. He recounts his own UFO experience in 1953 and notes that despite increased public acceptance of UFOs over 30 years, governments continue to discount sightings. He mentions the efforts of organizations like Citizens Against UFO Secrets (CAUS) in obtaining documented UFO reports through the Freedom of Information Act, citing a case involving a U.S. Army helicopter in Ohio in 1973 where a silver cigar-shaped object allegedly pulled the helicopter upwards.

Norman believes the Valentich case, which occurred five years after the Ohio incident, has significantly increased public interest in UFOs in Australia. He also reveals that an Australian organization is producing a documentary film about the disappearance, linking it to other similar reports. He suggests that much information regarding the pilot's disappearance is still being guarded by the Australian Government, but anticipates the Valentich case will be a turning point for UFO sighting credibility in the country.

Another article, "INVESTIGATING UFO SIGHTINGS," details Mr. Paul Norman's presence in Mildura to investigate eyewitness reports of flashing lights and a "cigar-shaped" object. Norman, with 28 years of research experience, is the Victorian UFO Research Society's sole full-time investigator. He arrived in Mildura following a report in the Sun and Sunraysia Daily and planned to stay until Thursday. His investigations have already gathered information from witnesses, including Senior Constable Roy Fletcher, who observed the lights after hearing a report on the Renmark radio station 5RM. Norman has contacted at least 15 witnesses who described green lights, with some sightings dating back two months prior to the recent peak. He is seeking factual evidence and emphasizes the value of photographic records.

A STANDARD, Warrnambool article from August 7, 1981, titled "Documentary film plan progressing," discusses a two-hour television documentary on the 1978 disappearance of Melbourne pilot Frederick Valentich. Sydney film producer Brian Morris is leading the project, with Victorian UFO Research Society vice-president Paul Norman involved in planning and casting. Norman recently returned from America, where he researched and lectured. The film, based on Gary Lester's book "The Devils Meridian," will be produced by Mingara Film Company and has attracted top actors. The documentary will include interviews with individuals involved in UFO incidents overseas, such as helicopter pilot Major Larry Coyne, who encountered a UFO in Ohio. The film, with a $1.5 million budget, will be shot in the Otways, peninsula areas, and Bass Strait, and is titled "Close Encounters of the Real Kind."

Animal Mutilation Investigations

The PRESS-CITIZEN, Iowa City, IA, features a three-part series on "Cattle mutilations remain a mystery." The first part, by Lyle Muller, reports on investigations by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Lt. Jack Dillon states that a mutilated calf found in May 1980 showed signs of "human involvement," contradicting theories that predators are responsible. Gerald Shanahan, director of the Iowa DCI, notes the difficulty in investigating these cases due to rough terrain, decaying carcasses, and lack of witnesses. Cult activity is suspected in some mutilations, particularly the Waterhouse calf case, where there was no blood at the scene, and the tongue, eyeballs, and scrotum were removed. Shanahan states that the DCI has been investigating since the late 1970s and believes mutilations are done by humans for unknown reasons. Grant Callison of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) suggests UFOs are responsible, citing the uniqueness of the mutilations and possible radiation at sites. He believes any UFO involved would be occupied by aliens with advanced technology.

The second part of the series, "Mutilation probe short on funds, evidence," reiterates the challenges faced by the Iowa DCI due to limited resources and budget cuts. Shanahan expresses frustration over the inability to dedicate full-time resources to these cases, which are often a low priority. He highlights the difficulty in confirming mutilations when carcasses are left in the field for extended periods, allowing predators to interfere. The case of James and Berna Waterhouse's calf is mentioned again, with investigators determining human involvement. The article notes that charges for such acts are difficult to define. Johnson County Sheriff Gary Hughes reports no recent mutilations in his county. Berna Waterhouse expresses increased awareness of suspicious activity around their farm.

