UFO Newsclipping Service - 1982 02 - no 151

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, dated February 1982, Number 151, is a compilation of newspaper clippings from late 1981 and early 1982, focusing on UFO sightings and investigations across the United States. The service is co-edited by Lucius Farish and Rod B. Dyke and published by U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE in Plumerville, Arkansas.

Key Articles and Reports

'Goodness, gracious. Great ball of fire shed no light on its own origin' (Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY, Oct. 30, 1981) This article recounts a personal experience of J. F. Hankins in rural Ohio County around 1955. While watching his outbuildings for thieves, Hankins observed a bright light, described as a 'ball of fire about 16 inches through' with a 'bluish-like light,' moving without visible means of support. The light circled barns and headed towards a tenant house, then moved down a road and into a creek, following its contours. Hankins, initially armed and ready to confront intruders, was left stunned and unable to act. He later speculated it might be 'swamp gas,' but Dr. Burt Monroe of the University of Louisville expressed skepticism about natural gas sources producing such a light, noting similar lights have been seen in Arkansas.

'Reported UFO sightings in area remain mystery' (Advance, Lynchburg, VA, Nov. 5, 1981) This report details three separate sightings of unidentified flying objects in the Lynchburg, Virginia area on October 28, 1981. Witnesses reported seeing lights in the sky, with descriptions ranging from 'a large, bright light' to 'round in shape, five feet in diameter' and 'long tubular with sparkly lights on each end.' The objects reportedly used a landing pattern similar to aircraft. Local FAA tower chief Larry Cole suggested the sightings might be related to the airport's new radio-activated landing light system, which pilots can control for intensity. However, he couldn't definitively explain the sightings, and FAA officials referred reports to private organizations.

'UFO REPORTED' (Daily News, Galveston, TX, Dec. 3, 1981) This brief report from Hitchcock, Texas, mentions about ten people reporting seeing an unidentified flying object (UFO) swoop and hover between Hitchcock and Sante Fe. Witnesses described the object as 'witless' and noted it hovered over a house for several minutes before moving north and returning. Authorities had no immediate explanation, and officials at Ellington Air Force Base were unavailable for comment.

'Studying the UFO phenomenon' (Observer, La Grande, OR, Nov. 11, 1981 & Nov. 12, 1981) This two-part article profiles Greg Long of Richland, Washington, and Cole Cordray of Pendleton, Oregon, both investigators for MUFON (Mutual UFO Network). The article highlights their 'healthy skepticism' and scientific approach to studying UFOs, contrasting them with 'wide-eyed eccentrics.' Long is the Washington state director and Cordray is the Oregon state director for MUFON. They emphasize the lack of sufficient information to support current UFO theories and the need to keep an open mind. They meticulously collect data on sightings, including duration, altitude, speed, and distance, and use printed MUFON guidelines for interviews. The article notes the U.S. government's official indifference to UFOs since the discontinuation of Project Blue Book in 1969, with France being the only NATO country with an official government investigation. They also discuss the stigma attached to reporting UFO sightings and MUFON's recommendation not to contact the military until a representative has been notified.

'People in Wisconsin are very, very special' (Associated Press, Dec. 19, 1981) This article features Chrystal Jackson of St. Louis, Missouri, who claims a glowing object on her Christmas cards was a UFO that chased her car through a Wisconsin woods. She describes the object as 'very bright, glowing' and felt it carried an 'optimistic message.' Her painting changed after the experience, and she feels 'privileged' to have seen it. Her son, Chris, first spotted the object hovering low over a field near Rhinelander, and it followed their car for about 10 minutes. Mrs. Jackson expressed seriousness about her experience, believing it might represent 'the future.'

'Two UFO Sightings Are Reported' (Weekly Herald, Robersonville, NC, Dec. 2, 1981) Two separate UFO sightings were reported in Martin County, North Carolina, on Saturday night. One witness reported seeing a long, oval-shaped object emitting a white light over Martin Plaza, which then followed his car. Another witness reported a multi-colored object with extremely bright lights moving up and down without sound over Hamilton. These reports are noted as part of a continuing number of sightings in eastern North Carolina.