The third part, "Horse mutilation leads to Project Stigma," introduces Thomas A. Adams, who began investigating animal mutilations after studying the 1967 "Snippy" horse case. Adams founded Project Stigma, a group of nationwide volunteers investigating these incidents. He notes the lack of a federal agency taking responsibility and that most investigators are not farmers. Adams exchanges information with the Iowa DCI, praising their open-mindedness. He admits that while optimistic, the mystery may never be solved, as no one has ever been caught committing these mutilations. The article lists nine unsolved cases of animal mutilations in Iowa between September 1979 and May 1980, primarily involving cattle with body parts and blood removed.

Cryptozoology and Mysteries

A TIMES-UNION, Albany, NY article from July 5, 1981, "In search of CHAMP," introduces the mystery of a potential sea serpent in Lake Champlain. The article, the first in a six-part series by Ronald Kermani, describes the lake and the ongoing search for "Champ." Joseph Zarzynski, a teacher and researcher, has been seeking Champ for over seven years. The article notes that residents have reported sightings for centuries, with recent attention focused on sightings near Bulwagga Bay. Eyewitnesses like Esther Waldron and Jane Sullivan describe seeing unusual creatures, while Anthony Mydlarz dismisses them as "watersoaked logs." The economic impact of the "Champ" phenomenon on Port Henry is discussed, with the town embracing it as a tourist attraction.

The second part of the "In Search of Champ" series, dated July 6, 1981, focuses on the economic impact and local sentiment in Port Henry. Mayor Robert Brown sees "Champ" as a key to revitalizing the town, which has suffered from the decline of its mining industry. The Chamber of Commerce is selling "Champ" merchandise, and businesses are optimistic about tourism. However, some businessmen believe the town needs a substantial industry beyond the "Champ" gimmick. The article touches on the town's history, its reliance on mining, and the economic hardships faced by its residents.

A TIMES-UNION, Albany, NY article from July 11, 1981, "Tall Tale? Bigfoot Hunters Stalk The Woods For Clues To An American Legend," by Joe Vargo, explores the ongoing search for Bigfoot. Warren Thompson, a dedicated believer, has spent years collecting information and searching for the creature. The article notes a decline in recent sightings and searches, possibly due to the price of gasoline. It discusses the controversy surrounding Bigfoot, with believers pointing to numerous sightings and doubters demanding physical evidence. The Patterson film, showing a hairy creature walking upright, is presented as significant evidence, though its authenticity is debated. The article also mentions other researchers like Bob and Tommie Throneberry, who approach the search scientifically, and the challenges of unqualified investigators and "mystics." The global nature of the Bigfoot phenomenon is highlighted, with similar creatures reported in other countries.

Other News Items

A FORTEANA NEWS item reports on "Cow mutilation reported near Paulina," detailing an incident on the Severance Ranch where a cow was found mutilated with its reproductive organs, rectum, and tongue removed. The cuts were described as crude, unlike the precise cuts in other cases. Parts were sent to the state crime lab for investigation. The article notes that cattle mutilations are not uncommon in the Post-Paulina rangeland and have been reported for about 10 years, with no scientific explanation provided.

A WORLD, Tulsa, OK article from August 15, 1981, discusses "'Bigfoot' Makes No Impression" on law enforcement, referencing a sighting by Regina Daniels of an 8-foot-tall, hairy figure. Despite her detailed account, deputies found no corroborating evidence like large footprints.

A PRESS-CITIZEN, Pittsburgh, PA article from August 2, 1981, mentions that "Chinese Told Children, Accept Hairy," discussing a government campaign to promote acceptance of children with excessive body hair.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, mysterious disappearances, and the existence of unknown creatures (Bigfoot, Champ). There's a consistent thread of investigation, whether by official bodies like the Iowa DCI or independent researchers and organizations. The articles highlight the challenges of gathering evidence, the skepticism faced by witnesses and investigators, and the public's enduring fascination with these mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena with a degree of seriousness, presenting eyewitness accounts and investigative efforts, while acknowledging the lack of definitive answers and the ongoing debate surrounding their causes.