'UFO investigators study close encounter on I-5' (Observer, La Grande, OR, Nov. 12, 1981) This second part of the series on Long and Cordray details a specific 'close encounter' investigated by Greg Long. A young man and his girlfriend reported seeing a cylindrical-shaped object with two orange lights and a bright white one arranged in a triangle, hovering about 500 feet away across a ravine. The object was shrouded in mist. A white flash blinded the driver as he stepped out of his truck. The object approached to within 100-200 feet, causing the witnesses to flee in their truck. Long concluded it was a legitimate UFO sighting, meaning it couldn't be identified as any known object or aircraft. The article explores theories about UFO origins, including extraterrestrial, parallel universe, and time-travel hypotheses, and notes the 'strong psychic component' in many encounters.

'UFOs SEEN NEAR SHELTON' (Daily Olympian, Olympia, WA, Jan. 7, 1982) A resident on Agate Road and his wife reported seeing a pair of unidentified flying objects Wednesday evening. They described the objects as silver with bright lights but no wings. The couple watched as the objects flew parallel to the ground, then took off straight up.

'UFO sighting reported by Eagle Creek resident' (Clackamas Co. News, Estacada, OR, Dec. 23, 1981) Earl Garrick of Eagle Creek, Oregon, reported seeing a huge, bright light hovering over his pumphouse around 1:30 a.m. The light was round and moved towards Sandy. Garrick expressed reluctance to report the sighting due to the stigma associated with UFOs. A neighbor reported a similar sighting, and other reports from Eagle Creek and Barton flats dating back to 1979 are mentioned, including sightings of red lights and objects that made amazing aerial maneuvers.

'UFO left bush pilot stunned' (Enquirer and News, Battle Creek, MI, Dec. 14, 1981) This article recounts the experience of bush pilot Hartley Weston in March 1971 near Pickle Lake, Ontario, Canada. While flying his single-engine Beaver aircraft, Weston saw a 'very bright flash' that grew to 'unbelievable proportions,' appearing like a 'silver-colored rocket' with flames and a contrail. The object hovered in front of him, seemingly defying physics, and emitted a blue flashing light that hurt his eyes. After the object disappeared with a sudden flash, Weston discovered his plane's engine had stopped, forcing him to land. He felt 'humble and insignificant' after the encounter.

'Group Wants Supreme Court to Free UFO Data' (Gazette, Schenectady, NY, Feb. 15, 1982) This news brief details a legal battle where an organization called Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) is seeking the U.S. Supreme Court's intervention to compel the National Security Agency (NSA) to release 135 UFO-related documents. The NSA claims disclosure would jeopardize national security and reveal its electronic monitoring techniques. CAUS argues that UFOs have been observed by reliable individuals and that the public has a right to know. The case has gone through federal district and appeals courts, with the NSA's claims being upheld so far.

'Ellenboro Residents See 'Fire In Sky'' (Daily Star, Shelby, NC, Dec. 29, 1981) This article reports on multiple residents of Ellenboro, North Carolina, who witnessed a 'fire in the sky' on a Sunday night, described as an airplane on fire and about to crash. Despite an aerial search of the area, no evidence of a plane crash was found, and no aircraft were reported missing. The descriptions were consistent among witnesses. The incident disturbed residents, who contacted local authorities and the Civil Air Patrol without immediate resolution.

'UFOs: A Cosmic Watergate?' (Gazette, Alexandria, VA, Jan. 7, 1982) Larry W. Bryant discusses the ongoing issue of UFOs and government secrecy, framing it as a 'Cosmic Watergate.' He highlights the resistance of government agencies like the CIA and NSA to releasing UFO-related documents, citing FOIA exemptions. The article mentions legal cases, including one involving Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) suing the NSA, and the success of lawyer Peter A. Gersten in obtaining documents from the CIA. Bryant emphasizes that the evidence, both admitted and resisted by the government, speaks for itself.

'Three local hunters sight UFO' (Eagle, East Prairie, MO, Dec. 24, 1981) Three hunters near the Mississippi River in Missouri reported seeing a large, bright red light at tree-top level over the woods. The light executed fast movements and was accompanied by a white light that entered the woods. The area became eerily quiet, with no animal sounds. Dr. Harley Rutledge, a UFO specialist, believes the sighting can be classified as an unidentified flying object, noting similarities to his own experiences and other local reports.

'Several People Report UFO Tuesday' (Reformer, Brattleboro, VT, Jan. 16, 1982 & Jan. 21, 1982) This report details sightings of a strange formation of lights in the sky over Guilford and Brattleboro, Vermont, on a Tuesday night. Witnesses described a 'double set of red lights' and a 'pulsing white light' moving from south to north. A humming sound was reported. Similar sightings were observed by other residents, including a drawing by a 10-year-old boy in Canaan of a UFO. Officials from the FAA and Air Force bases suggested possible explanations like military refueling operations, but acknowledged that classified missions might not be publicly disclosed.

'Last Week's UFO Is Today's Jet Planes' (Reformer, Brattleboro, VT, Jan. 21, 1982) Elaine B. Collins of West Lebanon, New Hampshire, reported seeing a 'mammoth flying object' with red and green lights over Ascutney, which she initially thought was a UFO. However, upon closer observation, she realized it was a formation of six jet aircraft flying in a specific pattern. This sighting occurred around the same time as other UFO reports in the area, leading to speculation about whether some sightings might be misidentified conventional aircraft.

'Invisible object stirs sea' (Enquirer and News, Battle Creek, MI, Dec. 14, 1981) Joseph and Nola Daniels reported an incident on a beach in Fort DeSoto State Park, Florida, in 1977. They heard a loud noise like a jet plane or diesel engine and saw waves on a calm beach, but could not see any visible object. They described the experience as 'frightening' and felt 'there was something out there spying on us.' They speculated that an invisible object was causing the sound and waves.

'Expert in Bay State may visit site at Starks' (Central Maine Morning Sentinel, Waterville, ME, Dec. 3, 1981) This article reports on potential UFO sightings in Starks, Maine. Joan Thompson, a MUFON member, expressed interest in visiting the site. The article also mentions a drawing by a 10-year-old boy of a UFO he saw, which was similar to other reported sightings. Officials from Loring, Plattsburg, and Pease Air Force Bases stated they had no craft assigned in the area during the reported sightings.

'UFO researchers ask high court to open U.S. files' (Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, AZ, Feb. 2, 1982) This report details a legal case where UFO researchers, represented by Peter Gersten, are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review the National Security Agency's refusal to release 131 UFO-related documents on national security grounds. The researchers argue the information is scientifically valuable and that the government is fighting the release because it might reveal the existence of other civilizations. The CIA and State Department are also being asked to search their files for UFO information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across various regions of the U.S., the efforts of civilian investigators like MUFON to document and analyze these events, and the ongoing tension between the public's desire for information and the government's alleged secrecy or indifference regarding UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, as conveyed through the selection of articles and the inclusion of investigator perspectives, is one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, advocating for transparency and scientific investigation while acknowledging the skepticism and stigma associated with the topic. There is a clear emphasis on witness accounts, investigative procedures, and the legal battles to access government data.

Title: FOREIGN NEWS
Issue: NEWS WORLD, New York, NY
Date: December 5, 1981

This issue of Foreign News focuses on a variety of unexplained phenomena, with a significant emphasis on UFO sightings and related mysteries from around the world.

Top Spanish General Sees UFO

The lead article details a series of dramatic UFO sightings in the Canary Islands in 1974 and 1976. The military authorities were put on high alert following these events. A key incident on November 19, 1976, involved a UFO with a huge halo seen by numerous witnesses, including General Carlos Dols de Espejo, Commander-in-Chief of the Canaries Air Zone. His statement, along with those of other military and civilian pilots, formed a 70-page report titled "Informe sobre O.VN.LS 02 76" (UFO Report 02 76) prepared by the Spanish Air Force.

After thoroughly analyzing various potential explanations such as missiles, solar reflections, meteorites, aurora borealis, and nuclear explosions, the military experts discarded them as unlikely. The report's conclusion was a significant admission: "If we study as a whole the three reports issued up to the present (175, 176 and 276), we would have to think seriously on the necessity of considering the possibility of accepting the hypothests that a craft of unknown origin propelled by an equally unknown energy, is moving freely over the skies in the Canartes."

A postscript sighting on March 5, 1979, described another impressive luminous object with a halo over the Canary Islands, causing panic among civilians. While Air Force investigators collected testimonies and analyzed photographs, the military did not release this report. However, witness accounts from photographers described the object as a "glove of fire" emerging from the sea and a "luminous shaft." The article speculates on the possibility of underwater bases and the military's growing apprehension towards these unknown crafts.

Deja-vu Mystery of a Flying 50p Piece

This short report from England describes a woman in Neston who, along with her sister-in-law, saw a UFO shaped like a "50 pence piece" with two lights at the front and back and a red light in the middle. They observed it moving off at a very fast speed and the woman planned to report it to the British UFO Investigation Bureau.

Sisters Tell of UFO

Two sisters in Mid Wales reported seeing a mysterious saucer-shaped object near Abermule on January 7, 1982. They described it as having a ring of orange lights with blue lights below, rotating slowly across the sky. They dismissed the possibility of it being an airplane, stating their firm belief in UFOs after this encounter.

Chile Jets Chased Huge UFO

This article details an incident on December 16, 1981, where three Chilean Air Force FS-E jets were scrambled to intercept a large, triangular UFO spotted over the Cerro Moreno AF Base. Witnesses on the ground and the pilots described the object as having a small triangular center with three huge luminous flashes. Captain Luis Lira Bustos reported seeing a "metallic-like triangle." Commander Javier Prat Corona described it as "a triangle similar to three neon lights tied on their extremities," with an intense sky blue color and black in its center. Lieutenant Joe Fernandez Martin noted its darker center and diffuse sky blue color. The UFO reportedly changed shape from round to triangular and was estimated to be 50,000 feet high. The pilots felt it was "something outside reality" and "not anything terrestrial." The incident caused a stir, with the Commander-in-Chief of the FACH's First Wing vouching for his pilots' testimonies.

A second incident in May 1979 involved Captain Danilo Catalan Farias scrambling to intercept a UFO detected by radar. He visually confirmed a "nebulous blot" that later appeared as a "black triangle with two little tails." He estimated its speed to be three times the speed of sound.

Hot UFO Pierces Farmer's Pond

In Springbrook, Pennsylvania, farmer Gert Kubenz discovered a hole in the ice of his farm pond on Boxing Day. He believes a hot object, possibly a small meteor or space garbage, caused the hole and melted the surrounding ice and snow. The water temperature at the bottom of the hole was still 48 degrees Fahrenheit hours later. Kubenz plans to investigate further in the spring.

State U.F.O. Poser Cases Decline

This report from Tasmania, Australia, notes a significant decline in unexplained UFO reports, from 53 in 1974 to only five in 1981. The Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre attributed this to a worldwide trend. Of the 76 reports made in 1981, most were identified as astronomical, aircraft, meteorological, or other conventional explanations. One unexplained case involved a yacht experiencing electrical malfunctions and stopped clocks after seeing two white lights and a pulsing beam of light.

Soviet Scientist Calls for Study of UFOs

Dr. Vsevolod Troitskiy, a prominent Soviet physicist, urged a thorough study of UFOs, stating that they exist and behave in an unexplained manner, possibly being extra-terrestrial. He emphasized that the phenomenon should not be dismissed and that intelligent life elsewhere in the universe is possible.

Yarrawonga UFO - Children Claim

Five children in Yarrawonga, Australia, claimed to have seen a bright flying object on Sunday night. They described it as having a dome shape with red, green, and blue lights between two white lights. The object rotated slowly before disappearing. The children's accounts were similar, and they drew separate drawings of their sighting.

364-Year-Old UFOs

A Chinese scholar claims that ancient Chinese books from the Ming and Ching dynasties (dating back as far as 1618) mention sightings of objects resembling today's UFOs. One description from 1618 details a "spinning object" that plunged into ponds and flew away. The scholar noted that while some descriptions might have superstitious elements, others were meticulous and scientific.

Translations: Argentina UFO Sightings

Several reports from Argentina detail UFO sightings on October 31, 1981. In Mendoza, witnesses reported a strange, luminous object that allegedly landed on train tracks, causing alleged burns to a railroad worker. However, official inquiries found no evidence of this. Another report from Eugenio Bustos, Mendoza, describes three children witnessing a luminous sphere from which a man-like figure materialized. In another incident, a UFO crossed the skies of San Juan, Cordoba, La Pampa, and La Rioja, described as oval-shaped with a circular nebulosity and a shining center. Observers noted its dark, cloud-like appearance and its movement from south to north. The Felix Aguilar observatory initially attributed it to fireworks, but witnesses insisted on its movement. Another report from Desamparados described an object with two white lights that lit up willows and a football field.

A report from Cordoba mentions two commercial airline pilots seeing a luminous circle with a bright object in its center. Pilot Pedro Heslop described it as a "round shining object, with a brilliant glow and with a pulsating light toward the rear." He stated it was an "unidentified object" and that other pilots also saw it. The UFO was also reportedly seen in control towers in Mendoza and San Juan, and in cities in Peru and Chile.

Mexico's Strange 'Zone of Silence'

This article explores the mysterious "Zone of Silence" in northern Mexico, an area known for gravitational and magnetic anomalies that absorb AM radio waves. It is also associated with frequent meteorite falls and strange cosmic debris. The Allende meteorite, discovered nearby in 1969, is described as being older than moon rocks, suggesting a different solar system formation theory. The zone is also linked to UFO sightings and a unique species of tail-less tortoise. The article discusses Dr. Luis Meada Villalobos's research and the establishment of a UNESCO-associated laboratory to study the region's biosphere.

Cave Man Sighting Disputed

Two American anthropologists expressed skepticism about an Indian Army expedition's claim of finding naked cave men in the Himalayas who had never discovered fire. While acknowledging that holy men and ascetics do live in the mountains, they found the idea of people existing for 200,000 years without knowing fire "inconceivable."

Turtle Lake Monster Search is On

This report from Canada discusses the legend of the "Turtle Lake monster," a creature reportedly seen in Turtle Lake, Saskatchewan. While some believe it to be a giant sturgeon, others, like researcher Ben Blatz, suspect something more unusual, possibly an aquatic dinosaur like a plesiosaur, given the lake's cold, deep nature and its history as part of a sea.

Sasquatch Myth? Ask Museum

The National Museum of Natural Sciences in Ottawa is exhibiting "Animals and Myths," which addresses the Sasquatch (Bigfoot). While acknowledging the lack of material evidence, the museum notes that thousands have claimed sightings or found footprints, leaving some scientists undecided about its existence.

Mystery Creature Shakes Rowers

Two brothers rowing around New Zealand reported an encounter with a luminous green, snake-like creature in the early hours of the morning off Little Barrier Island. They described hearing a breathing sound before the creature disappeared.

Remember 'Bigfoot'? He's Still Out There!

The Pennsylvania Association For the Study of the Unexplained reported numerous encounters with UFOs and strange animals in 1981. While many incidents have logical explanations, some, including Bigfoot and cougar sightings, and UFO reports with physical evidence, remain unexplained. The association is investigating Bigfoot sightings and increasing cougar reports, noting that cougars are officially considered extinct in the state.

Contractor Tests Pyramid Power

In Gurnee, Illinois, a contractor named James Onan built a one-ninth-scale reproduction of the Great Pyramid of Cheops, intending to test "pyramid power." The structure, covered in gold leaf, is designed to intensify purported pyramid effects like preventing food spoilage and speeding healing. Onan reports mysterious occurrences, including phone line fadeouts and the appearance of a natural mineral spring within the pyramid.

No Answers, Only Questions in Animal Mutilation Cases

This article discusses the ongoing mystery of animal mutilations, primarily cattle, which have been reported since the late 1960s. Despite numerous investigations, no definitive link has been made. Theories range from cult rituals to UFOs disguised as helicopters. The clean incisions and lack of predator evidence lead some investigators to suspect non-human involvement. The case of "Snippy," a horse found with its hide stripped from the neck up, is highlighted as an example of the unexplained nature of these cases.

Mystery Beast Escapes Detection

A team of scientists, including J. Richard Greenwell from the University of Arizona, ventured into the African Congo in search of "Mokele-Mbembe," a legendary dinosaur-like creature. While they did not sight the creature, they found large indentations in the ground and broken tree branches, suggesting the presence of a heavy animal. They also noted a large wave in a river that indicated something large had entered the water. The creature is described as being about 25 feet long with a long neck and tail.

It's Those Bears Again

This report from Michigan details sightings of a large, hairy animal, believed by some to be a bear, that has been reported in the area. Kathy Hensley reported an encounter where a large animal stood on its hind legs and threw her dog. While the initial reports generated Bigfoot theories, authorities now lean towards a bear explanation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and mysterious creatures. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation into these phenomena, presenting witness testimonies and scientific inquiries without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging the need for logical explanations and distinguishing between credible reports and speculation. The magazine seems to lean towards presenting evidence and theories, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.